Bendpak HD-9st install question

[nmbr6]

I'm going over all the instructions and some of the other threads on here before starting my install. I still have one outlying question before I begin the process.

The manual states to raise the crosstubes 66" (safety locks second down from the top of the ladder) before placing the runways on.

Is this required or suggested height for ease of routing everything? If required, how did everyone lift the heavy runways to that height?

 

[slowTA]

Not required. I think I saw somewhere that they recommend that only so you could walk under it. I think I had mine at the first or second set of locks and just worked laying on my back... thinking 'this will be the last project I do on my back!'

 

[Matt M PA]

Whne we built mine, we layed the columns down...then slid the crosstubes on using a pair of small dollies. Then, we stood them up...and lifted the crosstubes. Were they up 66"? I don;t remember but they were high enough to duck under. I think this would make a big difference in running cables, etc. I can't imagine doing this laying down.

 

[Matti]

We installed the crosstubes while the posts were laying down too. We used an engine lift and slings to lift the ramps up to the desired height. They are the heaviest single item IIRC.

Here are a few other suggestions and comments that may or may not apply to your unit. Perhaps the manual has been updated since

* When you set the crosstubes at the second highest position it is 66" to the bottom not the top
* The lift is very shaky until the cables are tensioned
*For my power unit the fittings are on the opposite side (left/outboard) from what the manual says; depends on which unit you get. This also requires you to reverse the flex tube bracket.
* The listed bolt lengths for the crosstube to runways is very wrong (ps these bolts are very low grade and I replaced them with better bolts;
*Sheave bushings should really be greased before assembly (no instructions to do this); Take the sheaves out before trying to fit the ramps to the crosstubes
*The cylinder threads cannot protrude 1 1/4" through the nut as there aren't that many threads;
*There is no return air line retaining ring on the lift; I just zip tied the line to keep it out of the way of the cable;
*You can't adjust the cables or ladders to get the 1" clearance at the top lock position; I ended up setting it at 2" above the hole;
*make sure the cables are not crossed before running the hydraulic unit. (ask me how I know)
*10W oil is commonly stocked as ISO 32;

Hope this helps! The lift is great. The only caution is to make sure you lift the car high enough to clear the locks before you lower it. Make sure all four corners are moving down.

 

[slowTA]

It wasn't bad running the cables on my back, they're light and easy to move.

I wouldn't recommend using the hardware they include to attach the runways, I stripped almost every bolt they gave me before they torqued. I complained and they sent me new ones, but I already sourced some from a local hardware store. The bolts included in the lift were clear zinc coated, but the replacements were black oxide.

Either way, you'll enjoy the lift.

 

[e-tek]

It wasn't bad running the cables on my back, they're light and easy to move.

I wouldn't recommend using the hardware they include to attach the runways, I stripped almost every bolt they gave me before they torqued. I complained and they sent me new ones, but I already sourced some from a local hardware store. The bolts included in the lift were clear zinc coated, but the replacements were black oxide.

Either way, you'll enjoy the lift.

I'm pretty sure the torque requirements are wrong for these bolts (ramp to cross-bar). I don't see why they would need to be that tight. I torques mine to maybe 50 ft/lbs, as I slide my ramps from wide to narrow once in a while.

I stood the cross bars up at 60inches, then had three freinds help me get the ramps onto one end, then the other. Heavy buggers!