Motor? Winch? Other?

[Robin Hewitt]

Can you counterbalance it?

[mocha]

hmmm counter balance is an interesting avenue!

It's an application a little bit like a "loft hatch", although it's in an outbuilding... Instead of the "loft hatch" shaped hole in the ceiling, I'm thinking of a millers hatch... not sure if that's the right name but the hatch they use in windmills...

[Musht]

Counterweights are the standard way of flying theatre scenery, mebbe something adaptable;

http://www.ia470.com/primer/flies.htm

one thing to be aware of with counterweights is leaving carrying side unloaded, if its unbraked it will head for the roof carrying anything or anyone attached.

Cheers
Adam