fork lift???

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I have a customer that insists upon me receiving parts to be welded and delivering said parts on pallets. I have used a cherry picker a few times but this is a pain. My shop is small and I cannot justify the purchase of a forklift for any other jobs I currently have. Can anyone give advise/tricks as to the pallet issue? I could make room for a handle operated, battery powered lift but have no idea where to shop for a used model. Advice?????Miller TrailBlazer 251Miller HF-250-1Miller MaxStar 150 STLHyperTherm PowerMax 380 plasmaLincoln PowerMig 180Millermatic 252Miller Diversion 180
Reply:If the items to be welded are not that heavy, look on your local craigslist for a walkie stacker. you can also pick them up at auctions and equipment rentals pretty cheap. That is what I use for light duty and never have any issues with it.
Reply:How are you currently delivering the parts?  Your own truck?Just throw a pallet in the bed first, then load the parts on the pallet.  You can then tie down or strap the parts to the pallet, already on the truck.
Reply:You could build a table or two just a bit lower than your truck.  Drag pallet of new parts on to table.  As you weld them, stack parts on pallet on table two.  When pallet is full, push it or drag it into your truck.  Your truck wouldn't be tied up holding parts and the tables could be used as work space between palletized jobs.My name's not Jim....
Reply:Go to an auction and buy a high lift pallet jack or a forklift. They are everywhere. I was at an auction a bout 2months ago and a good operating 4k capacity yale went for $300!! It was an LP driven unit as most were, but they are everywhere and now is a great time to be a buyer!http://jackalopefab.com/MM210Synchrowave 200DXMiller XMT350 w/60series feederMiller Bobcat 250 with SGA 100 and spoolgunHTP PlasmaFull Machine shop with everything
Reply:Try http://www.govliquidation.com they sell alot of equipment for the Government. I see forklifts on there alot. another choice is harbor freight for a pallet jack. or make your own that fits on a tractors front loader like I did: Attached ImagesCo-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:I picked up a nice 5k lbs forklift last week for $900... You could probably rent one.  I think daily they are around ~$60-100
Reply:Thinks for all the info, advice.    I thought about a table to match truck tailgate, but pallets of parts range between 300 and 400lbs. I have to pick up, receive, pre welded parts on pallets and deliver post welded parts the same. The first few trips, I unloaded...loaded parts on to pallets in truck bed. This is way too much work and consumes time. I'm looking for a cheap walkie lift, a fork lift would be nice but space is at a premium right now. This is my temporary fix. All materials used in this fab are scrap, except the 3"x3/8"x36" top rib. The tubing is 2 1/4" 11ga and scrapped(none-conforming machining) from the job presenting the pallet issues. Attached ImagesMiller TrailBlazer 251Miller HF-250-1Miller MaxStar 150 STLHyperTherm PowerMax 380 plasmaLincoln PowerMig 180Millermatic 252Miller Diversion 180
Reply:Thats pretty neat! I use my engine hoist for a lot of lifting jobs (actually only pulled/replaced 2 engines with it) On;y thing that annoys me is trying to get what ever your lifting back on the ground...those 2 legs always get in my way!
Reply:Originally Posted by MetalArchitectThats pretty neat! I use my engine hoist for a lot of lifting jobs (actually only pulled/replaced 2 engines with it) On;y thing that annoys me is trying to get what ever your lifting back on the ground...those 2 legs always get in my way!
Reply:I was going to suggest exactly that sort of rig but couldn't find a good way to explain it. They're used all the time on roofing and block trucks. Nice job..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan