4 Post lift with Pro 4500 Jack flexing? Normal?
- Thread starter blwnmax
- Start date
e-tek
Well-known member
My lift flexes a tin bit, but not 1/2inch - are you sure some of it ins't just it settling with the load?
I'm measuring it with a car on the jack. I just don't know if it's normal for a lift to flex this much.
Thanks
Junkman
Well-known member
Flexing of steel is normal, however, the amount of flexing is the real question that needs to be answered. An 1/8" flex might be considered normal and acceptable, and 1/2" might be considered excessive, and dangerous. I suggest that you contact the manufacturer and see what guidance they give you. I know that my Bend Pak HD9 with a 7000+ pound vehicle on it, being lifted with the Bend Pak rolling jack showed no perceivable flexing at all. What is the rating of the lift, and what is the weight of the vehicle that you are putting on the lift?
ovilla
Well-known member
What exactly are you lifting? Also, how are you measuring the flexing?
It's a backyard buddy 7000# extended height lift. The car I'm lifting is about 3300#? Trying to contact them is near impossible. I've emailed them numerous times and they never respond.
It's about 3300#'s and I'm measuring the lift at the "tracks" where the jack rolls on. and when I have the jack loaded with the car on it I measure it again.
ovilla
Well-known member
blwnmax - Call the main Backyard buddy number (the one used to get info or place an actual order). That should hopefully put you in touch with a live person right away. Anyway, 3,300 lbs does not sound like a lot and shouldn't really be stressing things. How old is this lift and by chance did you do any damage to it trying to lift somethig else beforehand? I'm just thinking that something else could have damaged a ramp, even though you may just be noticing it now. A 7,000 lb lifting capability sounds like a lot but any full size truck (like an Avalanche can easily get close to that amount - think they're around 6,000 lbs with a full tank). Anyway, let us know what happens here. Hopefully, you can at least get some replacement ramps if it's still under warranty.
Junkman
Well-known member
He said that it is flexing, not bent. If it is truly flexing, then there is a serious defect in the construction, the steel, or both. I am assuming that he has checked it with on load, and that it is totally flat. Put a load on the runway, and it flexes 1/2".. To me, that is not acceptable.. Assuming 16' runways, that is 1/2" in 8 feet!!!!!!
Junkman
Well-known member
No.... whenever you notice a possible defect, then you have ever right to know if it is a defect or a perceived defect. I wouldn't ever tell someone that "the lift isn't going anywhere", since there could be a possible defect that they are not aware of. It won't be the first time that the end user finds a defect that the manufacturer isn't aware of. Pull a string line on the runway when it is empty, and when it is loaded, and take the measurements. If there is deflection, let us know. Then let them know by certified mail, return receipt requested.
I'll pull a line and take pics. and see how much it flexes.
lis
Member
I've seen some flex- and twist (~3 degrees under load) in my HD9-XW. I sent pics of the twist to Bend Pak, and was told it was within spec.
Junkman
Well-known member
I haven't seen any flexing or twisting of my HD9XW, and that is with my 7500# ambulance on it.. It is rock solid, and straight as an arrow. 
rcleaver
Well-known member
I'm assuming you plan on showing the deflection under load with a ruler in the pic to measure the distance to the line. Graphical proof is tough to deny.
If you continue to use the lift I'd recommend supporting the ramps with jacks or a cut-to-fit 2x4 until your satisfied that there is no defect.
By all means be suspicious -- it's in their interest (not yours) to tell you it's not a problem. Most states have a consumer advocacy organization that can help. I've used them before. They are able to get the vendor's attention very quickly to resolve your issue.