CMW E-Lift -- My take on lifting for emergency tire repair

[tcard]

Thank you so much to our VAF family for the incredible response. We sold out in just a few hours, and then the emails starting flowing in letting us know there is still plenty of interest. If you want to be sure to get product with the next run, please send an email to info@cardmachineworks.com and include whether you'd need a nosegear or tailwheel version.

[N184DA]

How much does the entire kit weigh?

[scard]

Originally Posted by N184DA

How much does the entire kit weigh?

Everything shown (minus hardware) weighs 1.5 pounds. Of that, you can choose to easily leave 3/4# on the ground with your fully stocked tool bag if you know you aren't going far.

[tcard]

E-Lifts are back in stock!

We've been busy at Card Machine Works and have been delivering E-Lifts to those that previously expressed interest and a few who contacted us in the meantime because they were in the middle of a tire change operation and it was the perfect opportunity for an install. Now we have a good supply ready to ship for those that have been waiting patiently.

There are nosewheel and tailwheel versions, fitting 4, 6, 6A, 7, 7A, 8A, 9, and 9A.

The order page can be found here: https://elift.cardmachineworks.com/product/e-lift/.

Additional details and information: https://elift.cardmachineworks.com

[Roy Thoma]

I was a lucky buyer of an E-Lift from the first run. I’ve been concerned about how I/we would change a flat at a remote location. I’ve installed the E-Lift on N174RT a hope/think/except that the E-Lift along with a spare tube and tools to replace a tube will mean that flat tires are a thing of the past for N174RT. It took me about an hour (plus parts cleaning time) to install the E-Lift. I’m very happy with the E-Lift.

The parts for the E-lift are beautifully made. The kit is very complete. As you expect if you who know Scott and Tanya. The E-Lift uses a coupler with ACME threads to distribute the lifting load across more area. The spacer is CNC’ed and should provide more strength than the original individual tubular spacers. The red caps that that I originally received have been replaced with 3D printed, threaded parts. Theses are to keep the threads in the coupler from collecting grime. The attached picture shows the E-Lift holding one tire of N174RT off the ground.

https://elift.cardmachineworks.com/

Background: You may have seen a picture of people lifting Rosie's RV-6A to change a flat during one of his Carribean trips. Scott was present and managed to avoid being in the photo. I don't know if this started him thinking about a way to safely lift the wheel of his -9A to change a flat in the field or if another event got his brain working on a solution........

After Sandy and I woke to a flat main tire while camping at 88AZ, Grapevine Airstrip we REALLY wanted a light jack to carry to places that don't have services. Grapevine is ~50NM flight from Phoenix. 2 hour drive. Grapevine is in a beautiful, remote location. There is NOTHING at Grapevine except a porta can and firewood. Rosie rescued us “on his way” to a formation clinic.

Soctt and Tanya have become good friends since being our flight lead for the 2017 Rosie trip. I've been poking at Scott for most of that time since then "what do you think of this particular solution for jacking an RV in the field?" most of the time I've gotten, something like "not really what I want". One link I sent finally got a "that's interesting and similar to what I've been thinking about for a while”. Not long after that he sent a cad sketch of what has become CMW E-Lift.

When Scott said he was making the first E-lift's I said I wanted a set for my plane. I paid full retail for the E-Lift. At the time I did not know what level of finish the jacks would have. I guessed they might be John Deer green like a stake puller Scott made for me. I did not know CMW would put them into production. I highly recommend the E-Lift.

Regards,

[tcard]

Another one of our customers sent us a picture showing their install of a CMW E-Lift. It was time to replace tires before an upcoming trip, so they took advantage of a perfect opportunity to install an E-Lift.

[Planecrazy232]

What do people do in a desolate location for airing up the tire once changed?? I like this jack solution and will order- but need to know the best and lightest solution.

[swjohnsey]

Originally Posted by Planecrazy232

What do people do in a desolate location for airing up the tire once changed?? I like this jack solution and will order- but need to know the best and lightest solution.

Look at what the bicycle/motorcycle set use. I have used bicycle hand pumps and small 12v pumps. You can skeletonize one of the 12v pumps to reduce it's size and weight.

[scard]

Originally Posted by Planecrazy232

What do people do in a desolate location for airing up the tire once changed?? I like this jack solution and will order- but need to know the best and lightest solution.

A super lightweight small bike pump. Weighs almost nothing, no power or wires, and just works. It is pretty cheap and easy to prove in the hangar.

[Vlad]

Originally Posted by Planecrazy232

What do people do in a desolate location for airing up the tire once changed??

.

I carried a bicycle pump for years. Recently a visiting friend introduced me to a lightweight micro air compressor. Charges from a USB port and could inflate a car tire on a single charge easily. Takes 5-6 minutes to fill main tube to 40 psi on 1/4 charge.