Portable Hoist


Several years ago, I suffered a back injury that resulted in my inability to lift heavy things.    Getting a 12" LX200 up on the mount was out of the question.

I designed and built this hoist so that I could continue using my scope without relying on someone else to do the lifting.    The main components that make everything work are a "sawhorse kit" (lumberyard or big-box item) and a hand winch (boat trailer or similar type).
 
    Requirements:
  • Safely and easily mount/demount a 200 lb. load
  • Take less than 5 minutes to set up or tear down
  • Usable on moderately uneven ground
  • Work equally well for Polar and Alt/AZ mounting
  • Light weight
  • Collapse into the smallest possible package for transport/storage
  • Require an absolute minimum of tools for set up/teardown
  • Be "dark friendly"
  • Be rugged and reliable - no quirks
  • Shouldn't break the bank
    •
 
    Results:
  • Cost:   Less than $150.
  • Meets all the functional requirements listed above.
  • Collapses to 9" x 12" x 80" (5 cu. ft.)
  • Breaks down into 3 sections:   9 lb, 22 lb, &  33 lb.
    (The 33 lb. side includes the winch and harness)
  • See the tool requirements at the bottom of this page
    •


Click here for the docs pack: construction drawings, harness rigging and notes (PDF)
 


Below: Sherie demonstrates the hoist setup


The hoist in transport mode


Comfy handles, easy handling. Weight here: 22 lb.


Pull the Velcro - loosen the bundle


Unfold legs and base - tap in the hinge pin


Slide in the wheels & install retainer clips


Lift the top end, let the braces hang and stand it in place


First top beam bolt goes in


Tighten the wing nut


Install the braces - one wing nut each


Same process for the other side


Position for the final lift


Up it goes...


... and the bolt drops in place.


Install the other braces


Remove pulley, install the lift line


Closeup of axle pin and retaining clip


Pull the Velcro and unstow the lift harness


Ready to lift the scope


Roll it over to where we're setting up...		 Polar lift photos

ALT/AZ lift photos

Detail photos

Docs - Construction/rigging drawings & notes (PDF)

Projects main page

Images main page

Astronomy home page

 
Tools required for setup & teardown:
 

Minimum tools required: Blunt nail &  blunt instrument
(To remove and install the hinge pins)