2 post lift arms are too short.

[Travis31415]

Hello all. I've never posted here before, but I was hoping to tap into the wealth of knowledge on this site.

Here's the issue. I've been running into problems when lifting crew cab long box 1 ton pickups. It never seems like the lift arms are able to reach the proper pickup points on the frame. It's always a little sketchy and support stands are a necessity as shifting weight could spell disaster and I'm not taking any chances.

I have a bendpak xpr10-as (10k lb) and just ordered a tp15kcx (15k lb). The 15k lift arms are 52" max. The bendpak arms are 43" and 58".

I really wish they were another 8-10 inches. It would really make me more comfortable.

What I'm wondering is, does anyone know of a company that makes a 2 post with extra long arms for servicing really long wheelbase vehicles? Or, has anyone fabricated a custom set? If so, what were the results?

 

[MrSurly]

Worth has options and they will custom build as well.

Check out their 12000CF & 15000CF with 61” and 72” arms, respectively.
http://www.worthequipment.com/2postlifts.htm



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[bobabuee]

did you talk to bendpak about you problem i sure they have a solution. I would think fabrication as for safety concerns,

well it right in manual there is narrow and wide configuration.

i suspect you have in wide configuration install i haven't red manual close because i have 4 post i did download manual online.

it mabey as easy moving ans re ancoring one post shorting cables and cross bar but i dont know but bendpak would be my first call on this.

 

[walrus]

Hello all. I've never posted here before, but I was hoping to tap into the wealth of knowledge on this site.

Here's the issue. I've been running into problems when lifting crew cab long box 1 ton pickups. It never seems like the lift arms are able to reach the proper pickup points on the frame. It's always a little sketchy and support stands are a necessity as shifting weight could spell disaster and I'm not taking any chances.

I have a bendpak xpr10-as (10k lb) and just ordered a tp15kcx (15k lb). The 15k lift arms are 52" max. The bendpak arms are 43" and 58".

I really wish they were another 8-10 inches. It would really make me more comfortable.

What I'm wondering is, does anyone know of a company that makes a 2 post with extra long arms for servicing really long wheelbase vehicles? Or, has anyone fabricated a custom set? If so, what were the results?

I lift a 2500hd, dbl cab, 8ft box on my Rotary. SPO10 with 3 stage arms.
I can reach rear leaf springs and front cab mounts

 

[pbon]

Probably there is an alternative arm set — I’d call Bendpak. If not, a company like SVI Inc. might make them but you would have to understand they may not be certified or could affect the lift capacity. I bought a pair of bridge jack extension arms for my Bendpak 4 post from them so I can reach the factory jack points on one end if needed (such as when dropping a subframe that contains the usual jack points for the bridge jack). No ladder frame on my BMWs, and my cars weigh less than half the lift rating and each axle bears less than half the bridge jack weight rating.

Parts might be expensive enough that you should just buy a different lift to start with. But if you already have the lift, it is an option. When I had my Atlas 2 post, I wanted to shorten the arms (or cut down the arms) or find triple stage to replace the 2 stage arms to more easily fit my BMWs. I never got to that project.

 

[Travis31415]

I wish I would have checked out that worth 15k. That thing is a monster at 3400lbs, but I'm sure it comes with a monster price tag.

That Rotary SPO10 has the perfect length arms at 59".

I think I have some calls to make and some thinking to do.

Thanks to everyone that replied.

 

[GMCGarage]

Hello all. I've never posted here before, but I was hoping to tap into the wealth of knowledge on this site.

Here's the issue. I've been running into problems when lifting crew cab long box 1 ton pickups. It never seems like the lift arms are able to reach the proper pickup points on the frame. It's always a little sketchy and support stands are a necessity as shifting weight could spell disaster and I'm not taking any chances.

I have a bendpak xpr10-as (10k lb) and just ordered a tp15kcx (15k lb). The 15k lift arms are 52" max. The bendpak arms are 43" and 58".

I really wish they were another 8-10 inches. It would really make me more comfortable.

What I'm wondering is, does anyone know of a company that makes a 2 post with extra long arms for servicing really long wheelbase vehicles? Or, has anyone fabricated a custom set? If so, what were the results?

Can you add a extension to the arms?

 

[Dzlpete]

Nussbaum has the longest arms of any I have seen.
Even my 16k mohawk is barely long enough, and I cannot pick up a mercedes sprinter van by the factory lift points.
Nussbaum is the ONLY one that can without special ordering special arms.

 

[frank001]

Nussbaum has the longest arms of any I have seen.
Even my 16k mohawk is barely long enough, and I cannot pick up a mercedes sprinter van by the factory lift points.
Nussbaum is the ONLY one that can without special ordering special arms.

Nussbaum seems like a really nice lift. I like the way the arms articulate to fit just about any situation.

 

[CJM8515]

Be VERY careful lifting a large pick up on a 2 post, depending on where you place the arms you can damaged the frame (if its rotted already) or the truck can fall off. If the truck has a hitch I ALWAYS put a stand under it.



Longer arms can be had for most lifts.

 

[Travis31415]

I think I'm going to fab some structural steel extensions that can bolt on to existing arms. I'm sure that it would be safe enough considering it's the same method they use to construct the arms.

As far as Nussbaum goes, I would love to have a heavy duty 2 post from them. I have a 12k Nussbaum alignment scissor lift that is easily able to handle anything up to 192" wheelbase. It is great quality, but getting parts is difficult and expensive.

 

[Lonnies Performance]

I have an XPR10AS-LP in the wide configuration & yes I wish the arms were about 6" or more longer. If you are a few inches off center, you may have to move the car.

I don't have problems with my 2500HD crew cab, but on smaller cars the it is hard to get far enough under to reach a solid lift point... I typically don't like lifting from the rocker panels.

Three stage arms would be awesome.... hope you are reading this Bendpak.
I'll test a set if you want to prototype them...

 

[Diesel Dan]

Should have contacted Worth about custom build.

 

[Travis31415]

I should have contacted worth. Didn't even know they still existed. They have no internet presence, no online distributors and virtually no available information.

With marketing like that, they must be good they would have gone out of business years ago.

They need to take a page from Mohawk's book and shamelessly self promote.

 

[PAToyota]

Can you add a extension to the arms?

I think I'm going to fab some structural steel extensions that can bolt on to existing arms. I'm sure that it would be safe enough considering it's the same method they use to construct the arms.

Remember that the arms act as a cantilevered beam and as you extend the length of the arms, you're increasing the force on the beam, the lift, and the pullout force on the fasteners holding it to the floor. Try holding something heavy close to your body and then at arm's length to illustrate this. Extending the arms is going to void your warranty and possibly cause a collapse.


https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/cantilever-beams-d_1848.html

 

[Travis31415]

Obviously, extending the arms increases the forces and increases stress at multiple points. However, with a rating of 15000 lbs, the increased forces when lifting an 8000lb vehicle would not be enough to cause any structural damage. Also, any temporary extensions would not void the warranty as there would be no evidence of modifications.

Another thing to remember is that the arms do not extend straight out. They will still extend to the perimeter of the frame, just further forward or backwards. So, the analogy of holding a weight further out is not totally accurate.

As for fastener pullout, that's hardly a concern considering the massive size of the base plate and the overhead crossmember. I also install longer Hilti fasteners on my lifts since I have thick concrete.

 

[posservice01]

I have an XPR10AS-LP in the wide configuration & yes I wish the arms were about 6" or more longer. If you are a few inches off center, you may have to move the car.

I don't have problems with my 2500HD crew cab, but on smaller cars the it is hard to get far enough under to reach a solid lift point... I typically don't like lifting from the rocker panels.

Three stage arms would be awesome.... hope you are reading this Bendpak.
I'll test a set if you want to prototype them...

I have the same Lift and had the same issue and called Bendpak who was extremely helpful in helping me replace one set of arms to 3 stage. This solved the problem for smaller vehicles and larger vehicles.

Just call them and I'm sure they'll be bake to help.

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[Travis31415]

Posservice01,did you get longer rear arms? I already have triple telescoping front arms.

 

[PAToyota]

Obviously...

You may want to run through those calculations...


Forces increase exponentially with distance, so you can quickly exceed capacity by increasing distance. And it's the length of the cantilever that increases the force - it doesn't matter which direction it is going in - straight out or diagonal (ok, so hold a weight out diagonally from your body an equal distance instead of straight in front of you). As for fastener pullout, the size of the baseplate only spreads the load bearing on the floor. Fastener pullout is based on the engaged area of the fastener. It's good that you have longer fasteners and thicker concrete, but the OP may not.


As for the warranty, when the lift is overloaded due to the extra forces on it then it will be obvious to the manufacturer that it was overloaded.

 

[garagelogician]

Probably there is an alternative arm set — I’d call Bendpak. If not, a company like SVI Inc. might make them but you would have to understand they may not be certified or could affect the lift capacity. I bought a pair of bridge jack extension arms for my Bendpak 4 post from them so I can reach the factory jack points on one end if needed (such as when dropping a subframe that contains the usual jack points for the bridge jack). No ladder frame on my BMWs, and my cars weigh less than half the lift rating and each axle bears less than half the bridge jack weight rating.

Parts might be expensive enough that you should just buy a different lift to start with. But if you already have the lift, it is an option. When I had my Atlas 2 post, I wanted to shorten the arms (or cut down the arms) or find triple stage to replace the 2 stage arms to more easily fit my BMWs. I never got to that project.

Do you have any details on that? Cost? I'm looking at getting an HD-7W for my E70 X5. I know Bendpak's arms don't go wide enough to hit the outboard lift points, I'm looking at an alternative manual bridge jack from Greg Smith Equipment that might get close, haven't measured yet to be sure though.

 

[Travis31415]

PAToyota, I am the OP. Yes, forces do increase exponentially with length and will increase at the carriage to arm mounting points. However, forces on the column will not increase in direct proportion to the length of the arms. If they were extended straight out, then it would, but it's not. Also, based on what Poservice01 said, bendpak doesn't have an issue with adding additional length arms, so I think I'm pretty safe on my 10k bendpak. Considering the columns are maybe 1/8" on the bendpak and 5/16" on the 15k, I can be reasonably sure that I'm safe there too. Especially when used well below rated capacity. I'll honestly never lift anything much over 10,000 lbs. I purchased it for the 109" drive through and 15' height.

This has really opened my eyes as far as how to shop for a lift. It seems as though a Rotary SPO10 is probably the best all around lift to purchase when weighing cost/quality/parts/options. I'd say the Worth might be worth a shot, but they haven't returned any requests for information. I won't do business with a company that won't respond quickly to inquiries. It is a precursor to the customer service you will receive if there is a problem.

 

[pbon]

A pair of 9” extension arms from SVI for the Bendpak rj-45 (the older model they will still make by special order for lower ground clearance cars) are $309. My E90M3 needs about 2 more inches each side so these extensions would be more than enough for an E70. The Bendpak bridge jacks are expensive. There is a recent post somewhere here about another company’s jack that supposedly fits and costs much less. Maybe advantage?

 

[Diesel Dan]

I'd say the Worth might be worth a shot, but they haven't returned any requests for information. I won't do business with a company that won't respond quickly to inquiries. It is a precursor to the customer service you will receive if there is a problem.

Had a power unit damaged by the shipper. Worth sent me a new one and dealt with the shipper themselves. Don't recall ever needing support for anything else. No complaints there, just wish they offered 3 stage arms, I'd take a Worth over a Rotary, JMO.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Had a power unit damaged by the shipper. Worth sent me a new one and dealt with the shipper themselves. Don't recall ever needing support for anything else. No complaints there, just wish they offered 3 stage arms, I'd take a Worth over a Rotary, JMO.

Worth is the shipper... The freight company is a carrier.

 

[lugnut71]

You guys have answered some of my questions as well, i am getting ready to buy another rotary spo12 with three stage arms, i have one now with double stage arms, but on a crew long box, its works but there is not enough reach.

 

[Diesel Dan]

Worth is the shipper... The freight company is a carrier.

Correct, the freight company damaged it with a fork lift.

 

[nytronorm]

does the fact that the lift is an Asymmetrical make the issue worse on the rear arms in comparison to a Symmetrical lift?

 

[Travis31415]

Somewhat, since the front arms are shorter. However, even most of the symmetrical lifts have arms that are too short for most long wheelbase vehicles.

 

[NitroShark]

I have a Bendpak XPR10 as the OP but it is a Symmetrical. No problem with the rear arms reaching my Chevy crew cab dually.

 

[JSK]

Are you referring to the TP15KCX model arms being too short? What brand is the TP15KCX? A Tuxedo?

BendPak has a new 12k model with 72" reach triple-telescoping arms. The XPR-12CL-LTA.

Like the others have said, at that capacity, with the increased moment loading, it will be hard to find a lesser priced model/brand with long arms.

 

[pachary]

I should have contacted worth. Didn't even know they still existed. They have no internet presence, no online distributors and virtually no available information.

With marketing like that, they must be good they would have gone out of business years ago.

They need to take a page from Mohawk's book and shamelessly self promote.

I tried to buy a Worth. Sales folks were somewhat "aggressive". In the end, the lead time to delivery, prepayment for "stockish" item and lack of almost ANY internet feedback made me go another direction. If it takes to months to sell nme a new lift, how long would it take for parts/repair items????

One thing I did discover is the company seems to have been bought and sold a few times.

 

[Travis31415]

Are you referring to the TP15KCX model arms being too short? What brand is the TP15KCX? A Tuxedo?

BendPak has a new 12k model with 72" reach triple-telescoping arms. The XPR-12CL-LTA.

Like the others have said, at that capacity, with the increased moment loading, it will be hard to find a lesser priced model/brand with long arms.

I am referring to both of the lifts having arms too short. Yes, the TP15KCX is a Tuxedo.

The bendpak you listed (XPR-12CL-LTA) must be a well built lift since it weigh is at around 1000 lbs more than the XPR-10-AS. It is basically the same weight as the TP15KCX, and that lift makes the XPR-10-AS look silly.

 

[Travis31415]

I tried to buy a Worth. Sales folks were somewhat "aggressive". In the end, the lead time to delivery, prepayment for "stockish" item and lack of almost ANY internet feedback made me go another direction. If it takes to months to sell nme a new lift, how long would it take for parts/repair items????

One thing I did discover is the company seems to have been bought and sold a few times.

I am still waiting on a reply for information. Funny how I can speak with a manufacturer and a distributor for the TP15KCX, get the information I needed, and have the lift delivered and installed in the time it takes Worth to answer an Email.

There is no way in heck I would buy from them.
Me: I need a part.
Them:???
Me: I need it now, I'm losing money.
Them: Oh...
Me: Can I get the part.
Them: In 6-8 weeks.
Me:

 

[JSK]

Email [email protected]

These arm lengths are available for the XPR-10 series models.

23.4 – 43.7
25.4 – 49.4
40.3 – 58
32.3 – 52.5

Maybe think about changing the 43" front arms to the 25.4 – 49.4 arms.

 

[firebirdparts]

does the fact that the lift is an Asymmetrical make the issue worse on the rear arms in comparison to a Symmetrical lift?

The longer arms are going to put more of a strain on the hinge, in particular. If the posts are facing each other like a symmetric lift, then the carriage would be cocked, and so they tend to turn the posts around on a lot of lifts to try to get the carriage pointed at the car's center of gravity. If the columns are not pointed at the car's COG, this is not a huge deal, safety or strain-wise, but it does create a lot of friction between the carriage and the columns.

The unique forces on an asymmetrical lift are not really that interesting except at the hinge pin for the longer arm.

 

[Travis31415]

Email [email protected]

These arm lengths are available for the XPR-10 series models.

23.4 – 43.7
25.4 – 49.4
40.3 – 58
32.3 – 52.5

Maybe think about changing the 43" front arms to the 25.4 – 49.4 arms.

Great information. I wish it were presented to me when ordering. I had no idea there were options.

 

[CAM69]

A pair of 9” extension arms from SVI for the Bendpak rj-45 (the older model they will still make by special order for lower ground clearance cars) are $309. My E90M3 needs about 2 more inches each side so these extensions would be more than enough for an E70. The Bendpak bridge jacks are expensive. There is a recent post somewhere here about another company’s jack that supposedly fits and costs much less. Maybe advantage?

SVI International has now more than doubled the cost of these extensions. Recently was quoted over $650 for a pair of extensions.