koryliss
Member
In November of 2014 I purchased a BendPak HD-7W 4-post.
BendPak HD-7W Lift
Aluminum Approach Ramp Upgrade
JP3 Jack Plates (2)
5210997 Wheel Kit
Air Storage Bottle
Drip Trays
Total was ~$4K - there was some minor damage in transit but no show-stoppers - more on that later.
My first challenge was the manual, the instruction booklet that came with the lift did not include this model but a quick search of BendPak's site got me what I needed. I had not assembled a 4-post and was in no rush ... working alone it took about 4 days to put it all together and I enjoyed the process.
Biggest challenge for me was dealing with the weight and size of the parts - in retrospect doing it alone may not have been the best idea but using an engine hoist made it do-able.
Ultimately it has all worked out - it works well, sturdy as hell, and fits the need.
Prior to this I have only had a Dannmar MaxJax so I have not dealt with many vendors. Here are my thoughts...
Purchase and delivery.
I purchased the lift from Automotive Service Equipment - when I initially contacted BendPak with questions I got a return call addressing my questions so I just worked with them. I think BendPak pricing is pretty much the same everywhere and ASE was very knowledgeable and helpful. They engaged local help for delivery and I think they made the buying experience pretty easy.
One point - they suggested that I may not need the air-bottle (accumulates air from the piston on the way up and holds it to release the locks) and I did not listen - they were right. I have found that the system bleeds over time and I wind up using a compressor anyway.
Assembly-
While it all went well there were multiple errors in the documentation and I did have an issue at the end with the locks. When I called BendPak for help they told me to remove the 2nd spring on each lock - problem solved. But no where is this mentioned in the manual. That ticked me off so... on 12-9 I sent them a letter outlining what I think are deficiencies I in their documentation.
View attachment Bendpak 12-9-14.pdf
I did not expect to hear back from BendPak - I was not disappointed.
Damaged parts-
I also followed up with them regarding the minor parts that were damaged. After multiple emails they have sent me most of the parts but it has been about 3 months now. I am still missing a small part which I will just go buy.
So... net net - nice product, with some challenging documentation. If I put these together for a living I bet none of these things would have been a problem.
BendPak HD-7W Lift
Aluminum Approach Ramp Upgrade
JP3 Jack Plates (2)
5210997 Wheel Kit
Air Storage Bottle
Drip Trays
Total was ~$4K - there was some minor damage in transit but no show-stoppers - more on that later.
My first challenge was the manual, the instruction booklet that came with the lift did not include this model but a quick search of BendPak's site got me what I needed. I had not assembled a 4-post and was in no rush ... working alone it took about 4 days to put it all together and I enjoyed the process.
Biggest challenge for me was dealing with the weight and size of the parts - in retrospect doing it alone may not have been the best idea but using an engine hoist made it do-able.
Ultimately it has all worked out - it works well, sturdy as hell, and fits the need.
Prior to this I have only had a Dannmar MaxJax so I have not dealt with many vendors. Here are my thoughts...
Purchase and delivery.
I purchased the lift from Automotive Service Equipment - when I initially contacted BendPak with questions I got a return call addressing my questions so I just worked with them. I think BendPak pricing is pretty much the same everywhere and ASE was very knowledgeable and helpful. They engaged local help for delivery and I think they made the buying experience pretty easy.
One point - they suggested that I may not need the air-bottle (accumulates air from the piston on the way up and holds it to release the locks) and I did not listen - they were right. I have found that the system bleeds over time and I wind up using a compressor anyway.
Assembly-
While it all went well there were multiple errors in the documentation and I did have an issue at the end with the locks. When I called BendPak for help they told me to remove the 2nd spring on each lock - problem solved. But no where is this mentioned in the manual. That ticked me off so... on 12-9 I sent them a letter outlining what I think are deficiencies I in their documentation.
View attachment Bendpak 12-9-14.pdf
I did not expect to hear back from BendPak - I was not disappointed.
Damaged parts-
I also followed up with them regarding the minor parts that were damaged. After multiple emails they have sent me most of the parts but it has been about 3 months now. I am still missing a small part which I will just go buy.
So... net net - nice product, with some challenging documentation. If I put these together for a living I bet none of these things would have been a problem.
), an E-class Mercedes wagon, and a 1970 Dodge Challenger?
