I'm not sure I'd want to do it on such tight margins of safety... if the equipment is only rated to breaking strength at 500 lbs, even lowering the bed slightly then having to stop it would probably create a force on the rope of over 500 lbs. On the other hand, if this is equipment rated for over head lifting then its working limit is typically 4x breaking strength (overrated for safety) so you would be fine.

On the other hand, a 1 ton chain fall from harbor freight is like $40 and will do the job just fine (used one for this purpose myself). Also used a modified engine hoist and a harbor freight truck crane. All worked out ok.

 

I really only NEED to be able to lift the bed 6-12" or so which is why I'm being cheap. But I do like to check/verify 1st.

As for the chain fall - I'll have to look into it. I've looked at them on CL before but all were set up to go on an i-beam like a trolley, but I don't have an i-beam.

 

IMO a cheap I beam trolley on wheels is the way to go. I got a used one for 100 bucks, its a I beam bolted to round pipe, then set on t bars. It has wheels and rolls around easy on concrete and a fairly easy even on dirt. Goes together and come apart in 5 min, for easy transport. But I usually load it by my self on my 16 ft utility trailer.

Its loaned out at the moment, but I can get you some better pics and measurements. Its the width of a truck plus 2 ft ? on each side.

And roughly 8 ft tall, great for pulling motors, beds, cabs, 2 guys can roll it around. I attached the best pic I have at the moment, so you get a rough idea. Pay no mind to the miscellaneous stuff in the pics...projects, pieces and parts.

I imagine the material to build it is easily bought steel stock, do some drilling and bolt it together.

I use my chain fall from Harbor Fright or a HD come along easy enough.

 

This is happening inside and I barely have 2 feet on either side of the truck to walk by it at this point so as cool as and i-beam trolly is - it won't work in this situation

 

my chain fall has an eyelet on top, so you can use it on whatever you want, if you have a suitable beam for your pulley system it would likely work with the chain fall. this is the one I use: Chain Hoist - Low Sale Prices on this 1 Ton Chain Hoist

I've lifted 1000 lbs on it with little effort. its smoothest if you keep it clean and lubricated, I usually hang a bucket under it for the chain to sit in since its a bit long.

 

Sweet - thanks for the info!

 

Here is my set up, and a messy end bay..... I use to use just the 6" square beam across the back and then I got a 6" 24' I beam and a trolley and it works great.

I've picked up a 460 with a C-6 and NP-205 t-case all in one, and not even gave it a second thought.

I am going to modify the mobile one with some height adjustment holes with a pin set.

 

I'm jealous of that setup! I wish I could set up with an i-beam. Maybe one day! Until then I'm in a rented space & an i-beam is out of the question. As is fitting a mobile one unfortunately

 

Maybe one day I will concrete those 2 end bays and put in a "pit" while I am at it....

But you being in California you do not need a heater in your shop space...

 

Nope - no heater needed here, but the land/space laid out in those pics costs waaaaaaay too much to be able to do something like that where I'm from.

 

Between my little bit of property and x bro in law's, we have almost 400 acres to "test" drive around on and run cattle and deer hunt.

Its 6 miles to the nearest convenience store and it closes at 11 PM, the beer/grocery store closes at 7....12 miles to the parts store.

We make a lot of lists and make as least as many trips a possible. But I hear NOTHING when I set on my front porch.