Bendpak four post question

[Z2V]

Hello
I'm shopping for a four post and I noticed that the Bendpak uses a pnuematic safety latch release. I'm looking for opinions from curent owners/ users of these lifts. Air supply is not an issue for me but I also see they sell a self contained air supply for these. Have there been any reliability problems with the solenoids leaking, unlatching or failing to latch? All replies pro and con are greatly appreciated.
Thanks All

 

[LXCam]

I've had mine for 12 years and never had a problem. I do suggest one thing when installing it. Don't short change yourself when installing the tubing. Meaning don't cut it so short it's tight. Leave yourself a couple inches or some slack so in the event you need to remake the connection you won't need to replace a run. I did this at my T connection and ended up having to run new lines after a move.

 

[Z2V]

Glad to hear it's been reliable. Point well made on tubing BTW.
Are you using the air supply they sell or are you using a compressor?

Thanks

 

[MrBalll]

One of my buddies has had one for about three years and he has never had a problem with it.
As far as the air supply what are you talking about?
Is it the WSA-100 or the compressed air bottle?

 

[akdiesel]

As LXCam said no problems with the lift.
Junkman on this site helped me out considerably when I bought mine. He did suggest pulling the pulleys off and greasing them prior to installation.
I will also add that I chose to the 110 volt version so I was not limited to plug locations. The lifting time between the 110v and the 220v were only a few seconds apart and the 9000 lb rated lift I have lifts my 7500 lb truck just fine.

 

[LX-Markham]

The assumption is the lift getting installed in a professional garage that readily has air.
It's a bit more inconvenient for a residential user that doesn't necessarily have air on demand. The air locks however operate very nicely.

Just get a get a dedicated little compressor and turn in on when you want to lower the car. By the time I move the cars from the garage, I have enough air to operate the locks.

I don't have any confidence in that little air bottle they sell.

plus it costs as much (more) than a small compressor

 

[thickhead]

I've been using a small airbrush compressor for a couple years or so and it has worked out great on my Bendpak lift. I started a thread about it if you feel like searching. It is small (maybe 6x6x10?) so I mounted it to the lift above the pump.

Model is Master Airbrush TC-20 and they are about $60 online.

 

[Olyar15]

I bought my lift with the air bottle. Ended up buying another (small) compressor and disconnecting the bottle.

 

[Z2V]

Well so far no bad replies so I will go forward with it. The air tank is expensive but I just bought parts to make it myself for $40.00 so I'll give it a shot. A piece of pipe and two end caps with 2 check valves and a pressure relief valve. I have a gauge laying around. I do have air at my disposal if the tank does not work.
Thanks for the tips on air line and pulleys.

 

[LX-Markham]

Model is Master Airbrush TC-20 and they are about $60 online.

I like this idea best. I might convert to this. Thanks!

 

[Z2V]

I bought my lift with the air bottle. Ended up buying another (small) compressor and disconnecting the bottle.

What problem did you have with the air bottle?

 

[Al G]

I've had the air bottle for about 6 years with no issues. I like the convenience of it always being ready and no airhouses strung across the floor.

 

[Z2V]

I'm glad nobody has reported problems with the solenoids and the locking system in general. I will likely order a Bendpak next week.
Thanks again for the input.

 

[holdover]

my two Bendpaks have not been a problem for the last 8 years and they are used almost daily. I have dual 60 gal compressors and use them for air. Would buy another..

 

[bobabuee]

Bendpak have one best safety lock in business much better than the rod hiem joint cobbled together **** hanging on front of the lift just waiting to get bent broke.
they are replaceable if one fails but if kept lubed you dont need oiler just shoot some wd40
in air lines at first install then every month or 2 you will be good.

something when assembling your lift clean and polish pulley pins the lift runs so much nicer with this done it night and day.lifts faster too.also clean bushings with brakekleen there is lot of machining **** on them too.

 

[boosteddsm92]

I'd look at a DirectLift. They're ALI certified and less expensive. I have a Danmar 10k 2 post, a Rotary 7k 4 post, and, most recently, a Bendpak HD-9XW 4 post. If I had to do it again I'd get a DirectLift Pro Park 9 Plus over the Bendpak. I really don't like the Bendpak ramps, they're a pain to remove (without modification) when I want to pull a car in underneath it. The Rotary's ramps are WAY easier to remove. Bendpak's lock releases are pneumatic, which is slick but could be a pain to always have to have a pressurized airline on it. Only nice, IMO, if you're putting cars up and down all day. Also worth noting is Directlifts come with a caster kit, drip trays, etc, whereas the Bendpaks come w/nothing.

Just my 2 cents, good luck w/your selection.