Ah, now, talking ’bout installing a freight elevator by yerself, it ain’t no easy job but it can be done if ya got the right tools and some time. I seen folks do it in their barns or sheds, and lemme tell ya, it’s real handy when ya need to move heavy stuff up and down. Back in the day, we just used ladders or them pulley things, but now with a freight elevator, life gets a whole lot easier. You ain’t gotta break yer back no more!
First thing first, you need to know why ya want a freight elevator. Ya might be thinkin’, “Oh, I just wanna move some boxes.” But trust me, once ya get one, you’ll be movin’ all kinds of things – hay bales, tools, big ol’ sacks of grain. A freight elevator can save ya a lotta effort, especially if ya got a two-story building or even just a loft in yer shop or barn.
Gather yer tools. Now, ya ain’t gonna be able to install a freight elevator without some proper gear. What ya need is a good ol’ set of wrenches, a drill, screws, and some steel beams. Oh, and don’t forget the motor! That motor is the heart of the whole thing. Without it, yer elevator ain’t goin’ nowhere. I seen folks use chains too, but that’s more old-fashioned. If ya want it to run smooth, get a motorized one.
- Wrenches and drills
- Strong screws and bolts
- Steel beams for support
- Motor and chains
When it comes to picking the right spot, it’s best ya pick somewhere sturdy, like in the corner of the barn or shop. Ya gotta make sure the floor can handle the weight, ’cause these things ain’t light. Plus, the elevator itself can be heavy, depending on what ya plan to carry. A solid floor and some good support beams are key to makin’ sure yer elevator don’t come crashin’ down one day.
Once ya got yer spot, start buildin’. First, set up them steel beams to hold up the platform. If ya can, get someone to help ya, ’cause holdin’ them beams up and screwin’ ’em in at the same time ain’t easy. Once the beams are in place, ya can start workin’ on the platform. Just a simple wooden or steel platform will do, somethin’ strong enough to hold whatever ya plan to move.
Next, ya gotta install the motor. The motor is what makes the elevator go up and down. If ya never worked with motors before, don’t be shy to ask for help. It ain’t somethin’ ya wanna mess up, trust me. I seen a neighbor once try to install a motor on his own, and next thing ya know, the whole platform got stuck halfway up. Not a pretty sight. So take yer time with this part, follow the instructions, and make sure everythin’ is wired up right.
After the motor, it’s time to install the controls. Now, most folks like to keep things simple. A good up-and-down button near the elevator is all ya really need. Some fancy folks might add remote controls, but I reckon just walkin’ over and pressin’ a button is good enough for me. And don’t forget to test it! The last thing ya want is to step on that platform and have it not work.
Safety first. Now, I know folks who get all excited once they got their freight elevator up and runnin’, but don’t go rushin’ into it without checkin’ for safety. Make sure the beams are tight, the motor runs smooth, and the cables or chains are all in good shape. If somethin’ feels loose, fix it before ya load it up. Better safe than sorry, that’s what I always say.
All said and done, a freight elevator will make yer life easier if ya got lots to haul. But remember, it ain’t somethin’ ya can just throw together in an afternoon. Take yer time, do it right, and soon enough, ya won’t be haulin’ heavy stuff up the stairs no more. Whether it’s tools, feed, or just big ol’ boxes of stuff, you’ll be glad ya went through the trouble of installin’ it yerself.
Now get out there and start buildin’! Just remember, safety first, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if ya need it. This ain’t somethin’ ya wanna mess up.
Tags: [freight elevator, DIY install elevator, elevator for barn, motorized freight elevator, elevator installation tips]