I just put a lifter on yesterday but I'll be darned if I remember what it's called, something to do with Sundance as I like to support my local dealer. We went without a lifter for three or four months and did the manual process ... you flip half, get in and lift it over the back. To close we reversed the process, lifting it back on from inside. My wife didn't like this idea once the weather started getting cooler.
Two recommendations - go with the hydraulic lift, it's a wife-pleaser which is worth any price difference in my house, and second... when you install it, put on the little dial shaped knob that locks the hydraulics in place before you cut the tie-wrap. You won't worry about it flying up and you can then lock the lift arms part way up to ease sliding the two parts together. paul
