Did I get a junk 4 post car lift?

[dadson_garage]

Hi, I'm new to the forum and would love to get some feedback on this lift I had installed.

I waited like 3 months to get a Direct 4 Pro Park 8S post lift here in Minnesota. They finally came to install it mid December, the first install the posts were not plumb, second time the manager came out and spent 3 hours fixing what the 2 installers messed up. I finally had time to do a close inspection and test the lift, and I noticed a lot of rust in the corners and some rust on various unpainted parts. I'm pretty sure this is unacceptable and plan ask for a refund or new lift, but wanted to get your thoughts on these pictures. Did your Direct lifts have any rust? It seems to me like something that is going to hold 4000 lbs in the air should have zero rust even if it's surface rust.

I have lots of pictures in my Drive folder here but I also attached some of the areas I thought were the worst.

Lift - Google Drive

drive.google.com

 

[aggie113]

Maybe someone on the boat left a hatch open and some salt air got to it? Can you take a wire brush to the parts and clean it off easily? If the parts aren't showing bad pitting I'd not worry about. I certainly wouldn't ask for a new lift if it's structurally sound. You'd likely be waiting several months for it. Perhaps ask for a slight rebate from the reseller?

 

[bigdav160]

It wouldn't bother me a bit but I am not picky either. Spray some paint on it if it bothers you

 

[65ranchero]

You have better thing to worry about!
As others have said, wipe it off and spray it with paint or POR

 

[kelpaso1]

Can we not expect better quality on something you spend thousands on? Seems everything these days is just cheap **** that the manufacturers can get away with. What happened to pride over profit?

 

[BillK]

It probably wont hurt anything but personally if I spent that type of money on anything I would not be happy seeing any rust at all. Especially when their web page says it is powder coated.

Then again a Bend Pak and a few others I found are all almost 2K more expensive. Maybe we get what we pay for ?

 

[58Yeoman]

If they did a lousy paint job, what else did they scimp on? Welds? Companies no longer give a **** about their products.

 

[jack stand]

That could have been caused by a few hours on a salty highway in the winter on a flatbed truck.
I really wouldn't worry about it. The paint could have been better, but what would it cost?

 

[dadson_garage]

That could have been caused by a few hours on a salty highway in the winter on a flatbed truck.
I really wouldn't worry about it. The paint could have been better, but what would it cost?

Yeah when they first installed it, there was some rust on the edge of the runway and the guy said it's because the latest batch came on open flat bed trucks instead of containers. The rust I saw on top seemed superficial so I didn't think much of it until I saw the bottom. It was my understanding of rust that once it starts it will continue so I wasn't sure how much to be concerned. Some of the rust seems like its on important pieces like the nuts that hold the ends of the cables? I guess I'll try to wire brush it off but I really shouldn't have to do that to a new product. So frustrating. I don't think I would recommend Direct lift if this is their quality. I heard good things about them and didn't want to do 220v for Bendpak.

 

[BillK]

That could have been caused by a few hours on a salty highway in the winter on a flatbed truck.
I really wouldn't worry about it. The paint could have been better, but what would it cost?

It shouldnt have if it was indeed powder coated like their website says it is.

 

[unslow1]

Would I be happy about it? No, but I've seen worse than that under $80K trucks still sitting new on the lot. Personally I'd clean it up but wouldn't be calling anyone over it.

 

[firebirdparts]

It’s not going to rust any more in the shop.

 

[haveissues]

You could try to get them to exchange it but I doubt the new one you get will be better. It wont get beyond superficial inside your garage but if it bothers you I would hit it with a rattle can.

 

[Sarki]

Yeah when they first installed it, there was some rust on the edge of the runway and the guy said it's because the latest batch came on open flat bed trucks instead of containers. The rust I saw on top seemed superficial so I didn't think much of it until I saw the bottom. It was my understanding of rust that once it starts it will continue so I wasn't sure how much to be concerned. Some of the rust seems like its on important pieces like the nuts that hold the ends of the cables? I guess I'll try to wire brush it off but I really shouldn't have to do that to a new product. So frustrating. I don't think I would recommend Direct lift if this is their quality. I heard good things about them and didn't want to do 220v for Bendpak.

When I bought my Bendpak 4 post HD-9 about 5 years ago I had a choice of going with standard 110 or 220. I went with 220 as it lifts a bit faster than 110.
Regarding the rust noted in your pictures, like others have said it shouldn’t get any worse while in your garage.
But yeah, it ***** that it was delivered that way but it appears to be only a cosmetic issue to me.

 

[finn]

This is a “competitively priced “ lift in a very competitive market. You could have spent double what that lift cost, and it would have had the same certification and possibly a little better fit and finish, but I wouldn’t even call what I see in the pictures rust.

Clean it up with a rag soaked in WD40, and maybe a little steel wool.

Looks like transportation induced blemishes to me.

 

[Noltz]

The rust is insignificant. I'm hoping you got a really good deal on the lift and can wipe down the surface rust with some fluid film. If it's truly unsatisfactory and are going to demand a refund look into a higher quality lift.

Do not click this link unless you're sending that machine back. I have no issues using a cheaper solution for a problem but only if you're going to be happy with the machine @ the price you paid. Like a rifle; There's $200 deer guns and there's $2000 deer guns. Both will put food on the table.

 

[Viper98912]

I'd just scrub it off and spray or paint and it'll be good

 

[brownbagg]

mine been outside since 2005, its not going hurt it.

 

[dadson_garage]

Ok thanks everyone, I'll try to wire brush some of this and use a rag with WD 40. I paid $4300 installed without anchoring into the floor.

 

[i4ni]

Spray with Cosmoline and forget

 

[zkdiesel]

You bought a cheap *** lift
You got cheap *** results
End of story

 

[ambenz]

Given the nature of the equipment, the price point, and the fact the owner of the company came out to make your install right and safe to diminish his liability, you can't ask much more than that, honestly.
These structures are heavy, over engineered, hunks of metal prone to get scrapes and bruised during shipping because of weight and bulk.
The bare metal is gonna get surface rust in spots if stored in a wet salty place for just a short time.
Most here are on point....I think you will find you got a fair shake for what it is.

 

[Cairo94507]

I would hit it with some WD40 and wipe it clean. Probably fine.

 

[dagofast]

I completely understand your feelings about seeing that on your brand new lift. As an installer, I would have cleaned those spots up. The manager for sure should have done it and then spoken to his installers about not doing it. That's like delivering a new car without washing it and filling up the gas tank before the customer takes delivery. It's business 101.

On the other side of the coin, like others have pointed out, it's just flash rust on a surface. Most of it will wipe right off with an oily rag. And at $4300 installed you got a helleva good deal. Lift prices have gone through the roof in the last couple of years.

 

[boxster99t]

I just had a standard 8 delivered and installed Dec 1, 2021 in NE TX (110 miles east of Dallas)--installer was recommended by Derek Weaver in Fort Worth, and everything was great--lift actually sat in DW's warehouse for a month waiting on the purchaser to have his new garage construction complete, and he eventually gave it up to the next person in line, who was me. Your price is about what I paid (I also bought the bridge jack with mine) and I'm told the price went up. I don't have any rust like yours, and be realistic, they're not going to take it back. I wouldn't call it a helleva price (it's market based on what that lift was going for back in August when I ordered--here in TX the wait is out past February last I knew to get one, but I think MN is a different distribution center--be happy you got it). As others said, my guess is it can all be cleaned up.

 

[Firebrick43]

I would hit it with some WD40 and wipe it clean. Probably fine.

You know wd40 is about the absolute worst rust preventive made right?

Spray it with boeshild/fluidfilm/woolwax

 

[finn]

You know wd40 is about the absolute worst rust preventive made right?

Spray it with boeshild/fluidfilm/woolwax

I have probably a half dozen “rust preventatives” in the cabinet, including Fluid Film.

In the case, WD40 will be fine. I usually don’t use it much, but everyone knows what it is. Sort of a generic term now, much like Kleenex is to facial tissue. He’s really using it as a cleaner and light oil coating. It’s not out in the weather, and WD40, or similar, isn’t as messy as Fluid Film.

Most of what he’s dealing with isn’t substantial.

 

[Firebrick43]

I have probably a half dozen “rust preventatives” in the cabinet, including Fluid Film.

In the case, WD40 will be fine. I usually don’t use it much, but everyone knows what it is. Sort of a generic term now, much like Kleenex is to facial tissue. He’s really using it as a cleaner and light oil coating. It’s not out in the weather, and WD40, or similar, isn’t as messy as Fluid Film.

Most of what he’s dealing with isn’t substantial.

I guess if he isn't ever going to drive a car up on it that has been driven on Minnesota salty roads.

 

[FMB4]

Can we not expect better quality on something you spend thousands on? Seems everything these days is just cheap **** that the manufacturers can get away with. What happened to pride over profit?

Take a look at the underside of all of the big 3 US vehicles, of any age, and get back to us.

 

[rancherbill]

I noticed a lot of rust in the corners and some rust on various ....

I looked on their website and the lift is powder coated so that must be the new powder coated rust I have been hearing about.

I'd be bitching - it's supposed to be powder coated.

 

[finn]

Take a look at the underside of all of the big 3 US vehicles, of any age, and get back to us.

Don’t limit it to the Big 3. Plenty of Nissans, Toyota’s, and especially Subarus around for sale as parts only because of corroded and subsequently missing suspension mounting points.

 

[ltusler]

Ok thanks everyone, I'll try to wire brush some of this and use a rag with WD 40. I paid $4300 installed without anchoring into the floor.

If you want to anchor it to the floor, PM me, I have the proper drill and bits. Anchors are a couple bucks apiece.

 

[jhelrey]

Wait until you get brake cleaner, brake fluid, or DEF on it...

 

[finn]

Wait until you get brake cleaner, brake fluid, or DEF on it...

When the op complained about rust, my mind was picturing something in the order of that on the used two post Rotary the other thread complaining about the YouTube guy making the sketchy slab had.

That’s some serious rust, but no worse than what I see in many working shops.

 

[theegovernor]

People chasing lowest prices possible on lifts. Other manufactures have had too make changes to stay competitive in price.

 

[naim]

I've heard that:
So if you have not heard part of the problem is you have these shipping container vessels sitting off shore for an extended time (is it weeks) before they can unload the shipping containers.
These shipping containers have a bags of desiccant (you know, like the little bags you see in packages when you get your electronics) but for shipping containers. These bags are rated for X number of days, well with the ships sitting offshore longer than expected, the bags are going past the X days of usefulness and the contents of the container are then getting destroyed for the humidity.
The one thing that gets me thinking now is that by now they should be able to factor in the delayed offload times.. (Maybe this was initially).

BTW, with your lift I'd say that was probably caused by being shipped to Minnesota (open flatbed) during the winter.
Like the others said, clean it, put something to prevent further rusting.
I'd call the place you bought it and explain your dissatisfaction but understanding, and say you'd hope they give you a good deal on a bridge jack or some other accessory when/if you buy it in the future.

 

[Viper98912]

Man, some fairly harsh comments in here about some lower end lifts. Because it's not well documented that some of those high end guys have had a few issues as well....

(i.e. no need to bash the OP's choice as this can happen to the expensive guys as well)

 

[finn]

Not too many bashing his vendor choice. I’m sure it will be fully functional.

Having said that, there’s no comparison between the fit and finish of my Bendpak two post and my Advantage four post lifts. The Advantage has much thicker and more uniform coatings. The Advantage lifts stayed on my trailer for several weeks, through a couple of rainy days, but neither brand saw any road salt.

Neither was rusty, but I can see that happening more readily on the BP than the Advantage, the finish and packaging being that much better with the Advantage.


It also cost more, although price is no guarantee of quality. I can’t comment on the overall quality of the finish on the overall quality of the op’s lift from a few pictures.

 

[nadogail]

If you expect to receive a top dollar product and service for a bottom dollar price you are setting your self up for disappointment

 

[CN Spots]

The cables and those crimped on ends are not powder coated. I don't think they ever are.

The rust in the other places looks like where two pieces of metal are joined/butted together and the powder coating wasn't able to get into the crevices but a little water did. The steel flash rusted but that's it. Spray it with CLR and smear some gp grease in those gaps and wipe off the excess.