Replies

1. 
   KenHill3 | Mar 13, 2009 07:03am | #1

   I have also seen some inexpensive ones on Ebay that appear to be Asian knock-offs of the Biljax or Telepro or whatever the ones are that I get at the rental yard.

   Also curious about these, since they are quite a bit less than the $600 or whatever the 'good' ones cost.

1. 
   wallyo | Mar 13, 2009 07:49am | #2

   i was just looking at them on E-bay yesterday 199.00 including shipping. It was the one where he was claiming his was the best any question call him and ask away.Just looking at it the parts seemed scaled down in gauge so to speak. The ends of the extension seemed real short as compared to the U S versions. The legs looked to be a lighter construction. At first my reaction was Wow I should buy one then looking a little closer things just did not seem right.I would like to hear from some one also that went for it. At 200 it could be cheap help or an accident waiting to happen.Wallyo

2. 
   andybuildz | Mar 13, 2009 08:35am | #3

   I have the heavy duty Telepro like from the rental places. Scored it offa Craigs list for $90.

   After using it I can't believe after all these years I never bought one...

   even for $6-700 ....worth their weight in gold!! Pays for itself in just a few days...easy!! It's better then a helper cause you can really play with the boards if you need to and do any angle ceiling or wall...Don't know how long those cheapies last...I know Patchogue Phil came to work for me and brought his before I bought the one I have now and his worked good for a cheapie...but it wasn't anywhere near as sturdy as mine. Spose it depends how much you plan on using it.

    

    

    

   http://www.cliffordrenovations.com

   Why do I keep...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7ZkQC0riwc

   http://www.ramdass.org

    

1. 
   JDRHI | Mar 13, 2009 02:48pm | #6

   Yup...Tele-Pro is the way to go.

   Paid $600 at Amazon for mine some years back. Paid for itself on the first job.

   It's actually easier to rock ALONE with the lift than it is to have a helper without one.

   J. D. Reynolds

   Home Improvements

    

   Proud recipient of the BT 'Truth In Print' award.

    

    

    

2. 
   m2akita | Mar 14, 2009 05:11pm | #13

   " I have the heavy duty Telepro like from the rental places. Scored it offa Craigs list for $90."Nice score!!!!Live by the sword, die by the sword....choose your sword wisely.

3. 
   grahammay | Mar 13, 2009 02:24pm | #4

   Cheapo depot sells a lift for 199, 1 year satisfaction guarantee
   Definitely not a telepro.
   Should work for occasional light use, our company purchased as a back-up for company telepro.
   My own personal choice would be skip the cheap one, or return after one year use and buy a quality lift.
   Cheapos will not survive daily use.

4. 
   Piffin | Mar 13, 2009 02:25pm | #5

   I have used a couple of the good ones.

   There is a guy here who is finishing his own place and bought a knockoff someplace for 180 bucks. I used it once and it is functional - for now.
   everything about it is lighter weight and I can see that for regular professional use, it would not last as long. Potential future problems would be bent parts that could lead to unbalance and fall hazards, and I would worry that the cam lock would wear out fast and let the Sheetrock on ceiling slip down onto you.

   So it depends on what your expected useage is. One or two jobs or a lifetime of work.

    

    

   Welcome to the
   Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
    where ...
   Excellence is its own reward!

5. 
   VTNorm | Mar 13, 2009 03:36pm | #7

   I have an ebay one. Pad $219 shipped. As you would expect, the fit, finish and operation are not as good/smooth as a Telpro. It's functional and works fine for the rare/occasional user like me (2-3 jobs a year) but it's obvious that it will not take daily pro use or job site helper-monkey abuse for very long.

   I've heard of a couple of guys that have had trouble with the brake on the ebay version. Definitely don't want to fool with that so if you get one check it out carefully.

   It's worked fine for me - and I'm a bit of a tool snob. If you need to use it daily/monthly - spend the extra $ for a better unit.

   -Norm

1. 
   wane | Mar 13, 2009 03:43pm | #8

   140 cdn, delivered!, in Canada, I used it to build my own place, rented it out to 1/2 dz people since, already made $ back and a couple of nice dinners too!  cheapo red one from China, 5/8 X 4'6" X 12 drywall (wish we could get 16s up here!)

6. 
   Virginbuild | Mar 13, 2009 04:12pm | #9

   I have worked with TelPro and also with other lighter equipment Knock Offs. IMO the higher priced  TelPro is worth the couple or few hundred  dollars difference. The way I look at it; think how much a medical bill is by getting hurt from a cheaper knock off from China. Just a minor hurt can cost thousands let alone maybe an injury that will haunt you a life time.

   Virginbuild

1. 
   stemreno | Mar 13, 2009 04:50pm | #10

   Up here in Canada, we have Rona, which is the competition to Home Depot and Lowes.  I bought a drywall lift from them (it is green, sold with the brand name of King).  I have rented the yellow one from HD quite a few times, and finally bought this one for around 300 dolars.  I was very leary of "Chinees knock-offs", but I can't see any difference between this one and the ones I rented.  Every single thing is the same size, shape, same hardware, works the same.  As far as I can tell, it is the same thing with different paint.

   stem reno

1. 
   Virginbuild | Mar 14, 2009 01:14pm | #11

   Hi Neighbor,

   I haven't heard of the brand but it is great that you found something with same quality and strength as the popular "Cadillac" of staging. If I were a contractor I would be concerned about quick availability and supply for replacement parts and expansion of the system.

   Have a great spring, and may your building contracts be many and profitable.

   Virginbuild

1. 
   stemreno | Mar 14, 2009 04:42pm | #12

   Hi, Virginbuild.

    

   Thats a good point about repairs and parts later.   This unit also came with  a small manual, with a parts break down, but I don't remember if there was a contact.

   That would concern me  with my electric tools, but I only buy good brand names of them, and I have repair centres for all the brands within 30 Km's of my house.  I only look at non brand stuff it is simple and basic such as a bottle jack, this DW lift, etc

    

   stemreno