Bendpak decision: Good, Bad & Ugly

[boatshoes]

@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.

This is a pretty damning review. First and foremost, I am grateful that you and yours were not injured by this mis-installed lift. Very interesting that JSK never got back to you, even after requesting a PM.

 

[JSK]

Garage2Narrow,
I know we communicated once, my quick response back to you. I was unaware that a second PM was sent, and I don't see in my mailbox either. I will follow up on your ticket and make sure any remaining issues are resolved or refunded.

barnee
Regarding your 4-post lift shaking. Have you added any CAT oil to the fluid? Sounds like slip-stick on the cylinder rod/bore.

Pontiacacac
Since the introduction of that lift we have made revisions. Will you allow us to replace it with the latest design? If you send me email, I would like to share photos so we can compare your current unit with the latest design and see if your concerns were addressed.

If any on this thread have tried to get ahold of me via PM and received no response, please send email to my Outlook instead. [email protected]. Our cybersecurity measures are elevated here at BendPak so some emails (especially PM's I think because of the multiple hyperlinks within the body message) are getting filtered directly to Clutter folder.

 

[Cairo94507]

I have had 2 BendPak lifts in 2 houses. The most recent is a mid-rise scissor lift and it has been installed for about 2 years now. I use it mostly on the weekends when my brother and I toy with our cars. I bought this lift for this house because my last BendPak was exceptional as was the service I received from BendPak. They earned me as a repeat customer. My wife is now telling me we may be looking for another home so I may get to build another garage. This one will definitely have at least 1 BendPak lift in it if we decide to move forward on another home. I do not know what the experiences of others were but mine has been 5 star, white glove service and sales. And no, I do not have any association with BendPak other than as a customer.

 

[jbradjames]

Having a terrible time with Bendpak.ordered a MD-6XP. delivered to installer damaged. looked like it was dragged behind the truck according to him. warranty department slow and now I will have paid for a new lift and may be stuck with a damaged one. Tried to PM JSK but i’m too new. I try to take good care of my tools. ***** to have a new damaged tool that Bendpak may not make right.

 

[finn]

Whoever receives the delivery is supposed to inspect and accept the delivery.

Your issue is with the transfer company and the installer.

Bendpack, and all other lift manufacturers use common carriers to ship their products to the customer. The driver has a form that the recipient signs noting any damage.

Good luck getting a settlement from the supplier if the recipient didn’t note any damage.

That’s how it works with commercial freight.

 

[jbradjames]

it was noted by Estes on paperwork. 2nd Bendpak purchase. have quickjack also. that was missing parts and took a couple of times to get correct missing parts.

 

[16again]

If any on this thread have tried to get ahold of me via PM and received no response, please send email to my Outlook instead. [email protected]. Our cybersecurity measures are elevated here at BendPak so some emails (especially PM's I think because of the multiple hyperlinks within the body message) are getting filtered directly to Clutter folder.

Having a terrible time with Bendpak.ordered a MD-6XP. delivered to installer damaged. looked like it was dragged behind the truck according to him. warranty department slow and now I will have paid for a new lift and may be stuck with a damaged one. Tried to PM JSK but i’m too new. I try to take good care of my tools. ***** to have a new damaged tool that Bendpak may not make right.

See Jeff’s e-mail address above.

 

[Is this thing on]

Having a terrible time with Bendpak.ordered a MD-6XP. delivered to installer damaged. looked like it was dragged behind the truck according to him. warranty department slow and now I will have paid for a new lift and may be stuck with a damaged one. Tried to PM JSK but i’m too new. I try to take good care of my tools. ***** to have a new damaged tool that Bendpak may not make right.

Whom ever took delivery of the lift, Should have listed the damage on the B.O.L. and then refused delivery.
This is between you and the freight company. Sorry.
This is how almost anything shipped truck freight is handled when damaged, if you take delivery, it is now on you. It is why Almost every business tells you to inspect product at delivery, if issue, to have driver call their hub. and note on the bill of lading(B.O.L.), then refuse delivery. after taking photo's of the mess.

If your installer took delivery, you need to bark at him.
YOUR CLAIM IS WITH THE FREIGHT COMPANY. Who signed for the delivery?

 

[jbradjames]

Thanks for email address 16again.

Is this thing on- Again, damage was well noted on BOL. I understand Estes is responsible. I did not directly pay for shipping or chose the company. Do I have any claim to contact them directly? Even if I did, I don’t know what is needed or the cost. Damage appeared minimal until unboxed. Installer has been great so far. I would think that whoever paid for shipping would have the claim and the right to contact them. I also understand I may have “paid” for free shipping. I just wanted a functional lift. I was told I needed a forklift at home for delivery and freight company would drop it on the street. So, I used a Bendpak authorized installer. There are many cheaper lifts. maybe, all mid rise lifts are cheaper. for the extra, I was hoping for better quality and customer support with Bendpak. I am hopeful that they will get my lift functional. Some of the frustration came from the extra email security jsk mentioned. multiple emails from myself and installer were not getting through.

 

[Cairo94507]

jbradjames - I am so sorry to hear about your issues related to delivery of your lift and damage. I will say that before I got lucky and BendPak agreed to do the install of my lift, I had contacted a couple of people/companies referred by BendPak for install. My experience with them was such that I called BendPak back and as I am in the Bay Area, they agreed to do the install. That was well worth the cost for install- which was way more reasonable that the quotes I was getting from outside people. In my experience, purchasing 2 lifts for 2 different homes, BendPak has been absolutely great.

My wife and I are now getting ready to sell this home, it will list in mid-March and buy another in the Sierra foothills. That means I get to do another garage; I can't wait. I will definitely have another BendPak lift in that garage, if not 2. Shooting for minimum 4-car, ideally 5. Really hope I can just build one from scratch. Have to see what the market offers up to start with.

 

[bry@n]

I had an issue with my 4 post lift being damaged in shipping. My installer was great and noted damage on the bill laden when picked up.

That being said, Bendpak kinda buckled and dined me a little bit, ultimately after calling them out they made somewhat good and I’m satisfied. Would I use them again? Yes.

 

[jbradjames]

I wanted to update this. I was waiting for the warranty dept. They basically said we’ll give you an update when we get one. No timeline. I emailed Jeff yesterday morning and I got a call quickly from a very nice cust serv guy Ysain. I also received an email from Jeff. The main damage appeared to be the power unit. They are replacing the whole power unit and Ysain said it should be here in 1-2 days. I wish I would’ve emailed Jeff sooner. He quickly resolved the problem. I will update again once I see the lift and it is installed. Very happy with Jeff and Ysain.

 

[Is this thing on]

Glad it is working out for you.
My advise is any truck freight , check it, listed it on the b.o.l. and while driver is there call the company/vendor while driver is on phone with his hub.
use your judgement or the vendors reply when you call , then decide if you refuse shipment.
If a vendor on phone states they will fix any issues, don't refuse shipment, have them e mail you that asap before driver leaves.
The driver might get upset having to weight, but tuff.
Once you sign for it. the freight company washes their hand to it.

 

[brianchevy]

I owned a 4post BendPak 7K Extra Tall, Extra Wide lift for 6 years. i LOVED it, great product and when I had a problem with a pulley, the local dealer made sure it was covered under warranty, i just had to pay a little to put it in. I sold that house and i'm now building a new dream garage and looking for a new BendPak. I'm sorry to hear of the problems, but I do really like their products. I'm going to buying a 2post and a 4post for the new space.

 

[finn]

I am looking for a couple of four post lifts for my shop, since we accepted an offer on a property that has a 24’x32’ garage that I store the boat, a truck, lawn tractor, splitter, and the UTV. A couple of storage lifts are cheaper than putting up another building at the shop property.

All of the sites I pulled up, without exception have a clear description detailing the buyer’s responsibility to inspect for damage upon receipt, document that damage, and refuse delivery.

The internet turns what should be a shipper issue into a vendor issue.

 

[boatshoes]

I think it's BS that you have to email a VP to get a timely response from the company.