Bendpak decision: Good, Bad & Ugly

[brownbagg]

i dont think Bendpak lifts are bad compaired to other similar built lifts, but their customer services *****, ***** the big one, some of the people on the other end of the phone are as dumb as a bag of rocks. When the motor went out, the flatly refuse to help me and said the only way was buy a new motor and pump assemble. That they favorite quote, replace the whole item. so I went to their supplier and they gladly just sold me the motor

Now i got a blown seal and bendpak quote, ' we dont have service parts, you got buy a new cylinder" its like they build lift from other suppliers with the cheapest part available.

 

[Matt M PA]

Another happy HD9 owner. Mine was delivered to a friend's shop who has a forklift and brought to my house on their rollback.

I had a question or two while assembling mine, but tech help was good. There were a couple scratches caused during shipping which didn't suprise me considering the size and weight of the item. The included touch-up paint made short work of that.

One complaint would be the bolts that hold the runways to the cross pieces. While torqueing to the specification in the manual...they broke. A trip to Lowes got me better hardware for those locations. Tech support did acknowledge that issue.

My only other complaint is that I bought the kit to keep the ramps up while the lift is raised. If memory serves, they were about $50 and didn't work. Not even close...ramps still droop way too low to allow another car to park underneath.

In the end...I'd buy it again.

 

[jrkrace]

HD-9XW owner here. With the exception of a small rub on one of the posts, everything went together perfectly and the lift works flawless..the only thing I did was to replace the compression fittings for the airlines with some Parker push to connect fittings..Zero air leaks..

 

[Sarki]

Thanks for all the comments.
Built garage 6 years ago and finally pulled the trigger on a lift after lots of thought and research.
Placed my order for a Bendpak HD-9, RJ-45 Rolling Jack w/accessory kit as well as a set of casters. The lift will be installed by experienced and certified Bendpak installer as way too many back injuries to even think about loading/unloading, transporting and installing a heavy piece of equipment like this.
Feeling a bit nervous as well as excited but in the end all will be good and garage life just a bit sweeter!
Tired of squeezing 4 cars into my 2 car garage/workshop. The lift will go where the silver 911 is sitting, or thereabouts.
Probably start a new thread with a bazillion questions once the lift arrives and I have time to play around with it.
Thanks again for all the feedback, can't find a nicer bunch of guys than on GJ

 

[KJINTF]

HD-12 owner here

Installed the hoist myself with help from my Kubota tractor 8 years ago
Just yesterday installed the RJ-45 Rolling Bridge Jack
Should have done the RJ-45 years earlier a great addition to the basic hoist
No need of the extra weight capacity of the RJ-6

Bendpak's Customer Service knowledge or complete lack of it is indeed astounding!
They had Zero documentation on my Hoist and went so far as to call it obsolete. They went on to say the RJ-45 will NOT fit my hoist.

Learned my lesson to simply ignore them and get it done.

The RJ-45 fits the HD-12 perfectly and sure makes life easier for brake repairs, etc..

 

[04chase]

also positive here. i have an hd9 xw and a 10a-lp. I use the 2 post most often and lift 3500 duallies regularly. No issues here just make sure your lifting techniques are correct and lift is installed correct. If you ever have to replace or rebuild cylinders which is inevitable with any hydraulic system , then swap to merica. Not really a swiss watch.

 

[Pate]

I also passed on the BP after reading all the recent issues here. I bought a Challenger almost a year ago and have been very happy with it.

 

[mjweimer]

I went with Challenger for my 2 post and a year later my 4 post and haven't looked back. Zero issues, great build quality, I could go on. Prices from the local dealer were competitive with BP equivalent lifts and I have someone who can support in person.

Lot's of folks use BP lifts with great success - in the end do what feels right to you. I wanted ALI certified lifts with local support and that focused my decision.

MJ

 

[joe--h]

BB, any hydraulic shop can fix that ram for you. Ask the equipment operators on your job site where to take it.

Joe H

 

[James E]

Bought my HD9 from Dave Shedlock ar Workshop Depot about five or six years ago. Also went on to buy an air bottle and RJ45 rolling jack from him, too.

I set the lift up myself. Talked to Dave on a couple occasions during setup when the instructions were not up to snuff. He always picked up the phone or called me right back. Once, he even answered his phone and helped me with a question while he was walking around at SEMA.

I love the lift, love the customer service I got from Dave and have no complaints of any consequence.

 

[PoorOwner]

Thanks for all the comments.
Built garage 6 years ago and finally pulled the trigger on a lift after lots of thought and research.
Placed my order for a Bendpak HD-9, RJ-45 Rolling Jack w/accessory kit as well as a set of casters. The lift will be installed by experienced and certified Bendpak installer as way too many back injuries to even think about loading/unloading, transporting and installing a heavy piece of equipment like this.
Feeling a bit nervous as well as excited but in the end all will be good and garage life just a bit sweeter!
Tired of squeezing 4 cars into my 2 car garage/workshop. The lift will go where the silver 911 is sitting, or thereabouts.
Probably start a new thread with a bazillion questions once the lift arrives and I have time to play around with it.
Thanks again for all the feedback, can't find a nicer bunch of guys than on GJ

Sarki, any update on your new lift? I hope everything works out great.

 

[Sarki]

Sarki, any update on your new lift? I hope everything works out great.

Hey Poor thanks for checking back.
I haven't updated because I have been waiting to see the end results of how BP Customer Service resolves my ongoing problem with a defective hydraulic ram.
Lift was installed with no substantial issues aside from a defective air valve used to release the air locks. The valve functions but has an air leak. Bendpak sent out a replacement quickly. It resides in my toolbox for now until the original gives out completely.
The real problem is a leaky hydraulic cylinder. Leaking enough to require a container on the floor to catch the drips. This started within a week of install.
Numerous phone calls and emails with detailed pictures of the leaking cylinder sent directly to BP as well as distributor where purchased. Lots of frustration due to avoidable errors.
Fingers crossed as a new replacement cylinder is scheduled to be installed this coming week by a different BP recommended installer.
The lift itself is very nice, arrived well packed and free of any damages. I still need to run my permenant airlines with regulator/filter and lubricator. Hoping to do that over next couple of weeks and may post for some suggestions.
Thanks to all for feedback on the BP. I'm hopeful to have a positive long term experience with my Bendpak HD-9 once past this initial problem.......key word being hopeful!

 

[offcamber]

Got an XPR-9S-LP installed today. Lift arrived with a few cosmetic imperfections from shipping but in otherwise good condition. No rust, nothing broken, nothing tweaked. Everything is working as expected. I'm quite happy.

 

[Buck41]

I have a BP XPR 10a and I have had excellent customer service BP. My lift was scratched during delivery as well . BP worked with me and even offer to have it painted for me. Great customer service...

 

[Chev1500]

Hi new to site researching Bendpak hd9-xw for my 96 c1500 any one have any pics truck on hoist for size ,room etc thanks chev1500 down under australia

 

[WaterBoyz]

Hey Poor thanks for checking back.
I haven't updated because I have been waiting to see the end results of how BP Customer Service resolves my ongoing problem with a defective hydraulic ram.
Lift was installed with no substantial issues aside from a defective air valve used to release the air locks. The valve functions but has an air leak. Bendpak sent out a replacement quickly. It resides in my toolbox for now until the original gives out completely.
The real problem is a leaky hydraulic cylinder. Leaking enough to require a container on the floor to catch the drips. This started within a week of install.
Numerous phone calls and emails with detailed pictures of the leaking cylinder sent directly to BP as well as distributor where purchased. Lots of frustration due to avoidable errors.
Fingers crossed as a new replacement cylinder is scheduled to be installed this coming week by a different BP recommended installer.
The lift itself is very nice, arrived well packed and free of any damages. I still need to run my permenant airlines with regulator/filter and lubricator. Hoping to do that over next couple of weeks and may post for some suggestions.
Thanks to all for feedback on the BP. I'm hopeful to have a positive long term experience with my Bendpak HD-9 once past this initial problem.......key word being hopeful!

It has been a year......update?

 

[346ci]

Wish I would not have read all of this, lol. I was pretty much set on a BP.

What is the next step up from BP, Mohawk? I will be buying a 10k 2 post this year and the Mohawk is almost twice as much.

 

[garagelogician]

Wish I would not have read all of this, lol. I was pretty much set on a BP.

What is the next step up from BP, Mohawk? I will be buying a 10k 2 post this year and the Mohawk is almost twice as much.

Rotary is about $4k for a 10,000 lb asymmetric.

 

[cspcrx]

I have their MD6xp scissor lift and have had it for several years now. Works great showed up with a few scuffs but its a tool that is going to get scuffed.

The only issue I had was the box that had the pads and sliders had clearly gotten wet. Probably sitting on a pallet outside with a bunch of other boxed items like it. As a result they were rusted pretty heavily. I contact BP and sent photos. They promptly sent out a complete new set and told me to keep the ones I have. So now I have an extra set of pads.

 

[JSK]

First I’d like to thank the many BendPak fans out there. For the not-so-much BendPak fans, I’m sorry we dropped the ball. We hear you and are doing something about it.

Some of you may have noticed my recent reappearance in other threads. Yea, it’s been tougher for me to frequent as much, but I am still around. Growth can sometimes be a curse. We ship over 100 lifts a day now so there will be a higher chance of miscues than other less prevalent lift companies. Not to excuse incompetence, but it really should put things into perspective.

For any of you still suffering service issues, shoot me an email. jeff@bendpak. If you don’t hear back promptly, please re-send. (I get a lot of emails).

Even with the recent construction in the past five years, we are still out of seats – we need more butts but currently have no place to plant them. Check out the video below of our upcoming expansion planned for later this year – 70 new workstations ready to be staffed for the next decade of growth. I just hope I’m still around 10 years from now!

​

 

[Iroc-Z]

I have two xpr 10a that I use every day. Have zero complaints. For what they cost vs quality I believe I got my money's worth.

 

[346ci]

Rotary is about $4k for a 10,000 lb asymmetric.

Rotary doesn't look any better in quality than BP, maybe better customer service. I'm looking for a better lift than Rotary and BP.

 

[c39er]

Rotary doesn't look any better in quality than BP, maybe better customer service. I'm looking for a better lift than Rotary and BP.

Better buy a Mohawk lift then.

 

[Iroc-Z]

Rotary doesn't look any better in quality than BP, maybe better customer service. I'm looking for a better lift than Rotary and BP.

Nussbaum is another high quality lift if you want to go that route.

 

[Duker]

Just as an FYI.....Here is my experience with purchasing a BP lift.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=390557




Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

 

[346ci]

Thanks guys, Nussbaum has a plant in NC, may have to check them out.

 

[Iroc-Z]

Thanks guys, Nussbaum has a plant in NC, may have to check them out.

I was told by a distributor that the better ones come from Germany

 

[glyndellis]

For any of you still suffering service issues, shoot me an email. jeff@bendpak. If you don’t hear back promptly, please re-send. (I get a lot of emails).

JSK - I sent you an email. I'd appreciate your help

 

[barnee]

Had my HD-7W installed a couple of weeks ago and everything went well except that the lift shakes slightly from 1/3 up to 2/3rds up (as well as coming down).

I had it installed by a Bendpak certified installer recommended by bendpak, and he is trying to determine the cause with customer service since he hasn't experienced this with any of his other installs.


Ill give it another week or so to see if they can resolve the issue and will report back.

 

[Pontiacacac]

I have a new Bendpak MDS6ks scissors lift that I flush mounted in the cement. It is total garbage. I can only hope someone else can learn from my mistake. Cylinder pins cannot be greased because the hoses are directly in front of the fitting. The lift won’t lower under it’s own weight. It squeeks like crazy when it is lifting or lowering with a car. They use a proportioning valve to keep the two lifts at the same height. It doesn’t work. If you have the car more than an inch or two off center it will get badly out of sync by the time it is up.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I bought and had a problem with a set of Ranger GoCart wheels. I called BendPac direct in California. The customer service was way too good. I got the impression that there was a disconnect in there in-house communication. I had to call and ask BP to stop trying to fix the problem, again and again. The first fix was more than enough. I have to pay tax on every fix that crosses the border into Canada.
I suppose I would rather be inundated with fixes than to be ignored.
I am going to order https://www.babco.ca/BendPak-HD-9 next month. I have to rearrange a few things in the shop. I am going to use their delivery and assemble service.

 

[Garage2Narrow]

I know this is an old thread, but I just wanted to chime in. I bought a Bendpak HD-7W two years ago based on the brands reputation. A few weeks ago I had an issue where the cables popped out of the underside of the ramp. It looks like one of the retaining clips in the ramp is bent alarmingly wide open and any type of slack in the cable threatens to drop the cable. I can't post images in the body, but take a look at the attachments to see what I mean.

Worse, yesterday I went out to use the lift. I raised it higher than I normally do, and I think the piston blew out. I have the compressed air bottle setup, and when I pressed the release valve to open the locks, _oil_ from the piston started spraying all over from behind the valve.

I called Bendpak and they opened a support ticket for me, and asked me to submit photos by replying to the ticket email. Unfortunately, when I reply (via multiple email accounts, including a gmail account) - they are all bounced as "blocked". I called back and was given a phone number to text the photos too, but I haven't heard anything. Trying to log into support.bendpak.com says my email address already has an account, but I'm not authorized to use the web service.

So... frustrated I called an independent, authorized service technician and he was _great_. He explained the piston blew out, and after 2 years in a home environment that should not have happened. He walked me though safely getting my car down from the lift, which is good because I needed it tomorrow. But he said not to bother having him come out to fix the lift until the replacement piston comes.

So now, I'm stuck with an inoperable lift and Bendpak is unresponsive. Its crazy too me that I could be on the hook for a new piston when this is a home lift I've used _maybe_ once a month for the past two years.

So, currently super frustrated and annoyed.

 

[boatshoes]

Manual shows some bolts going into that plate, I assume to prevent it from spreading open like yours. Are you missing these or are they part of a redesign after you bought it?

 

[Garage2Narrow]

Manual shows some bolts going into that plate, I assume to prevent it from spreading open like yours. Are you missing these or are they part of a redesign after you bought it?

this is an interesting question, I was wondering the same thing. I don't have two bolt holes, only one. But also I didn't install it myself, I had an installer put it together for me, so I didn't notice this until it happened.

I'll dig out my manual and see what it says.

 

[MrSurly]

Can we see a pic from the *side* of that cable anchor setup? And also the "piston" that blew out?

I ain't gonna lie... that looks sketchy AF.

 

[JSK]

@Garage2Narrow,

Please PM me. I'll make sure this gets taken care of.

- JSK
Executive VP
BendPak Inc.

 

[Garage2Narrow]

Thanks for reaching out @jsk, I sent you a PM.

I was in touch with Bendpak support today - they confirmed the bolts for the cable anchors are missing (guess the installers forgot them?) and sent me the specs for the correct bolts. I'm not sure how I'll get the bracket back into shape - I'm hoping a torch and a c-clamp will do the trick. Support said the piston seal might just have a small settling of the oil to the other side of the piston, and suggested I use compressed air to clean the line and run the lift up and down a few times to see if it clears up. I'll try that as soon as I can - I have a non-running chassis on the lift I'll need to clear out before I can do that.

 

[Garage2Narrow]

Can we see a pic from the *side* of that cable anchor setup? And also the "piston" that blew out?

@MrSurly, I don't have a photo of the side of the cable anchors right now - the lift is down on the ground now. But attached is a photo of the piston as it was when I got an oil shower.

To be clear, no oil came out around or near the piston - it all sprayed out from behind the lock release button when it was depressed. Photo of that included as well, though I don't think its very interesting (note the gauge is at 80psi though - that's all gummed up with oil)

Side note - that bottle setup has never been very reliable, the air leaks out from behind the lock release valve pretty quickly, so I almost always use a compressor to let the lift down rather than any stored air in the bottle.

 

[Zevo]

@garage2narrow - did you get fixed by bendpak? I’m looking to buy a lift and your story is concerning

 

[Garage2Narrow]

@zevo, here's the current status:

I confirmed with BendPak support that the cable retaining bolts were missing from my setup. They gave me the specs and I bought them from McMaster Carr rather than from their service line. I feel they should have comped me them but since they didn't offer I wasn't paying for that. I used a pair of c-clamps to bend the retaining clip back into spec and installed the bolt, installing a bolt on the other side was no problem.

Bendpak support also said some amount of blow-by from the piston is to be expected, and suggested connect a compressor to my air bottle, then run the lift up and down a few times to see if that would pump the fluid back to the "right" side of the piston. It did, and the hydraulics seem to work better now. Because it seems normal for fluid to be on the other side of the piston, I don't understand how the "air bottle" setup is ever supposed to work (the one that makes it so you don't need a compressor). When I bought the bottle setup I had read reviews here and elsewhere of people saying they were not worth it, and I now fully agree. Mine always leaked pretty badly before anyway, so I am going to remove it and re-route the return line to the motor. Also, I decided on my own it would be a good idea to replace the lock-release pressure valve, to be on the safe side. I think its fine but I can't be sure. I order that from Bendpak parts because I couldn't find anything I though would be a drop-in replacement somewhere else.

Lastly, I decided to have my lift bolted to the floor. Bendpak wanted way too much (I think $10/ea) for the concrete bolts, so I got the spec for those from the installation manual and ordered them from McMaster Carr as well.

I have a call in to an authorized Bendpak service company, I'm going to have them come check out the lift, adjust the cables (I know of at least one that is out of spec now) and bolt it to the floor. I'll either have them take out the air bottle or I will if I get to it by then.

I sent @jsk an PM but never heard back from him.

As it stands now, I did not feel Bendpak expressed any concern or apology over this problem. At the very least I would have appreciated comping the missing and replacement parts, and ideally they would have helped with some of the cost of a service techs visit and evaluation (though not the bolting to the floor, that's optional and my choice).

Also I'd like Bendpak to make sure never to work with the installer who installed my lift again. I bought the lift through ASE Deals, who recommended this installer and had the lift shipped to them.

So now I am (or will be soon) comfortable using my lift again, though I'm not very happy about how it was sorted out.