# Need cheap way to lift half ton 7'

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-cheap-way-to-lift-half-ton-7/82080>\
**Category:** General Discussion\
**Created:** [November 5, 2013, 12:01am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-cheap-way-to-lift-half-ton-7/82080 "2013-11-05T00:01:53Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![meanjoe75fan](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/meanjoe75fan/32/552_2.png) [@meanjoe75fan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/meanjoe75fan)\
**Post date:** [November 5, 2013, 12:01am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-cheap-way-to-lift-half-ton-7/82080/1 "2013-11-05T00:01:53Z")

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I recently bought a 1920s era house. While I love the house, the basement access leaves much to be desired. You can only access the basement via side door, a 90-degree turn, and a rickety flight of stairs.

I’d like a way to replace the 5x5’ entryway with a lift. Need 7’, and a load capacity of at lest 800#.

What’s the cheapest way to do this? I was thinking a box truck liftgate, or possibly a auto lift…used, of course. It also needs to be price-competitive with just knocking a hole in the cellar and installing Bilco doors…or even expanding the coal door condiderably.

Any ideas?

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**Author:** ![bing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bing/32/4619_2.png) [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\
**Post date:** [November 5, 2013, 3:35am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-cheap-way-to-lift-half-ton-7/82080/2 "2013-11-05T03:35:47Z")

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Easiest way I think would be a reversable gear reduction motor and heavy chain such as is used on a fork lift. Or you could just buy an old fork lift and use the hydralics off it. Time you get done though, might be easier finding a used man lift with all the parts.

OK, cheaper idea but you need some metal working abilities and a welder. Use a winch witha long control cord of course. Four steel posts. The platform riding on wheels along the four posts such as a carnival ride. You’ll have to work out the details. The only issue is that you need some type of automatic brake or second cable in case the main cable breaks.

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**Author:** ![bing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bing/32/4619_2.png) [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\
**Post date:** [November 5, 2013, 4:19am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-cheap-way-to-lift-half-ton-7/82080/3 "2013-11-05T04:19:26Z")

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Juat go to youtube and search on attic or barn lifts and you’ll get some ideas. This is my favorite. You need a welder though.