Greg Smith Equipment - Atlas PVL-10

[Glory]

I have not seen much posted in this lift and figured I would share my experience with my purchase from Greg Smith Equipment (GSE).

I ordered from GSE via Amazon on Aug. 1st this year and received it on the 13th.
Not bad at all.

Upon receiving it at my business address (had to be delivered to a commercial site to qualify for the free shipping) I immediately noticed the damage to the 2 steel frames they use to lock it all together on the pallet. The steel brackets were sorta mangled. I figured those brackets were made to get beat up since they were only for shipping. Loaded on the trailer and brought it home.
Could be bad.

I emailed GSE and notified them of the damage.

Got it moved back to my new shop and as I inspected it further, under the protective shrink plastic wrap, I could see the powder coat scared up pretty well.
For what I paid, I don’t think this is good.

Took a few pics. Waiting to hear back from GSE to see what they have to say.

What do you guys think is a reasonable expectation on this?

 

[pbon]

You are complaining about scraped paint? My bendpak Hd-9xw was way worse. Probably the forklift operators from the shipping company in my case. You picked yours up from a showroom so that happened while on the way to Greg smith or at Greg Smith. My first lift was Greg Smith Atlas BP8. I liked it. Good company to support.

 

[jbwilkins]

It's probably damage from the carrier, either GS or yourself will have to file a claim with them depending on the shipping terms.....

Of course you noted the damage on the Bill of Lading when your received it, correct??

 

[Glory]

The unit was delivered by freight to my NV address from one of their Midwest stores.

GSE advertised this model lift as having “Higher quality powder coating” than the standard Atlas lifts. It’s not scratched paint, it’s gouged and chipped powder coat.

So the extra money I paid for the advertised feature of “Higher quality powder coating” has zero value as a consumer because the finish is destroyed during shipping?
On their webpage under the “Exclusive Features” tab:
https://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Atlas-Platinum-PVL10

Trying to gauge others experiences and learn what is considered reasonable damage with this type of equipment.

Thanks for your reply’s

 

[Bad00SS]

That's forklift damage. I was lucky because I was the one who used the forklift to unload mine to my car trailer. My Atlas Pro-9D was wrapped in cardboard really good to protect the paint. Did this have any covering on it at all? Greg smith equipment has been awesome in any dealings with them. I'm sure they will take care of you.

 

[Glory]

That's forklift damage. I was lucky because I was the one who used the forklift to unload mine to my car trailer. My Atlas Pro-9D was wrapped in cardboard really good to protect the paint. Did this have any covering on it at all? Greg smith equipment has been awesome in any dealings with them. I'm sure they will take care of you.

Yes it had been wrapped in plastic so none of the marks could really be observed until after it had been unloaded. The damage wasn’t done unloading it from the freight truck, it happened before it arrived.

Appreciate the feedback, I’ll update the thread on working w/ GSE on this issue.

 

[Kaizen]

I got my 10k from their warehouse and unloaded here myself. Not a scratch besides some small rubs. What you have is not machine affecting but also not acceptable. Someone moved it from the side and not the end as it should have been. They will make it right.


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[mike93lx]

Sounds like a replacement is what you'll need to be happy and I can't blame you. I would go for that.

If it was me, I'd start there and maybe be willing to settle for having the paint repaired at my house

 

[vavet]

What do you want them to do?
That's not a baiting question, although it might be rhetorical at this point.
Do you want a partial refund? Do you want a new unit? How about a credit towards a future purchase? How much?
You have to have an idea of what you think the damage is worth so you know if you're satisfied with their offer.

 

[Jazzman442]

This is exactly why I bought a Higher end Lift. I have read countless reviews on this site about Bend Pack and Atlas. I did not want to go through the hassle with China ****. I kno wI annot trying to argue just stating what I know.

 

[PCMusicGuy]

Honestly, it doesn't matter whether it is a cheap lift or an expensive lift. We need to hold companies to a higher standard.

I understand the argument about it just being cosmetic damage, but this looks a bit excessive. If they would be willing to refund at least 30%, well then I could convinced to keep it and touch it up. If not, I would ask for a replacement lift and that they can come get the damaged one.

When I ordered my Lista cabinets from Motorhead Extraordinare, they had damage on them. They sent another set and they had damage on them as well. I mixed and matched parts between them to create "as good as it will get" and got a small refund for the trouble. They were inadequately packaged or mishandled while shipping or both.

The only large, heavy equipment I've had delivered successfully 100% damage free was a workbench from Formaspace. They charged $500 for shipping, but the bench was in a custom built wooden crate with thin rolled foam between every part of the bench and the crate.

 

[Kristen]

That definitely looks like powder-coat (vs. paint) and it must have taken a good beating to chip sections off. This lift is on my shortlist, so I'm quite interested in hearing how your situation gets resolved. I'd love to see some more pictures if you unpack it further and get it setup. I'm down to this, the Challenger CL10V3 and the Bendpak XPR-10A-LP.

 

[Lucid Moments]

I've got this lift too, and have had no problems with it. I had it picked up from their warehouse by the installed so didn't have to deal with shipping.

 

[Glory]

Thank you guys for the opinions and information.

So I got in touch with GSE internet sales dept and had the pleasure of dealing with Kelly Mills.

Kelly not only heads up their internet sales but she also manages one of their stores.

She was extremely knowledgeable and after seeing the pics she didn’t hesitate and went to bat to her higher ups to offer a way to make it right.

Long story short, she earned GSE a perfect score on the customer service scale.

Plan to install the lift this weekend, I’ll update the thread when I get time.

 

[TTMotorsports]

Just ordered a atlas bp12000 from them today. I asked the rep about what happens is paint is chipped or damaged in shipping. He said they would offer refund on shipping or replacement. So around 400 bux for my lift in refund or replacement lift sent out if too bad.

 

[Glory]

I had a friend help me install the lift last weekend. Instruction book was missing detail in a few areas but we got it figured out.

What I learned is the power unit can be installed on either side, depending on how you configure the columns.

I decided to set it up asymmetrically, this unit can be setup either way.

GSE shipped out the parts that were lost or damaged, I received them quickly.

 

[Kaizen]

Good it worked out. I scratched my head on a few things and had to install some things twice.


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[Glory]

Little cheap insurance to any guys planning to install a lift. I purchased a 30amp pilot lighted toggle switch and wired it in the motor circuit. Found the switch cover on Amazon.

 

[Lucid Moments]

Little cheap insurance to any guys planning to install a lift. I purchased a 30amp pilot lighted toggle switch and wired it in the motor circuit. Found the switch cover on Amazon.

I am curious what the point of this is? Does it deactivate the factory switch?

 

[Glory]

I am curious what the point of this is? Does it deactivate the factory switch?

Yes deactivates the factory switch.

The switch intercepts the line side feeding the motor. Kill the power by hitting the switch, the switch has the added pilot light that goes out when the power is switched off.

I used these lighted switches on every piece of motor driven equipment in the shop. It’s a visual reminder that helps me verify power is off when leaving.

 

[Lucid Moments]

Yes deactivates the factory switch.

The switch intercepts the line side feeding the motor. Kill the power by hitting the switch, the switch has the added pilot light that goes out when the power is switched off.

I used these lighted switches on every piece of motor driven equipment in the shop. It’s a visual reminder that helps me verify power is off when leaving.

Okay so now I know what it does, but I am still curious why? Are there issues these switches (the factory switches on the lift) being activated accidentally? Or failing in the "on" position? I am not bashing you BTW, I am trying to gather information and assess the potential risk. I have two of these lifts.

 

[Kaizen]

Okay so now I know what it does, but I am still curious why? Are there issues these switches (the factory switches on the lift) being activated accidentally? Or failing in the "on" position? I am not bashing you BTW, I am trying to gather information and assess the potential risk. I have two of these lifts.

There have been stories of it running without the button down. Like it gets stuck.


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[Kaizen]

Little cheap insurance to any guys planning to install a lift. I purchased a 30amp pilot lighted toggle switch and wired it in the motor circuit. Found the switch cover on Amazon.

I’ve never seen a 30amp switch. Are both hot legs connected through it?


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[minytrker]

Little cheap insurance to any guys planning to install a lift. I purchased a 30amp pilot lighted toggle switch and wired it in the motor circuit. Found the switch cover on Amazon.

I ended up putting 30amp cutoff switches (like for AC units) on my lifts after I had one hang going up. Luckily you can get to breaker box easily and I have everything labeled so it was easy to switch off. Ended up being something bad in the motor where it wouldnt turn off properly. This was on a expensive certified lift. The shutoff shift is a nice piece of mind after that happening.

 

[Fasthotrod]

I installed an inexpensive safety switch, along with some 30A fuses. Cheap insurance.

 

[tff]

This is what I did.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=902762&d=1560822004

 

[Glory]

The reason for the toggle switch was to provide a cut off for the power if the factory momentary switch failed in the on position.

This is a 30 amp switch. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ATX2KS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[SJW]

Having a power shutoff switch is an excellent idea.

I knew a guy who had a low ceiling with a 4 post lift. When raising the lift with a vehicle on it, he watched the top of the vehicle and released the Up button when it got close. Naturally, one time some component didn't work right and the lift didn't stop going up when he released the Up button. He has a power shutoff switch now.

Also, when doing maintenance on the lift, it's an additional safeguard to ensure that power doesn't come on at the wrong time.

 

[TTMotorsports]

If you hold the release handle while its running does it bypass and not go up anymore?

 

[Kaizen]

If you hold the release handle while its running does it bypass and not go up anymore?

No the release only releases the locks. The motor would still push the hydraulic cylinder up


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[TTMotorsports]

No the release only releases the locks. The motor would still push the hydraulic cylinder up


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I'm talking the bleed lever on the motor as well. Not the lock lever

 

[bad_idea]

Thank you guys for the opinions and information.

So I got in touch with GSE internet sales dept and had the pleasure of dealing with Kelly Mills.

Kelly not only heads up their internet sales but she also manages one of their stores.

She was extremely knowledgeable and after seeing the pics she didn’t hesitate and went to bat to her higher ups to offer a way to make it right.

Long story short, she earned GSE a perfect score on the customer service scale.

Plan to install the lift this weekend, I’ll update the thread when I get time.

Glad they resolved it satisfactorily for you. What exactly did they do? I will be in the market for a lift soon and would like to know what kind of service to expect from them. Thanks.

 

[Kaizen]

I'm talking the bleed lever on the motor as well. Not the lock lever

Never tried that with motor running. Guessing motor will win over gravity pumping more in then could bleed out


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[TTMotorsports]

Never tried that with motor running. Guessing motor will win over gravity pumping more in then could bleed out


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Just tested it on my atlas lift and my dannmar and both will not go up OR down when bleed lever is pushed and motor is running. So you could hold lever and have someone trip the breaker worse case

 

[Kaizen]

Just tested it on my atlas lift and my dannmar and both will not go up OR down when bleed lever is pushed and motor is running. So you could hold lever and have someone trip the breaker worse case

Lol unless you were alone.


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[Glory]

Just tested it on my atlas lift and my dannmar and both will not go up OR down when bleed lever is pushed and motor is running. So you could hold lever and have someone trip the breaker worse case

I wouldn’t worry about it, if your ceilings are tall.
I simply did the switch because I always put some sort of disconnect on motors.

But then again, it looks like your into desert racing and anyone who’s been around that sport knows....
impossible **** happens when you least expect it. I did retrieval for years for SNORE and Casey’s BITD

Anyways I think it came out clean and I’m into it for less than $25.

 

[signcrafter]

Thank you guys for the opinions and information.

So I got in touch with GSE internet sales dept and had the pleasure of dealing with Kelly Mills.

Kelly not only heads up their internet sales but she also manages one of their stores.

She was extremely knowledgeable and after seeing the pics she didn’t hesitate and went to bat to her higher ups to offer a way to make it right.

Long story short, she earned GSE a perfect score on the customer service scale.

Plan to install the lift this weekend, I’ll update the thread when I get time.

I had the pleasure of meeting Kelly last week at the Grimes, Iowa location that she works at. They have a little show room set up in the warehouse with some lifts and tire machines and other equipment you can look at. Called her yesterday and ordered a tire machine that will be here next week. Glad to hear that she took care of you.

 

[Low50s]

I had a friend help me install the lift last weekend. Instruction book was missing detail in a few areas but we got it figured out.

What I learned is the power unit can be installed on either side, depending on how you configure the columns.

I decided to set it up asymmetrically, this unit can be setup either way.

GSE shipped out the parts that were lost or damaged, I received them quickly.

anymore pics of the overhead stop bar install? I am in the process of putting mine up and I agree the instructions are very vague or copy and paste from others

 

[Kaizen]

anymore pics of the overhead stop bar install? I am in the process of putting mine up and I agree the instructions are very vague or copy and paste from others

Yea I had problems with the bar as well. Hopefully you have the same design.



And with bar engaged



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[Low50s]

Yea I had problems with the bar as well. Hopefully you have the same design.



And with bar engaged



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Ya mine is different than this the platinum uses a pipe that has some kind of float switch on the end