Help - 2 post hydra-lift. Carriage bushings are SHOT.

[2point2]

Hey everyone.

I'm doing a once-over on my new-to-me 27ACF "h-beam" hydra-lift. I'm not able to find parts for it.

The lift carriage uses big rollers for east/west play and (what appears to be) plastic bushings for north/south play... I believe some manufacturers call these slide blocks.

What is the best material to use to fabricate new slide block Bushings? "Nylon", UHMW PE? ...Bronze?

Was about to order some UHMW plastic but I'd like to hear what the garage journal community thinks of using UHMW for my application.

THANKS.

 

[matt_i]

UHMW is what I would use, its naturally "slippery" meaning low coefficient of friction.

It can be tough to machine, can't use high speeds which can melt it in the right conditions, need sharp = high positive rake edge tools.

 

[2point2]

Thanks for the tip! I would have given that any thought... I guess that stuff is a lot tougher than it looks.

I did some more searching and I looks like UHMW for slide blocks is good enough for bendpak.... and they use them for both planes. Looks like I have my answer...

http://www.bendpak.com/a-study-in-lift-design/Two-Post-Lift-Comparison/

 

[ZipSnafu]

UHMW is what I would use, its naturally "slippery" meaning low coefficient of friction.

It can be tough to machine, can't use high speeds which can melt it in the right conditions, need sharp = high positive rake edge tools.

I would second this.

 

[86turbodsl]

We need pics! Love those old H-beam lifts.

 

[engineer2]

here you go. HydraLift was sold by Bear in the late 80's.

 

[2point2]

E2. THANKS!!!

I'll have pics eventually. Can't do 5 min of work lately without a 10 min issue to solve.

 

[RNN14Wolfe]

What you're looking for would be wear blocks from an extendable boom forklift. Would be perfect for that. They're made from Delrin and are extremely slippery.

I'd buy this and fabricate my own bushings out of it.

http://www.trupar.com/block-p/3025457.htm

 

[Mr_fixit]

https://equipmentdistributors.biz/p...ydra-lift-models-28acf-and-29acf-2-post-lifts

does this help?

 

[Firebrick43]

I would use Delrin or its non name brand equivalent acetal. Much better mechanical strength and doesn't creep under load yet still slick.

 

[2point2]

Fixit - my model is a (I'm told) a 27ACF. It looks identical with the exception of the power pack being closer to the ground.

Hydralift still replies to emails. When I asked for a manual the reply was short... Something like: "Sorry, too old"

I'll try delrin if there are any wear issues with the UHMW Bushings I have already built and installed. Bendpak uses UHMW but I would imagine that a forklift lives a tougher life?

I'm not too thrilled with the condition of the roller bearings so I'll probably have the slave carriage apart again in the next year or so. The rollers have brass bushings that look easy to Re-build. I have a 14x40 lathe 6 feet away from my hydralift that needs projects.

 

[mce46]

Hi guys, my friend gave me a hydra lift 27bp and its missing a part called a lift block.
Its installed behind the carriage and secures the cylinder and both cable ends.
I sent my parts list to vci but have not heard from them. I may be able to have it fabricated
Just need a picture of it to know how its oriented.
Would appreciate it much. Im all the way in the Philippines under lock down from Corona virus. Trying to finish this project...thank you!