I know this is a old topic, but this is some useful information that I think will help more than one person.
The first time I read a thread that someone was tearing out a wheelchair lift, I didn't give it much thought.
Then I hauled scrap, and did Property Reclamation for a few years.
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/canada/9 ... apers.html
What that taught me was everything is a commodity. Some things need to be disassembled to smaller, less specific, more valuable, useful parts.
The wheelchair lifts are the same. From what I see in the pics of them, the consist of the following parts.
A 12 volt hydraulic pump.
2 or more long stroke, small diameter hydraulic rams.
a control of some sort. Valves
And some scrap metal
If I had one, I would keep it. A lift at the back of the bus for my 50cc scooter, pails and 45 gallon barrels of supply's would be great.
However if you don't want one, here are some other ideas.
The hydraulic system could be used to build a leveling system for your bus.
A log splitter
Run any Porta Power Accessory
Lift or lower any blade on any motor vehicle with 12 volt supply
Build a powered, full size rear tail gate big enough to drive a car up into your bus.
And the list go's on.
Hope this helps.
Nat