Let’s Talk About Grizzly Industrial Extension Bars
Ever wrestled a massive piece of machinery around your shop, wishing you had just a little more room on your mobile base? That’s a feeling many woodworkers and metalworkers know all too well. The Grizzly Industrial Extension Bars promise to solve that problem by expanding the footprint of Grizzly‘s T28000 Heavy-Duty Bear Crawl Mobile Base. These 36″ powder-coated rails offer a simple solution for those needing a bit more space.
I’ve spent over a decade rigging up workshops, from tiny garage corners to sprawling fabrication spaces. I needed these because my new lathe was just a bit too long for my existing mobile base, causing some serious stability concerns. Other options, like building a custom base from scratch, were time-consuming and expensive. I wanted something bolt-on and ready to go.
Upon unboxing, the Grizzly Industrial Extension Bars feel solid. The powder coating seems even and durable. They are simple steel bars, but the construction seems robust enough to handle the weight they are designed to support.
I considered alternatives from Strongway and Shop Fox, but the Grizzly bars offered the best combination of price and advertised compatibility with my existing mobile base. My initial impression was positive, a straightforward solution that seems well-built. I was excited to see if these bars could truly provide the added stability and support I needed.
Real-World Testing: Putting Grizzly Industrial Extension Bars to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested these Grizzly Industrial Extension Bars in my home woodshop, focusing on how they improved the mobility and stability of my lathe. I installed them on my Grizzly T28000 mobile base. The shop environment is generally dry but can get dusty with all the woodworking projects going on.
Installation was straightforward. It only took about 15 minutes to attach both bars to the existing mobile base using basic tools. Maneuvering the lathe around the shop felt much more secure and stable. There were no wobbles or concerning movements like before.
The Grizzly Industrial Extension Bars performed well right out of the box. I did not encounter any initial issues or surprises.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Grizzly Industrial Extension Bars continue to perform admirably. They provide the extra support needed for larger equipment. I have moved my lathe multiple times across the shop floor for different projects.
There are no signs of bending, cracking, or significant wear on the steel or the powder coating. Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth removes any dust or debris. Compared to my previous setup (or lack thereof!), these extension bars are a significant improvement in both stability and peace of mind.
Breaking Down the Features of Grizzly Industrial Extension Bars
Specifications
- Width: These extension bars are ¾” wide, providing ample surface area for secure attachment and distribution of weight. This width is crucial for maintaining stability under heavy loads.
- Height: At 1-5/8″ tall, the bars offer a significant vertical profile that contributes to the overall strength and rigidity of the extended mobile base. This height also ensures compatibility with the existing base’s frame.
- Length: The 36″ length increases the adjustable size of the T28000 mobile base, making it suitable for larger and heavier equipment. This added length provides the necessary leverage to move cumbersome tools safely.
- Construction: Made from steel, these Grizzly Industrial Extension Bars are built to withstand heavy loads and provide long-lasting support. The steel construction ensures durability and resistance to bending or deformation.
- Finish: The powder-coated finish protects the steel from rust and corrosion, extending the life of the bars. The powder coating also provides a smooth, clean surface that is easy to wipe down.
These specifications translate to a robust and reliable extension system, capable of supporting heavy machinery and facilitating easy shop mobility. The build quality ensures that the investment will last.
Performance & Functionality
The Grizzly Industrial Extension Bars perform their primary function exceptionally well. They extend the footprint of the T28000 mobile base, providing increased stability and support for larger tools.
The added stability is noticeable and significantly improves the safety of moving heavy machinery. There are no apparent weaknesses in their design or performance. They meet and exceed my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Grizzly Industrial Extension Bars feature a simple and functional design. They consist of straight steel bars with pre-drilled mounting holes for easy attachment.
The weight is manageable, and the powder-coated finish provides a comfortable surface to handle. There is virtually no learning curve; installation is straightforward and intuitive.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the robust steel construction and powder-coated finish, the Grizzly Industrial Extension Bars are expected to last for years with proper use. Maintenance is minimal.
Occasional cleaning with a damp cloth is all that’s required to keep them in good condition. The powder coating is chip-resistant, further enhancing their long-term durability.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Grizzly Industrial Extension Bars are designed to be a direct add-on to the Grizzly T28000 Heavy-Duty Bear Crawl Mobile Base, with no additional accessories required for basic functionality.
However, depending on the equipment being supported, additional shims or leveling feet could be used to further enhance stability. The bars are compatible with standard hardware. This provides flexibility for users who want to customize their setup.
Pros and Cons of Grizzly Industrial Extension Bars
Pros
- Significantly increases the stability of the Grizzly T28000 mobile base. This is critical for safely moving heavy machinery around the shop.
- Easy to install with basic tools, requiring minimal time and effort. The straightforward installation process gets you up and running quickly.
- Durable steel construction with a powder-coated finish for long-lasting performance. This guarantees years of reliable service.
- Provides a cost-effective solution compared to building a custom mobile base. This saves both time and money.
- The added length allows for supporting equipment that would otherwise be too large for the standard base. This adds versatility to your mobile base.
Cons
- Only compatible with the Grizzly T28000 Heavy-Duty Bear Crawl Mobile Base. This limits their use to those who already own or plan to purchase that specific model.
- The 36″ extension might be too long for some smaller shop spaces. Consider your shop size before purchasing.
Who Should Buy Grizzly Industrial Extension Bars?
The Grizzly Industrial Extension Bars are perfect for woodworkers, metalworkers, and any shop owner who uses the Grizzly T28000 Heavy-Duty Bear Crawl Mobile Base and needs to move larger, heavier equipment. If you are struggling with stability or your machinery is slightly too long for the base, these extension bars are a must-have.
If you do not own the Grizzly T28000 mobile base, or if you need a more universal solution that works with different types of mobile bases, you should skip this product. You may also want to skip it if your machinery is small and light enough to be easily moved with the standard base.
A must-have accessory would be a good set of shims or leveling feet if the flooring in your shop is uneven.
Conclusion on Grizzly Industrial Extension Bars
The Grizzly Industrial Extension Bars offer a simple, effective, and affordable solution for extending the footprint and increasing the stability of the Grizzly T28000 Heavy-Duty Bear Crawl Mobile Base. The price is justified.
I would personally recommend them to anyone who needs to move larger equipment. They have made a significant improvement to the safety and usability of my workshop.
Don’t struggle with unstable or undersized mobile bases. Upgrade your Grizzly T28000 today and experience the difference!