I just purchased this to balance my TF P-47. Plane weighs 24lbs. It is rated for up to 40lbs. I have used the Great Planes Balancer which works fine for smaller planes, but figured it wouldn't handle this much weight very easily.
As you can see there is quite a bit of parts. I didnt bother installing the parts to balance props since I have have the Du-Bro prop balancer that works great. The only negative I can mention is the assembly. None of the parts fit together without having to sand. All the holes for the two steel supporting rods were to small. My next size up drill bit would of made the hole to big, so it required sanding. The bushing hole were to small for the support rod that goes through them. I tried sanding them, but had to use a hammer to get them through. I almost ruined one in the process. All in all, it was a pain to assemble.
Now the good part: it works wonderfully. The two weights dial in and out depending on where you have the leading edge guide stops at depending on your planes CG location. These keep the supports level so it is easy just set your plane on it ALL by yourself. Something that to me that was hard to do with the Great Planes brand. Actually, this balancer is light years ahead of the Great Planes one in ease of use.
I would recommend that you have the steel rod support holes big enough so that the rods will slide easily, but not big enough to introduce slop. Mine were snug and when I went to pull it apart, I had to pull hard and when the rod finally came out, I cracked the wood around the hole from the force of my hand flying away from my body. Luckily, I was able to bend it back since it didnt fully break apart and CA it.
The price of this was $40 at my LHS. Well worth it.