Lifting people requires special dispensation from various regulatory
agencies. I would give up on that aspect or expect to lay out some
serious bread.

As for the rest, get rid of the platform and use slings.

I own a three story building with narrow halls and winder staircases.

I rigged my porch rails to be removable and hung a block and tackle
off the porch roof. I've used it to lift two fridges a 40" stove,
dishwashers, several yards of construction debris and about 180 10 ft
sheets of 5/8" drywall.

I still use it to tote my anvil or Chinese bandsaw out of the
basement.

Paul K. Dickman

On Tue, 16 Aug 2005 13:16:10 -0700, "SteveB"
wrote:

I want to make an elevator of sorts for our newly acquired cabin. This is
because moving any appliances in and out is a bear the way the stairs,
railings, walkways, etc. are located.

I want to make a section of handrail removable, and make a hoist maybe 48"
square for lifting items like fridge, furniture, and wheelchair bound people
up to the level of the porch, a distance of about 8 feet.

Total weight I would guess at 1,000# max, and that is figuring at the most,
a fridge and two people. Platform would be about 250#.

So, I would put in a 2,000# capacity hoist.

Any suggestions of brand names? I imagine it would be used maybe 25 times a
year.

Steve