Indianapolis, IN
Have decided my back needs saving so looking for a really good pinball dolly to move things around our hard floor arcade. What are the best ones out there? Links appreciated!
(Topic ID: 325647)
Second what forceflow recommend.
Quoted from RDReynolds:Thanks but hoping to find something ready to go and not requiring rebuilding.
Worth the work, sometimes life isn't always easy.
Quoted from RDReynolds:Thanks but hoping to find something ready to go and not requiring rebuilding.
It really doesn't take much effort.
Some modifications literally take less than 2 minutes. Others are more polished and take a bit longer.
That whole thread is dedicated to all the various modifications people have done. A whole library to choose from to suit your needs.
Collingwood, ON
Yes most guys here got that cart and made some modifications some less and some more but after its done it always will be worth what ever u put in too it ,I had my for many years and everytime I use it I am so clad I did it saves your back every time over and over
Quoted from RDReynolds:Have decided my back needs saving so looking for a really good pinball dolly to move things around our hard floor arcade. What are the best ones out there? Links appreciated!
Original Wico arcade dolly for pins from the 70s. You can still find them around, though you might have to have the hydraulics rebuilt. I had two of them, and one was a better model than the other so I sold the spare I didn't like as much (mostly because it's more boxy with square edges all over that the newer model refined into more rounded edges) like 10 years ago. Had a hard time moving it for $150. Now original ones go for multiples of that, even in rough shape.
Keep looking. If you can score one, they're much better than the harbor freight project lifts. I'm honestly kind of surprised no one has remade these (well, the one I kept I like better). They'd probably be like $800 retail, though. Maybe pinmonk pinball lifts someday... 
Twisted Quarter has a more boxy one for $399, but they're OOS right now:
https://twistedquarter.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=82_246&products_id=1315
Other places seem to have it for about $50 more.
This is the perfectly fine one I sold that I just liked less than the Wico different model I kept:
pindolly (resized).jpgserialnumber (resized).jpg
I believe The newer harbor freight 1000 lbs doesn’t require rebuilding. The handles can lower flat in either direction. Check it out.
Quoted from PinMonk:Original Wico arcade dolly for pins from the 70s.
Those take a bit of effort to stomp on to lift the pin. That's probably not the best option for someone with back issues.
Quoted from ForceFlow:Those take a bit of effort to stomp on to lift the pin. That's probably not the best option for someone with back issues.
Depends on the kind of back issues, but yeah, that could be a consideration you don't have with the "pump, pump, pump it up" Harbor Freight project ones.
I like this one if anyone has one for sale let me know. https://user.xmission.com/~daina/client_ads/pinball_cart.html
7A53E080-D9D5-414E-8DBA-37473F95C78A (resized).pngQuoted from PinMonk:Depends on the kind of back issues, but yeah, that could be a consideration you don't have with the "pump, pump, pump it up" Harbor Freight project ones.
I have a stock HF unit, it really doesn't REQUIRE mods to move pins around.
I have moved hundreds about at this point.
I bought and modified the Harbor Freight one. Didn’t take that long to modify (added hinges to handle base), and it’s been great! It also stores easily under a pin.
I like my HF. If you don't bolt in the handle you can remove it to fit under the pin. The price is great for what you get. I wish it were lighter and the wheels larger (as they catch on door sills) but all in all a great lift for the price.
Quoted from oPinsesame:I believe The newer harbor freight 1000 lbs doesn’t require rebuilding. The handles can lower flat in either direction. Check it out.
Referring to this one?
Quoted from Seamlesswall:We have the Harbor Freight that I modified and the Wico style. The Wico is collecting dust.
I second this post. The Harbor Freight for the win.
Instead of a one choice "which is best" like we do for so many other threads (which bulbs are best for an EM?), maybe we call out the pros/cons of each choice. The Escalera is very nice, but also expensive and large (harder to store?). I have the larger HF lift and it has a longer table for good stability under a machine, lifts up higher than the smaller lift table, and doesn't require a mod. But it's also more expensive, VERY heavy to transport in a vehicle, and sometimes a tight fit under some machines or doesn't fit at all (rarely). The smaller HF lift needs a handle mod and has a smaller table. I don't think it lifts up as high as the larger one. But it's cheaper and can be lifted into a vehicle for travel pretty easy, and it fits under machines easier than the larger one.
Quoted from Boise_D:The smaller HF lift needs a handle mod and has a smaller table. I don't think it lifts up as high as the larger one. But it's cheaper and can be lifted into a vehicle for travel pretty easy, and it fits under machines easier than the larger one.
It does NOT need the handle mod. It does make it more convenient but not necessary. Moved hundreds of pins with mine. Have a Wico as well and the HF unit is so much better all around.
Quoted from gdonovan:It does NOT need the handle mod. It does make it more convenient but not necessary. Moved hundreds of pins with mine. Have a Wico as well and the HF unit is so much better all around.
If you push the cart without a handle mod under a game, it goes under until the handle reaches the coin door. If you lift it with the head still up does the game stay balanced?
Quoted from Boise_D:If you push the cart without a handle mod under a game, it goes under until the handle reaches the coin door. If you lift it with the head still up does the game stay balanced?
No--most of the game's weight is at the rear of the game because of the backbox.
Quoted from Boise_D:Instead of a one choice "which is best" like we do for so many other threads (which bulbs are best for an EM?), maybe we call out the pros/cons of each choice. The Escalera is very nice, but also expensive and large (harder to store?). I have the larger HF lift and it has a longer table for good stability under a machine, lifts up higher than the smaller lift table, and doesn't require a mod. But it's also more expensive, VERY heavy to transport in a vehicle, and sometimes a tight fit under some machines or doesn't fit at all (rarely). The smaller HF lift needs a handle mod and has a smaller table. I don't think it lifts up as high as the larger one. But it's cheaper and can be lifted into a vehicle for travel pretty easy, and it fits under machines easier than the larger one.
The larger HF one, is that the 1,000 pound version I have listed a few posts up?
Also I think your idea of pros and cons is great. I was looking at other options like pinball skates, for instance but was concerned they may scratch up our hardwood floors. What other options are out there?
Quoted from Boise_D:If you push the cart without a handle mod under a game, it goes under until the handle reaches the coin door. If you lift it with the head still up does the game stay balanced?
Nope, you have to exert some counterbalance on the lockbar, which can vary by game of course.
Usally I'll pull out and then move from side or back as needed.
That has been my experience too, which is why a lot of people modify the handle. I had a friend who also build a wooden platform for the lift to raise it up even higher and favor the backbox side even more. It's a great choice, but there are pros/cons to all of these lift options.
Quoted from RDReynolds:I was looking at other options like pinball skates
I found those kind of a pain to use, especially if you can't access the rear of the game.
Quoted from RDReynolds:What other options are out there?
Furniture sliders. But then you have to lift up the game, and put the sliders underneath the feet. These usually work well for carpets, but not too well for hard floors.
3-wheel castor dolly under each leg. They will need some sort of friction padding, otherwise the feet will just slide off. Again, you'll need to lift the game up to get these under the legs.
Quoted from RDReynolds:Referring to this one?
Yes. I believe the handle can be adjusted from vertical to horizontal easily on the fly unlike older version. I don’t have one. But I had researched it last year. I saw a pic/video showing it up and down. Not at home now but I have it on my computer.
For sliding games around on a hardwood floor, I've had great luck with the wooden furniture cups with felt underneath. Don't confuse those with the soft-sided ones though, which don't work as well. They also allow players to slide save easy, if that's your thing.
I like these: ebay.com link: itm
and avoid these: https://www.amazon.com/Felt-Pads-X-Protector-Protectors-Anti-Scratch/dp/B08YNSNNYJ/ref=asc_df_B08YNSNNYJ/
Google “Harbor Freight 1000 lift table pinball” and go to videos. There is a YouTube one from “Marks Basement” which shows how it works. Have to find center of gravity. Thanks Mark!
10 months later
Has anyone used these? Listed on amazon... Tired of putting furniture slides under my machines to move.
https://www.amazon.com/VEVOR-Hydraulic-Capacity-Non-Slip-Material/dp/B0CC998DZS/ref=sr_1_7_sspa
6 months later
For either of the HF dollies (I'm looking at the 1000 lb one), is there enough surface area to get a solid purchase on the game? The Wicos look to have a lot more contact points.
Quoted from SantaEatsCheese:NOT the Blue Harbor Freight dollys.[quoted image]
Poor Fishtales lol
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