Harbor Freight Electric Cable Hoist

Duane WI

Member
Does anyone have any experience with the Harbor Freight or Northern Tool Electric Cable Hoists? I want to install a hoist to lift things up to the second level of my workshop/shed. I want something for 1000lbs which is probably more than I would ever lift. HF has a 2000lb hoist for about $250. I have been watching Craigs List for a used electric chain hoist and the 120vac versions go for about $800 for a used half ton unit. The used 3 phase versions go for about half the price of the 120vac units but then I would need a phase converter.

So would the HF unit work to lift stuff up and down 20 odd times per year?

I don't plan on standing under it when I lift something.

I am looking for some real world feedback on the HF units.
 
HF hoists were discussed here about a week ago, in particular the 12,000 unit (Badlands). What about a mechanical chain hoist? Fairly reasonable for used ones. I"ve gotten them for $50 or so.
 
No personal experience with the HF hoist, but for liability reasons, they are under rated on capacity. Since you are lifting 1/2 it's capacity, should be fine as far as it not breaking and dropping the load.

But, the life expectancy of the motor, that could be another story...
 
I have a HF unit. I put a 4X4 long enough to span several trusses and then attached a piece of square tubing secured at both ends with aircraft cable to the 4X4. The hoist hangs on the heavy duty tubing. I can slide it carefully with no load on it of course from end to end, wherever I need it. I used it in a small mower repair shop to lift most anything. I could lift engines or decks and what not and roll a portable bench under it. Then roll to anywhere in the shop to do repairs. Sure saved my back. Not a perfect arrangement but it worked for me and didn't break the bank. I have used mine every day for about 10 years. It is starting to make some racket but still works fine.
 
(quoted from post at 09:24:31 08/10/15) Does anyone have any experience with the Harbor Freight or Northern Tool Electric Cable Hoists? I want to install a hoist to lift things up to the second level of my workshop/shed. I want something for 1000lbs which is probably more than I would ever lift. HF has a 2000lb hoist for about $250. I have been watching Craigs List for a used electric chain hoist and the 120vac versions go for about $800 for a used half ton unit. The used 3 phase versions go for about half the price of the 120vac units but then I would need a phase converter.

So would the HF unit work to lift stuff up and down 20 odd times per year?

I don't plan on standing under it when I lift something.

I am looking for some real world feedback on the HF units.

I have 2. They work fine, do everything I have asked, I used it to drag 5 gallon buckets of clay out of a basement we were digging out. Probably more use than most folks would do in years. The motor would quit after 15 minutes or so of continuous use, but let it cool off, and you are good to go.
 
I have had 3 of them. The first I left out in the weather, and it made it 4 years. The second I have had for 2 years, and it works great, the third is sitting in its box unused. It will handle WAY more then its rated, if used as a winch for pulling. Only problem I have with it, is the short control cable.
 
I built and installed a dumb waiter in my house to bring firewood from the cellar to the main floor. Bought a 120V 1500# HF winch and mounted it up in the trusses. It lifts a 1/2 facecord of wood and has done it for 6 years with no problems.
Loren
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top