Let the Dog See the Rabbit
The Millers Have Their Money on Handy Industries’ PITBUL Portable Lift
Words: Nicolette Colosimo
Photos: Brandon Bunch
When it comes to on-going repairs and maintenance, crawling around on the floor is next to impossible, not to mention how painful and hard it is on the back, knees and joints. And while the hydraulic lift has been an innovation for the shop or a garage, they aren’t exactly prepped for travel to the pits or paddock. That’s where Handy Industries’ PITBUL portable lift comes in to make working track (or trailer) side on your UTV an absolute breeze.
Take it from racer Cody Miller, who had heard about Handy’s PITBUL through friends raving about its smooth operation and portability. Yet his interest wasn’t piqued until George White of Double E Racing sent him a video from the MidAmerica Outdoors track in 2022. After seeing the lift in action, Miller knew he had to find out more. When Handy reached out and offered to come down to his shop with a couple of lifts to try out, it was a no-brainer.
“We were blown away by the speed, stability, and convenience of the PITBUL,” Miller said.
Miller expected it to be a high-performance product, but what took him by surprise was how the PITBUL superseded the conventional jack. He said the biggest difference between the PITBUL lift and the conventional jack is that all four tires are in the air at all times. You don’t have to worry about something falling or being in danger while under your machine. It is this ease of use that makes this piece of equipment stand out from other mobile options available on the market today which often leave you in a vulnerable position and contributes to inefficiency back in the pits.
“The PITBUL is super easy to use,“ Miller said. “After a few races with it in your pits, you will probably just leave the conventional jack at home.”
The welfare of those working on or around the cars is a top priority when it comes to hoisting and holding vehicles at height, and Handy’s PITBUL is as safe as they come. The built-in security features, including the locking mechanism and reinforced structural components, contribute to the reliability and stability of the unit. Both Miller brothers – Cody and Hunter – know that time is always of the essence at a race, which is precisely why they appreciate how the PITBUL truly delivers when it comes to expedient lifting.
“My favorite part about this lift is how fast I can get my car up and get to work at the track,” said Miller.
The reason behind the speedy operation of the lift is the fact that the PITBUL is driven by a hydraulic pump powered by a 12-volt electrical system. The lift’s hydraulic system operates smoothly and quietly, making it an efficient and hassle-free process. If that’s not enough to quicken the process, the aluminum body lift is simple to avoid malfunctions, easy to assemble, adjustable using riser blocks and ready to go from the factory (no welding required).
Miller believes if a racer isn’t doing their job in the pits, they will never succeed on the track. That is precisely why he won’t leave for a race without the PITBUL. There’s no doubt it’s an excellent addition to the traveling (and even the stationary) garage.
“All races require a different pit strategy, but every one of them is easier when you are using this lift,” Miller said.
Perhaps it is the sheer mechanics of this lift which has Miller completely sold. But we suspect it’s the overall package which has their loyalty. The PITBUL is not only relatively lightweight at only 190 pounds, but it also is made with four six-inch rubber wheels, so it’s effortless to move around. Plus, the shut height is only 7.5 inches, so PITBUL Lift’s compact design makes it a great space-saving solution for garages but, also, easily stowable to transport and store away for competitions or events.
“The lift is easy to maneuver from the shop to the trailer and from the trailer to the pits because of the built-in dolly-like wheels at one end,” Miller said.
It’s no wonder Handy’s presence is becoming increasingly significant in the motorsports world. The reliability and quality of the PITBUL’s build make it an outstanding product for racers and side-by-side enthusiasts. The sturdy construction of the aluminum frame is designed to withstand rigorous use and heavy loads with a 3,000-pound weight capacity.
“This lift has improved my game across the board from the shop to the pits!” said Miller.
It’s undeniable that PITBUL’s versatility is impressive. Designed for use in shops, this lift can handle a wide range of lifting capacities, accommodating various weights and sizes of vehicles and machinery. The adjustable lifting arms allow for customization to fit various wheelbases or chassis heights with a maximum height of 27 inches, or more using the optional adjustable blocks.
This innovative lift has proven to be an invaluable addition to Miller’s garage. Now the Miller team doesn’t see a race day without Handy’s PITBUL. From Miller’s shop to the race pits, PITBUL will keep Cody and Hunter on their game. At $3,300, the PITBUL is a worthy investment for racers, or even those of us who merely enjoy working on and modifying our rides. We have to do maintenance too, after all.
“The cars in my shop are always on the PITBUL for regular maintenance, and we will have the lifts with us for the next race at MidAmerica Outdoors.” A stamp of approval we can trust.