Pinball Cart

This section deals with my Pinball Cart. I purchased a table cart from Harbor Freight that with very minor modifications does everything I need it to do for 1/3 the cost of a real pinball cart. In the grid below I will show pictures of the cart in action along with the few inexpensive modifications I made to it.

I purchased the cart from Harbor Freight via their website. The cart is listed to handle 330 pounds - perfect for pinballs - most are between 250 - 350 pounds. The width of the cart allows it to neatly slip right between the legs of a pinball machine. Harbor Freight does not charge shipping on purchases over $50.

Be careful, Harbor Freight carries 2 versions of the table cart. The smaller version is the one I purchased while the larger version is the "industrial size" (max load capacity of 1,100 pounds), which is over-kill for home use. Also, the bigger version won't fit between the legs of most pinball machines.

To get one of the sale prices, you need the correct Part Number. The number changes from catalog to catalog. Keep a set of catalogs, the prices are valid for quite some time. To get a catalog go to Harbor Freight's site and order one or get on their mailing list. Even if you pay $139 for the cart its worth it!!

Harbor Freight is expanding rapidly by building brick-and-mortar stores. If there is a Harbor Freight store in your town then take the catalog with you to get the cheaper price on any product listed in the catalog.

The local Harbor Freight store only carried the larger table cart, so I had to order from their website. I went to the store first to check out the quality of the product. it is built like a tank. Some people on Rec.Games.Pinball have had issues with the cylinder leaking some oil because the seal wasn't tightened (or came lose during shipping), but I have not had that experience.

BTW: I use this cart in my basement. I have Berber carpet with thick padding (for cushion against the concrete floor) and I don't have any problems moving the pins around. Granted, its tougher than moving something on a hardwood or tile floor but the cart works fine.

Here are the vital stats (from one of their catalogs):

Harbor Freight Website - www.harborfreight.com

Full Retail Price - $139.99

Frequent Sale Prices - $99.99, $109.99 & $119.99

Part Number: 43542-OCGA

Max load capacity: 330 pounds

Table Size: 27-1/2" x 17-5/8"

Table Height: 8-5/8" to 26-3/8"

Weight: 89 pounds

Here are the cost for the modifications I made:

2x4 (Qty = 2)

$4.20

Cut to approximately 53"

You want some overhang on the back for safety reasons

Rubber Washers

3/8 x 1 1/4"

2 washers per package

3 washers used

2 packages purchased

$1.24 ($0.62 per package)

SKU = 136606

Purchased at LOWES Hardware

Located in Hardware Section

Located in the "Specialty Hardware" Drawers

Installation Notes

Losen Leg Bolts on Cart

Cut Rubber Washers in half.

Put three of the halves on the front of each leg bolt (you can add more or less depending on your needs).

Tighten legs bolts until they are SNUG - do NOT overtighten.

	OK, I admit its a terrible close up - but its a function of the camera and not me. The point here is get an idea of the angle the rubber washer that were cut in half give the handle. The angle allows the cart to slip farther underneath the pin so it can lift the entire pin and not just the front.
	Here's the cart with my 2x4s positioned ready to be rolled underneath a pin. Use the 2x4s so the cart top doesn't lift/push the bottom of the pin right through the cabinet!! The 2x4s distribute the pounds per square inch. Some people use a piece of plywood on top of the table instead of 2x4s - which is a very good option.
	Yes, that is a HEAVY, 4-Player, Electro-Mechanical this cart is lifting w/o any problems. Hey - now I can... * move a game by myself * get to the back of my EMs * install legs by myself * put up and take down a game by myself
	View show how the cart is using the 2x4s to distribute the weight and lift the pin w/o damaging the floor of the cabinet. Notice how high those legs are off the carpet.
	Here is a close up picture showing the backend (and heavy) part of the pin being lifted by the cart with the aid of the strategically placed 2x4s.
	Here is a close up picture showing the front end part of the pin being lifted by the cart with the aid of the strategically placed 2x4s.
	Yes Boys-n-Girls, that pin is raised a whopping 6-1/4" off the carpet - more than enough ground clearance. If you look closely, you can see the Rubber Washers installed giving the handle its slight angle.

Hope you get some useful information out this page. The cart works as advertised and is worth every dollar - "who says a Buck doesn't buy much these days?!"

This page was last updated on 09/04/04