<html> <head> <META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> <meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 10 (filtered)"> <style>  </style> </head> <body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=blue> <div class=Section1> Never had any trouble with them myself, but we all have our own preferences.   <div> David Love davidlovepianos@comcast.net www.davidlovepianos.com </div> -----Original Message----- From: caut-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces@ptg.org] On Behalf Of Greg Newell Sent: Thursday, April 26, 2007 9:08 PM To: College and University Technicians Subject: Re: [CAUT] Getting the plate out   It does NOT work great. At least not for me. It's biggest problem, among many, is that it does not lift it's load straight up and down. You have to spend a great deal of effort making sure that the plate doesn't bash in your newly finished case on the way back in or on something that isn't going to be finished on the plates' way out. The long leg extenders that help balance the load that the arm is lifting roll under the piano alright but are prone to ding the legs. They also don't change direction very easily or take too kindly to small corrections in location. Depending on the condition of the hydraulics involved the rate of decent can be a bit scary all of the sudden too. Naw, I've gone that route and don't like it at all. I have an air driven chain hoist just waiting to be attached to a trolley on an "I" beam once I make the rolling gantry. Since the gantry will be both height and span adjustable I figure on being able to roll it overtop a few pianos that are currently lying on their sides waiting for my ministrations. You're welcome to keep using that contraption much better suited for what it was designed for than piano plates. best of luck, Greg Newell At 11:02 AM 4/26/2007, you wrote: If you have the room, get an Automotive ENGINE hoist/lift.  It works great, rolls under the piano like under a car, and very easy to roll around and lower, and you don't have to build anything. Problem solved ... You're Welcome,     </x-sigsep><x-sigsep>Greg Newell Greg's Piano Forté <a href="http://www.gregspianoforte.com/" eudora=autourl>www.gregspianoforte.com </a>216-226-3791 (office) 216-470-8634 (mobile) 2003,04,05 & 06 winners of Angie's List Super Service Award </div> </body> </html>