A snowmobile lift, also known as a snowmobile jack, is a tool used to elevate a snowmobile so that it can be easily serviced. The best snowmobile lifts will have a high lighting capacity, be equipped with wheels for easy mobility, and feature a collapsible design for convenient storage.
Snowmobile lifts are convenient when you have to perform maintenance that requires access to hard to reach parts of the vehicle. There are some jobs, in fact, that will be difficult-to-impossible to perform without being able to properly raise your snowmobile, such as working on the treads.
Snowmobile lifts are generally used by sports enthusiasts, and anyone repairing or working on a snowmobile. Also, it’s a good idea to lift your snowmobile off the ground when it’s not in use. This helps to remove unnecessary strain from the rear suspension (Source).
There are several factors to consider when buying a snowmobile lift stand. Before making a purchase, it’s good to consider the price, lifting capacity, and whether or not it’s collapsible. It’s also important to consider if the jack stand is hydraulic or pneumatic.
In this write-up, we will examine the top-rated snowmobile lifts. All of the snowmobile lifts in this review will raise your snowmobile off the ground, whether you are a sporting enthusiast or someone who uses a snowmobile for daily transportation (Source).
What Is a Snowmobile Lift?
Table of Contents
- 1 What Is a Snowmobile Lift?
- 2 How Much Do Snowmobile Lifts Cost?
- 3 Reviews of Top 5 Products
- 4 1. Extreme Max 5800.1066 PRO Snowmobile Rubber Lift with Wheel Kit – Best Overall
- 5 2. Black Ice SNO-1508 Snowmobile Lift Stand – Dolly Lift With Easy Installation
- 6 3. Performance Tool W41035 Hydraulic Multi-Purpose Lift – Most Durable Snowmobile Dolly
- 7 4. Extreme Max 5800.1184 Deluxe Aluminum Snowmobile Lift – Most Reliable
- 8 5. Extreme Max 5800.0200 Power Wheels – Most Portable
- 9 Snowmobile Lift Brands
- 10 How Does A Snowmobile Lift Work?
- 11 Factors to Consider Before Buying Snowmobile Lifts
- 12 How to Use a Snowmobile Lift
- 13 Ready to Use a Snowmobile Lift for Your Next Project?
Snowmobiles are vehicles equipped with a motor and designed to travel through snow. Many people use them as a way of transport, but they can also be entertaining. That is why people are renting them for fun, and many consider snowmobiles a true hobby.
Snowmobile lifts work like any other lifts and stands. Their task is to elevate the device so that you can conduct any maintenance and repairs that require you to access hard to reach parts of the vehicle.
These lifts are specifically designed for snowmobiles. The chances are you can’t use them on other vehicles. At the same time, these are the tools you need when you want to lift a snowmobile.
Snowmobile lifts should be used by those who are enthusiastic about this sport, as well as professionals who handle repairs of these vehicles. It is important to find a unit with features that will match your expectations.
How Much Do Snowmobile Lifts Cost?
The price of snowmobile lifts ranges from $70 to $400 or more. The cost difference is that big because the products offer different features and capabilities.
If you are looking to stay under $100, then chances are you will have to settle for a dolly. While this is not a usual snowmobile lift, it is great for transporting the vehicle.
However, if you want to lift the sleds so that you can handle repairs and maintenance, you may want a classic lift unit. In that case, an average tool will cost you between $130 and $200.
Reviews of Top 5 Products
Extreme Max 5800.1066 PRO Snowmobile Lift with Wheel Kit | ||||
Black Ice SNO-1508 Snowmobile Lift Stand | ||||
Performance Tool W41035 Hydraulic Multi-Purpose Lift | ||||
Extreme Max 5800.1184 Deluxe Aluminum Snowmobile Lift | ||||
Extreme Max 5800.0200 Power Wheels Dollies |
1. Extreme Max 5800.1066 PRO Snowmobile Rubber Lift with Wheel Kit – Best Overall
Extreme Max is a brand that manufactures reliable snowmobile lifts, and this one is no exception. The red color makes the unit attractive, and the wheel kit contributes to comfort and convenience. The wheels are quite durable, and allow you to move the sleds around easily.The maximum lift height is 28 inches, and the collapsed height is 5 ½ inches. The jack capacity is 5,000 pounds, and the capacity frame with rubber lift cushions can handle 1,000 pounds. The product utilizes 3/8 socket lifts. The product should fit a vast majority of sleds, although it has been several years since it was first constructed.
Apart from being attractive, the red powder-coated finish with the sturdy rubber lift pieces improve durability. The unit requires some assembly upon arrival, but the process shouldn’t take more than several minutes. The instructions are clear and straightforward.
- Impressive jack capacity
- Equipped with wheels for easy moving around
- Collapsible design for convenient storage
- It requires some assembly
2. Black Ice SNO-1508 Snowmobile Lift Stand – Dolly Lift With Easy Installation
At first glance, this seems like a standard lift stand for snowmobiles. It comes with a black painted finish and features a 1×2 inches heavy-duty steel tubing.The product is versatile, and it is up to you whether you will use a manual crank or pneumatic impact wrenches. Although the crank is reliable, it could be of better quality as it seems prone to rust.
The maximum lifting height is 27.25 inches, which should be big enough to maneuver the device. Thanks to its collapsible design, you can fold the tool to 6 3/8 inches in height. That means you can store the tool anywhere when you are not using it.
The snowmobile lift comes with assembly instructions. These are easy to follow even if you are a beginner, and you should have any problems assembling the device. Overall, a unit seems like a true bargain deal.
- Easy to assemble
- Admirable lifting height
- Foldable design
- The crank could be of better quality
3. Performance Tool W41035 Hydraulic Multi-Purpose Lift – Most Durable Snowmobile Dolly
Performance Tool ensured that the product is suitable for snowmobiles, but it is a multi-purpose lift stand. That means you can also use it for ATVs, motorcycles, and other heavy objects.The maximum weight capacity is 1,500 pounds, which makes this device suitable even for the biggest sleds out there. The lift range might be a bit modest as the maximum height is 16 ½ inches.
The process is incredibly simple. You utilize the hydraulic pump activated with your foot to maneuver the lift stand. Thanks to that, you can find the best position for the snowmobile easily.
The rubber foot pedal is non-slip, and the unit comes with swivel casters made of heavy-duty steel. These allow you to move the unit around effortlessly. It is worth noting that this lift is one of the lightest out there, which makes its maximum capacity even more impressive.
- A light but durable construction
- Suitable for snowmobiles and other vehicles like ATVs
- Admirable weight capacity
- It won’t get your sled as high as some other units
4. Extreme Max 5800.1184 Deluxe Aluminum Snowmobile Lift – Most Reliable
Here is another snowmobile lift designed by Extreme Max. The design is similar, and the differences are subtle. The manufacturer used high-quality aluminum that is quite durable. Thanks to the clear anodized variant of this compound, you can expect a durable and sturdy unit.The product also offers rubber lift cushions, and it comes with a crank handle and wheels. The wheels do the job, but they are not that durable, so be careful with heavy sleds.
The frame with the wheel kit has a lower capacity than the other one designed by this manufacturer. However, a mixture of 800 pounds at the frame, and 5,000 pounds capacity should be enough for most of your needs.
Extreme Max even gives a two-year warranty on this product.
- Clear anodized aluminum for optimal durability
- The crank handle is reliable
- You can lift the sleds to 28 inches
- The wheels are not as durable as the rest of the product
5. Extreme Max 5800.0200 Power Wheels – Most Portable
Here is a product that might not fall into the category of classic snowmobile lifts, but it does the same job. This Extreme Max device is a dolly, and it can elevate your vehicle in seconds.You get a couple of dollies in the same package, and each piece is equipped with large wheels. The wheels have a five-inch diameter, and they can equip skis that are seven inches or narrower. You can also buy the unit that fits skis up to ten inches wide.
The motor allows dollies to run at 5MPH, but you can also use them without motors. This wheel kit dolly is very stable, and it is primarily intended to move your snowmobile around.
The large wheels are suitable for all surfaces, including pavement, grass, and dirt. If your snowmobile got stuck anywhere, this is the tool you need.
- Easy to use outdoors and on various surfaces
- Large wheels that are very durable
- It can fit sleds that have up to seven-inches wide skis
- It won’t get the vehicle nearly as high as the standard snowmobile lift stand
Snowmobile Lift Brands
If you are looking for the best snowmobile jack stand manufacturer, you need to find a company that specializes in either outdoor extreme sports equipment or lifting heavy objects.
Those companies are aware of what customers need, which increases the chances that you will get a product that meets your expectations. Let’s take a look at the leading brands in the market at this point.
Extreme Max
Thousands of users throughout the world love Extreme Max, and there is a good reason for that. The company has been manufacturing extreme outdoor equipment for years now.
When it comes to snowmobiles, you can expect to find riding gear, studs, backers, and nuts, as well as shop tools for a sled shop. The products also include lifts, dollies, and other accessories for these vehicles.
Extreme Max also designs ATV & UTV items, as well as motorcycle products and battery chargers. Apart from equipment for extreme outdoor sports, you may also find marine products, such as anchors, cordage, and others.
The manufacturer is located in Minnesota, and you can easily reach them by e-mail or phone. It is worth noting that all their products come with a warranty.
Performance Tool
Performance Tool is a company that includes a wide range of DIY and professional tools in its portfolio. The list of products includes wrenches, pliers, chisels, as well as specialty ignition, brake, and other tools.
The brand also manufactures power tools, as well as cargo straps, shop carts, and hydraulic floor jacks. The complete portfolio includes more than a hundred products, which is quite impressive.
Black Ice
Black Ice is a brand that has been around for a while, and it offers a wide range of products. Among other things, the company includes pain and swelling items for those having problems with the neck and other types of pain.
You can also find personal cooling systems, as well as brushes and barber pencils. As for products related to snowmobiling, Black Ice offers lifts, trailer loading ramps, and track stands.
How Does A Snowmobile Lift Work?
A snowmobile lift utilizes hydraulic or pneumatic force to push up a snowmobile similar to a car jack. However, in this case, the jack stand has a larger surface area to adjust beneath the chassis of a snowmobile so that the lift can raise it above the ground.
It lets you work on the sled for maintaining your snow vehicle much easier. The force applied through a hydraulic or pneumatic suspension can be manual or electric. In both cases, the lift lets you raise the back of the machine for maintenance or moving the snowmobile.
Factors to Consider Before Buying Snowmobile Lifts
Are you wondering how to find a suitable lift stand for a snow vehicle? Take a look at the factors below, and you will realize finding the tool is simple once you know what you need.
Do You Need a Lift or Dolly?
Dollies are technically snowmobile lifts, too. However, the difference between these two product types exists. Here is a brief explanation of both:
- Lift – the primary purpose of these products is to elevate your vehicle. That makes them suitable for workshops and those who want to repair or maintain their sleds.
- Snowmobile Dollies – these are primarily used for transport. That makes a snowmobile dolly easy to use outdoors and different surfaces like gravel and dirt. However, they cannot lift the sleds anywhere as high as standard lift devices.
Maximum Weight Capacity
The snowmobile lift you choose needs to be able to elevate your vehicle. That is why its maximum load capacity should be in line with the weight of your snowmobile.
If you are a professional working with different snowmobiles, you should aim for the highest load capacity possible. The standard capacity of these lifts is from 700 – 1,500 pounds.
Some manufacturers will pinpoint that the frame of their products has a specific capacity, and also explain that the jack included has a more generous load capability.
Materials and Weight
The quality of construction of a snowmobile lift will vary depending on the materials used in the process. Aluminum lifts should have the necessary durability while maintaining lightweight.
The experts suggest going with steel construction tubing, or other metal materials as they are the most durable variants you can pick.
The weight of the snowmobile jack stand will depend on the materials used. It can vary from anywhere about ten pounds to more than fifty. While it is easier to move light tools, please note that the heavier devices might be capable of lifting heavier snowmobiles.
Do You Need Wheels with the Lift?
If you need to move the snowmobile around, you may benefit from wheels on the lift stand. The casters will allow you to move the vehicle from one to another part of the store effortlessly. A snowmobile dolly can also help with that.
However, you should make sure that the wheels are reliable, and they won’t break if you lift a heavy vehicle.
How to Use a Snowmobile Lift
The instructions for using a snowmobile lift vary depending on the model you use. The basic two types include a manual and automatic lift.
Either way, you will have to place the device under the snowmobile. You want to read the instructions for your particular lift and follow them to the detail.
If you go with a manual tool, you will need to pull the handle into the required direction to lift the vehicle. Automatic devices include hydraulic and pneumatic lifts, which are a bit more expensive, but they also minimize your effort.
Once everything is placed, try to assess if you did everything right. You may want to check if the lift properly grabbed the vehicle. It is vital that the snowmobile is not loose because that is the primary safety concern. You will be under it while handling repairs, and you don’t want to risk anything going wrong.
Here is a useful video that shows you how to use a snowmobile lift
Ready to Use a Snowmobile Lift for Your Next Project?
If you possess a snowmobile, then you ought to have a snowmobile lift to offer you an easy to use, versatile, and handy tool for vehicle repairs, maintenance, and other important things. This guide will have you covered to find a suitable dolly or lift that can easily maneuver your snowmobile without causing any difficulties.
The first thing to decide is whether you need a dolly or a standard lift. While the former is suitable for moving around snowmobiles, the latter gives your ride an elevation to access tough-to-reach sections.
The best snowmobile lift will give you a user-friendly experience. Additionally, you need to invest in a sturdy frame that is capable of lifting your desired snowmobile. Apart from that, it should also be easy to maneuver and move around, which comes with a wheel kit.
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