Bendpak 4 Post Install Question

[lovebohn]

I have been reading through the install manual for my HD-9XW lift and one odd thing I noticed was the need to have the posts standing upright and lifting the cross tube over the top and then dropping it down to the bottom of the posts. I'm going to lay my posts at a 45 degree angle supported with saw horses and do it that way. Then drop each ladder in. Any reason not to?

The other area was the next step with the runways. Why do you need to lift the cross tubes up to 66" and then lift the runways up to bolt them on? Why not at 24" or so which gives you enough room to install the cables under each side but save you from hoisting them so high? Does it have to do with the position of the hydraulic ram and cable lengths?

Please let me know if I'm missing something obvious.

 

[James E]

You can lay the posts down horizontally and slide the cross-tubes over them, then stand them up. No reason to do it with the posts upright.

As for having the ramps at 66", I don't remember any specific reason to have them at exactly that height but it is MUCH easier to install the pulleys and string the cables with the ramps up high in the air, versus down low, where you'll be on your back and scooting all around underneath.

 

[Cryptic1911]

Absolutely lay them down, and drop the cross bar in. I don't know who came up with that instruction manual, but they should be slapped

I installed the pullies and cables on mine laying on a creeper with it about 2ft up. There's no need for 66".

Also, when you do get the cables on, use a few ratchet straps to pull the cable carriage back to put some tension on the cables, otherwise they are going to want to fall off of the pullies. You don't have to have a shitload, just enough to keep them taught. Once you prime the hydraulic fluid and the piston starts moving, it will drop the tension off the straps, and you can remove them

 

[Cryptic1911]

Some pics I took when doing ours that will help you visualize

 

[Junkman]

This thread goes back 5 years, and it shows how I assembled my lift with the help of a GJ member. It should help you to better understand the process. I have helped other GJ members to install the lifts in the past, and the one thing that I have noticed through the years, is the improvements that have been made since I purchased my first one. I foolishly thought that the size that I purchased would be big enough, and then I would buy a bigger vehicle that required more room. This is the install of my final purchase of a BendPak 4 post lift.... unless they come out with something longer.

 

[LX-Markham]

can't imagine installing it with the posts up already.
as everyone else has said: lay it on the ground and 2 people to tilt it up.
like a good 'ol barn raising!

 

[lovebohn]

LX -Markham did you keep your lift that close to the wall? I'm debating on doing the same thing and just backing my car on? It would save me a few more feet in garage space.

 

[Cougar]

You came to the right place.
I got lots of good advice here.

I used a snowmobile dolly to put the cross tubes in.
Engine hoist to lift them.

 

[LX-Markham]

LX -Markham did you keep your lift that close to the wall? I'm debating on doing the same thing and just backing my car on? It would save me a few more feet in garage space.

Yes, that is where the back posts were installed, right in the corner of the garage. The double-wide HD9WSX fit like a glove in my garage, like it was made for it.

 

[LX-Markham]

Cougar: that's some innovative thinking. Work smarter, not harder.

 

[lovebohn]

You came to the right place.
I got lots of good advice here.

I used a snowmobile dolly to put the cross tubes in.
Engine hoist to lift them.

Nice to see another Cheesehead with a Bendpak 4 post.

 

[Cougar]

Cougar: that's some innovative thinking. Work smarter, not harder.

Got the ideas from GJ members.
Install would have taken longer and been more difficult if I hadn't checked here first.

Nice to see another Cheesehead with a Bendpak 4 post.

Hey.
Where abouts are you located.

Did you get started on the lift.

 

[lovebohn]

Wisc Rapids.

Half there we had a problem with what I ordered and what was sent so I'm waiting for the correct part to come on Tuesday.