Backyard Buddy/Advantage Lift Bridge Jack Compatibility - Help Needed

[kngelv]

I have a Backyard Buddy Classic lift. I waited too long to buy a bridge jack and now Advantage which owns Backyard Buddy is not selling them because of the tariffs. Has anyone used a different bridge jack on either a Backyard Buddy or Advantage lift? It's 37" between the rails and 38" between the runways. I called Wildfire because their lift looks like a copy of an Advantage but they were not helpful. I'm fine with a Bendpak or other companies bridge jack as long as it fits. I currently have two rolling jack trays that I use which require an airbag jack and jackstands. It's a bit cumbersome which is why I'd like to get a bridge jack. Thank you.

James

 

[pbon]

Bendpak is too expensive. This is tricky because some roll, some slide, some stuck up more than others, some fit different inner lips. There is a thread in which an alternative is found that fits Bendpak HD7/9. Maybe in that thread there is information on other cross compatible bridge jacks.

 

[kngelv]

Bendpak's RJ45 is available while most others are not. I'm just hoping someone are here has an answer.

James

 

[racecougar]

Many/most of the bridge jacks on the market are set up to be adjustable to fit various runway widths. You'll also find that many/most are made by just a few different manufacturers and then rebranded and sold under myriad brand names. IIRC, mine were branded as "Tuxedo".

 

[lovebohn]

Does that slide very well? Is that 4500 lbs rated, seems like a lot of weight on 4 small stress points.

 

[racecougar]

Does that slide very well? Is that 4500 lbs rated, seems like a lot of weight on 4 small stress points.

Assuming that is directed to my post, yes it slides well. Of course the roller type would be easier to move, but these aren't difficult to slide. The one shown above is rated for 3500 lbs. I thought the same until I saw one in person; they are beefy. IIRC, each bridge jack unit is over 300 lbs. The flat stock that provides the support is likely 2" x 1/2" (I say likely, because I haven't thought to measure it).

I've used the heck out of mine over the years; not once have they felt at all sketchy. I cannot say the same for using a bottle jack on a jack tray. I did that for awhile to get by, but I never felt it was particularly safe.

 

[mcj115]

I have had the same generic 3500 lb lift pictured above on my BackYard buddy for the past six years. I was purchased from the importer Greg Smith which I now believe is Atlas. The brand tag says Friendship RJ-3500 rated at 3500 lbs....but I think these come from only a few factories so insert another brand name.. While it is "RJ" is is a slider. I prefer the slider as it is stable. It really only contacts on the two horizontal surfaces ( the two vertical surfaces are more guides with no direct contact with the runway). It rides on some delrin pads, so it take a little to slide it but once moving it is easy to position.

My only gripe with the jack is that the lift if "low" I was helping my neighbor put on torsion keys on his F150. With the truck stock the jack, with both extensions, barely lifted the front wheels off the ramps, with the truck lifted the jack didn't raise enough..so I needed to stick some 2x4 between the jack pads and the truck.

 

[racecougar]

If you were to work on lifted trucks often, I'd turn a set of extensions. I made these for solid axle vehicles; they cradle the axle tubes and can't slip off like the flat pads.

 

[Skellyii]

If you were to work on lifted trucks often, I'd turn a set of extensions. I made these for solid axle vehicles; they cradle the axle tubes and can't slip off like the flat pads.

@racecougar, you'd be a rich man if you mass produced those.

 

[kngelv]

Well I finally got a bridge jack. Lubed the rollers and installed it yesterday but have not used it yet. Advantage finally got some in stock and they gave me a nice discount. I'm still setting up my new garage so it will be a week or two before I use the lift.

James

 

[Burl]

I bought the same jack when I bought my lift, about 10 years ago. I"ve replaced the cylinder in the jack twice (once under warranty) and the pump has been leaking for about 2 years now. Good luck with yours.

 

[denis4x4]

Well I finally got a bridge jack. Lubed the rollers and installed it yesterday but have not used it yet. Advantage finally got some in stock and they gave me a nice discount. I'm still setting up my new garage so it will be a week or two before I use the lift.

James

I bought my Backyard Buddy 20+ years ago for $1800 at a Goodguys show and had one upgrade on the locking cogs. I don't have the rails that you show in the photo.

 

[Rc_Guy]

If anyone is looking for a nice lift.

Need shop with more ceiling height though.

Lift for sale

 

[Skellyii]

If anyone is looking for a nice lift.

Need shop with more ceiling height though.

Lift for sale

Damn!

I have the height, I want it, but it would just encourage me to buy more cars.

 

[kbuhagiar]

Damn!

I have the height, I want it, but it would just encourage me to buy more cars.

Yup...chicken vs. egg thing.

No matter what, always too many cars and never enough garage space.