Hey there,
I am puzzled why you think you need to lift the motor up when you are done sewing. I only do that If I am going to leave it for more than a few weeks. No need to lift it up in a day of sewing.
If you can do medium leather on it, you don't need to be in a rush to get the friction wheel.
I hate to tell you this, but this is not designed for thick leather. Many industrials won't even handle thick leather. If that is your goal you need to do some serious research into what you need. I am a bit surprised that it will do medium leather.
Congrats on your success.