Having used platform lifts, they can be “interesting” to work with. They are not fast but can carry a good size load up to the 2nd story. They need to be loaded evenly to prevent tipping out the load. I would want a platform big enough to carry several bales to offset the waiting time of load lifting and dropping. Our top pulley ran in and out on the beam to prevent “reaching for the load” to cause a person to fall from the opening.
I have elevators at home to put hay in the barn with. When buying, you need one long enough to have an angle when in use. Too short means elevator won’t reach that upper window or top of hay storage. Elevators won’t work when almost vertical in upright positions. Motor won’t move the bales because it is harder and bales will fall back down on you for double handling or break open on impact.
Our 16ft elevator is quite handy in our smaller barn setups. No wheels means dragging or carrying from place to place. But it fits to be stored under cover. It was used but not hard, cost $300. The 40ft elevator came as “a kit” in pieces and boxes. Husband striaghtened, repaired, reassembled it back to a working machine. Free for taking it away, got all the needed parts with it to make it work, plus motor. No wheels, also a drag-into-place.model, but sure saves a lot of walking while unloading and stacking. Both of these were deals because husband knew elevator owners at the right time.
Buying an elevator is like keeping money in a box. Unless damaged, elevator keeps its value, so you can sell and get what you paid back. You get to use it while you own it, so I think they are a good investment. Protect the motor with a cover in storage, grease gears and chain before use to keep things working smoothly. Having an elevator makes your life easier!!
