Help please...Bendpak HD-9 installation question(s)

[The Wizard]

Hello,

I'm in the middle of installing the HD-9 four post lift. Up to now, the instructions have been pretty poor in some areas but I'll talk about that later once the lift is done. I'd like to use this thread to gain help throughout the install, and to assist future lift buyers.

Right now, I'm stuck on Step 7 (Cable/Sheave installation)
The instructions read, "In order to install the cables it is necessary to first extend the Hydraulic cylinder. Remove both Cylinder port plugs then use an air gun or come-along to extend the cylinder."

I removed both ports as instructed, then tried to use my air gun to get the cylinder to extend, no luck. And I don't have a come-along.

Anyone else have this problem? What did you do to get the cylinder to extend?

Thanks in advance.

James

 

[Harpoon]

I was reading the long thread/survey where the members posted whihc lift they owned and recall one that mentioned similiar help being needed.

The poster said he talked to a guy by name of "Jeff" from Bend Pak who really knew his stuff and they got it done.
I think this was on a weekend too.

He may not be there anymore (Dont recall the date) but I hear BP have first class customer service.
I'd call them.

Good Luck.......

 

[The Wizard]

Let's say I can rent a come-along...how do I know when the cylinder is extended all the way? I think BP should have provided a measurement to go by, or indication of some sort.

In trying to visual everything, it seems the cylinder needs to extend pretty much the whole way to the back of the lift, as the distance from the back of the lift to the cylinder is about 6', the height the lift goes.

 

[ket-tek]

You're likely either not getting enough pressure in the cylinder or your not sealed very well with the blow gun tip.

I assembled 2 HD-9's recently and both cylinders came out fine putting about 120psi thru a small tapered rubber blowgun tip that wedged into the threaded hole real snug. It took a few seconds for the pressure to build enough to start pushing the shaft out.

Also make sure your blowing the rear hole near the pulleys not the front hole where the shaft comes out.

 

[DIC]

Are you leaving the air on long enough ? Your air gun needs to have a rubber tip........

 

[The Wizard]

Thanks Harpoon. If I get stuck during the week, I just might call BendPak for tech support.

You're likely either not getting enough pressure in the cylinder or your not sealed very well with the blow gun tip.

I assembled 2 HD-9's recently and both cylinders came out fine putting about 120psi thru a small tapered rubber blowgun tip that wedged into the threaded hole real snug. It took a few seconds for the pressure to build enough to start pushing the shaft out.

Also make sure your blowing the the rear hole not the front hole where the shaft comes out.

Yup. Bendpak says nor more than 50spi should be used in the air gun. Once I upped it to 75psi, it went out no problem. Thanks for the reply.

Next problem...

Page 16, figure 8.3, it reads, "attach secondary safety spring here only to allow safety to move freely".

First of all, where is "here"?? There is nothing to attach the spring to. I think the want me to undo where it hooks on the bottom pin and let the safety move freely. But, it won't move freely w/o first lifting it a couple inches.....and then I won't have this safety in place...and will only be relying on the primary air line safety...Looks like I'm gonna have to wait until my buddy can come back over as it seems like a 2 person job.

(Step 4. Page 16 )Second, how to tighten the nut on top of the cable at the top of each post? As I try to tighten it, the cable just spins with it. I used ratchets under the primary ramp to create lots of tension in the cables....the cable still spins when I try to tighten the nut... Am I supposed to use vise grips and grab the silver shaft at the top of each post and then tighten? This is about the only thing I can think of.
The darn instructions mention that the cables will still be loose until final adjustment, but don't bother to explain how to stop stuff from spinning...Arrggghhh

 

[The Wizard]

Also, what's the general consensus of hydraulic fluid vs Dexron III ATF?? Is one better than the other? Best place to buy locally? Autozone or??

Regarding the hydraulic line that connects to the motor/pump. The connection is on the left side of the motor, which is right up against my garage wall. In the instructions, it's on the right and this is what I anticipated because I read the instructions before I bought the lift. Since there's a bolt in the mirror image location of the hydraulic port connection, can it be switched? I'd like it on the right side. Probably have to call Bendpak on this one, but maybe one of you guys have experience with this.

 

[ket-tek]

Am I supposed to use vise grips and grab the silver shaft at the top of each post and then tighten?

Yes, clamp the large shaft with a pair of vise grips, and tighten the nut with a 22mm socket.

 

[ket-tek]

Also, what's the general consensus of hydraulic fluid vs Dexron III ATF??

Not gonna make much difference in a clean simple system like a lift pump that generates minimal heat, and has minimal run times. I'm running dextron III as it's considerably cheaper than hydro fluid..

Since there's a bolt in the mirror image location of the hydraulic port connection, can it be switched? .

Yes the front bolts opposite of each other do the same thing. I reversed mine, I'll go take a pic for you.

 

[ket-tek]

Air return line on left side:

Hydro feed line on right side:

 

[The Wizard]

Thanks so much for answering my questions ket-tek and posting pics, helps a ton!

Commencement of the lift building continues tonight....

I really can't have anything on the left side of the pump...especially the air return line/gauge/button. This post is right up against my garage wall. Anyone relocate the air stuff to the right of the pump??

How about the other hydro line ket-tek? That could go on the right side of the pump as well, correct? I don't see why not.

 

[ket-tek]

When you say the 'other' hydro line which are you referring to? Some lifts shipped with two normal hydro hoses one for feed and one for return. But some just shipped with extra air line to use as the hydro cylinder return feed. As there is no fluid that comes out of the rear port only bleed air from the back side of the cylinder piston so a high pressure hydro hose was overkill..

But I don't think you can swap that rear return line to the other side. See how all the other ports are countersunk and use o-ring plugs, those are all high pressure ports. the standard threaded port is for the cylinder return air bleed..

And you can mount the air release button anywhere you like.

Here's a link to Junkman's install writeup the helped me tremendously when installing mine. And there are some pics of his pump setup that show the other hose type used for return that is different than mine in case yours is like that.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23456&highlight=junkman+hd9+bendpak+post

 

[e-tek]

Firstly, Jeff is the VP of Sales/marketing for BP and takes great pride and interest in customer service, esp for GJ members!

Secondly, Don't overthink it !! With a little help from your highly experienced GJ friends, you'll get through it!! Most of us set our up without help and with the same instructions!!!

 

[The Wizard]

When you say the 'other' hydro line which are you referring to?

This is the "other" line I was referring to on the left side of the pump.... Looking at it again, that appears to be an air line, not a hydro line. My bad. Ideally, I'd like everything to be on the right side of the pump, but I can live this hookup as it still allows me to have the post very close to the wall.

Thanks for the additional info, and the link to Junkman's thread. Will read tonight.

 

[The Wizard]

Firstly, Jeff is the VP of Sales/marketing for BP and takes great pride and interest in customer service, esp for GJ members!

Secondly, Don't overthink it !! With a little help from your highly experienced GJ friends, you'll get through it!! Most of us set our up without help and with the same instructions!!!

Thanks for the vote of confidence e-tek! Hopefully tonight I'll make some major headway and not get stuck.

 

[The Wizard]

Still curious about this issue I posted above...

"Page 16, figure 8.3, it reads, "attach secondary safety spring here only to allow safety to move freely".

First of all, where is "here"?? There is nothing to attach the spring to. I think the want me to undo where it hooks on the bottom pin and let the safety move freely. But, it won't move freely w/o first lifting it a couple inches.....and then I won't have this safety in place...and will only be relying on the primary air line safety...Looks like I'm gonna have to wait until my buddy can come back over as it seems like a 2 person job."


Now that I have the cables routed, and the bolts tightened at the top of each post, is it ok to have the cable routed as it should ultimately be over the slack safety sheave? Meaning, the cable is not going straight up and down as shown in Fig 8.3, but with it's natural curve as it goes over the sheave..

Being a Civil Engineer, maybe I'm over thinking this.....

 

[69CHARGERMD]

You might try www.youtube.com as well....
there are a few videos,,,,etc,,,that people have posted on how they installed and built their lifts....

 

[JSK]

In this case a phone call probably best.

Shoot me a PM, and I'll give you ring or send me an email [email protected].

I'm pretty much available around the clock for you GJ'ers.

Jeff
BendPak

 

[e-tek]

JSK to the RESCUE!!!!!

 

[The Wizard]

In this case a phone call probably best.

Shoot me a PM, and I'll give you ring or send me an email [email protected].

I'm pretty much available around the clock for you GJ'ers.

Jeff
BendPak

Jeff,
Email coming your way. I have a few remaining questions prior to finishing the install. Thank you.
James