Bendpak Questions - Ready to Pull the Trigger

[J Persons]

I have the HD9XW, Rev M, and only the non-power runway is moveable. Also, I was told that the HD9XW requires the JP6 6000 lb sliding jack tray to fit the runways in their widest configuration. The JP3 wouldn't extend far enough.

Another thing I noticed, the hydraulic line from the pump to the cylinder was rubbing on one of the cables. I welded a ¼" bolt to the bottom of the runway and use an Adel clamp to secure the line away from the cable.

 

[shopnut]

I have the HD9XW, Rev M, and only the non-power runway is moveable.

Agreed. I doubt anyone in their right mind would bother swapping out different length lift cables to move the power side runway, just to gain a couple inches of runway width.

Also, I was told that the HD9XW requires the JP6 6000 lb sliding jack tray to fit the runways in their widest configuration. The JP3 wouldn't extend far enough.

I have both and I can confirm this is correct. The JP-3 is a fixed length and only fits on with the runways in their narrow position. The JP-6 on the other hand, is adjustable for both widths. Now that I have the lift, it seems I will probably never use the narrow position for the cars I deal with, so my JP-3 may be converted to adjust like the JP-6 with permament screwjacks added, essentially becoming a poor man's RJ-45.

Another thing I noticed, the hydraulic line from the pump to the cylinder was rubbing on one of the cables. I welded a ¼" bolt to the bottom of the runway and use an Adel clamp to secure the line away from the cable.

I'll have to check mine. (I'm assuming you routed the hose through those two loops in the corner)

 

[J Persons]

I'll have to check mine. (I'm assuming you routed the hose through those two loops in the corner)

Yes, it's routed through the loops. This hasn't been a concern on other lift assemblies that I've read about. I could be that my hydraulic line is just a little longer than others. Here's a photo of what I did

 

[gpalmer77]

The new "Rev M" XWs are about 7" narrower than the old ones. Take a look at this picture with the ramps in the "wide" position. Note that each ramp could only move about 2" out before hitting the cross tube gussets - might not be worth the mods for the small gain

BTW, I'm just inserting the write-up for my assembly process in my build thread.
.

Thanks. I'm actually thinking of the need to move the non-power runway to a position between the two normal positions.

 

[shopnut]

Thanks. I'm actually thinking of the need to move the non-power runway to a position between the two normal positions.

Oh okay, so the narrow position needs to be widened a bit. Gotcha. Moving it shouldn't be a problem, but you may have to trim out some of the steel tubing that serves as a guide/protection for the lock air lines. It currently stops only where there is a runway bolt head, assuming for wrench clearance.

 

[shopnut]

Yes, it's routed through the loops. This hasn't been a concern on other lift assemblies that I've read about. I could be that my hydraulic line is just a little longer than others. Here's a photo of what I did

Now that I see your photo (I'm not anywhere near my lift), I do recall the hose having a bit of slack in it. I fastened it down temporarily with a cable tie around the lift cylinder, which helped a little bit, but I like your solution better. I guess I wasn't too worried about it at the time because that slack may come in handy for getting it out of the way when I install my homemade air bottle in there.

I also intend to install a proper cable carrier to replace the black loom running from the power unit to the runway. Hydraulic hoses are designed to bend repeatedly, but I don't like seeing the way it's getting "twisted" on mine when it goes up. Maybe I just didn't install my perfectly or something .

 

[Slowbra]

I helped a friend install his new HD9XW yesterday. It's the exact same one I am considering for my garage, but a few things really turned me off on it. I would like to hear what some of my fellow GJ guys have to say about this since I really don't want to start looking at other lifts.

1. There was a lot of rust on the insides of the ramps. My friend did not seem to mind, but I would be pissed if this is what my $3K new lift looked like.

2. It looks like there were some large scratches on the top of the runway surface from shipping. This would not clean up with touch-up paint, which btw a Bendpack did not include in his package.

3. The primary cable rollers and pins (not sure of exact name of this piece, but it's shown in one of my pics) were not very clean. Even with grease I can't imagine this is good over the long term. I think these would need to be polished before use.

The date of manufacture shows this lift was made less than 2 weeks ago so it's not too old.

My question to you guys is.... Is this normal Bendpack quality?
Will the shipping location (Conway) allow you to unbox and inspect before accepting the package? I doubt they would since it's all bundled/boxed up, but what in the world would you do if your lift came in like this?

Enclosed are some pics.

 

[Ross/Kzoo]

You would think that QC would be better than that.

 

[TurboMiata]

I hope this is not representative. Do you have pictures of these issues (they aren't showing up for me)?

 

[Slowbra]

I hope this is not representative. Do you have pictures of these issues (they aren't showing up for me)?

I just put the pictures up. Should be working now.

 

[TurboMiata]

For only two weeks old I'm surprised at the amount of rust. I guess their powdercoating must have completely missed those areas.

I've been looking at purchasing the HD-9 very seriously. One thing that stuck out to me when looking at your pictures is that the cable block "outrigger" doesn't ride on the lip of the runway like it shows in their comparison with the Direct Lift.

As that block moves along the runway when the cylinder is activated, does the block twist?

 

[J Persons]

I helped a friend install his new HD9XW yesterday. It's the exact same one I am considering for my garage, but a few things really turned me off on it. I would like to hear what some of my fellow GJ guys have to say about this since I really don't want to start looking at other lifts.

1. There was a lot of rust on the insides of the ramps. My friend did not seem to mind, but I would be pissed if this is what my $3K new lift looked like.

2. It looks like there were some large scratches on the top of the runway surface from shipping. This would not clean up with touch-up paint, which btw a Bendpack did not include in his package.
3. The primary cable rollers and pins (not sure of exact name of this piece, but it's shown in one of my pics) were not very clean. Even with grease I can't imagine this is good over the long term. I think these would need to be polished before use.
The date of manufacture shows this lift was made less than 2 weeks ago so it's not too old.

My question to you guys is.... Is this normal Bendpack quality?
Will the shipping location (Conway) allow you to unbox and inspect before accepting the package? I doubt they would since it's all bundled/boxed up, but what in the world would you do if your lift came in like this?

Enclosed are some pics.

1. I had some surface rust, but only on the tube where the air line goes. On mine, it all came off with a little rubbing with a rag and some solvent.

2. According to ASE Deals, if you want it in showroom condition, specify a flatbed trailer delivery. It will take longer to get it though. If you have scratches, just call Bendpak, give them the order number and they will send you two cans of spray paint for free.

3. Clean the pulley bearings and pin with lacquer thinner then lube with a chassis lube. Do not polish the pins, they are designed to hold grease in the grooves.

 

[J Persons]

For only two weeks old I'm surprised at the amount of rust. I guess their powdercoating must have completely missed those areas.

I've been looking at purchasing the HD-9 very seriously. One thing that stuck out to me when looking at your pictures is that the cable block "outrigger" doesn't ride on the lip of the runway like it shows in their comparison with the Direct Lift.

As that block moves along the runway when the cylinder is activated, does the block twist?

Mine does ride on the runway lip, there is no twist.

 

[Slowbra]

1. I had some surface rust, but only on the tube where the air line goes. On mine, it all came off with a little rubbing with a rag and some solvent.

2. According to ASE Deals, if you want it in showroom condition, specify a flatbed trailer delivery. It will take longer to get it though. If you have scratches, just call Bendpak, give them the order number and they will send you two cans of spray paint for free.

3. Clean the pulley bearings and pin with lacquer thinner then lube with a chassis lube. Do not polish the pins, they are designed to hold grease in the grooves.

Would you accept a lift with this amount of rust? I don't mind waiting for the lift to come in, but do you have a chance to fully inspect it?

I'll be spending my money elsewhere if my only solution is to accept the lift as is and clean the rust/scratches myself. Free spray paint does not cut it. I also don't see how you can physically inspect every piece the way it is packaged.

 

[shopnut]

My question to you guys is.... Is this normal Bendpack quality?

I had a bunch of scratches, but no rust luckily. I spend a few hours touching up the scuffs/scratches and now the lift looks great. I ordered a black one to match my shop, so paint was easy to duplicate and I didn't worry about BendPak sending me any paint (although I probably deserved it).

Although there is no doubt in the other pictures, this looks like just dirt to me. And its hard to tell there is something wrong with the pulleys

Mine had some bad scratches on the middle of the runways where a forklift had handled the packages (he picked it up in the middle). BendPak seems to have gone to great lengths to protect the runways if they are end loaded with a forklift (1/4" boards are inserted where the forks will rub near the shipping brackets). Unfortunately, the ConWay forklift operator didn't know how to handle the package and scratched mine. It's too bad too, because it could have easily been avoided. I didn't notice any instructions telling them the proper way, but maybe there was something that I missed. Having known this, I would told clued them in on how to do it to avoid damage.

The bottom line is this - I'm a perfectionist and at first, it really bummed me out seeing the scuffs and scratches on a brand new purchase that I spent my hard earned money on. But in reality, this is a heavy shop tool and I came to the realization that it's not going to have the same paint job as the new car I just brought. Honestly, mine looks great from 5 feet away - and you will find the functionality far outweighs any of the initial cosmetic issues you might have.

BTW, with the traveler not riding on the runway flanges like that, have your friend check that the cross-brace (approx. 1 x 1/4" strap) under the cylinder isn't bent up or something. It should be straight across.

 

[Slowbra]

I had a bunch of scratches, but no rust luckily. I spend a few hours touching up the scuffs/scratches and now the lift looks great. I ordered a black one to match my shop, so paint was easy to duplicate and I didn't worry about BendPak sending me any paint (although I probably deserved it).



Although there is no doubt in the other pictures, this looks like just dirt to me. And its hard to tell there is something wrong with the pulleys

Some of the stuff on the runway is dirt (although there is rust too). I took this picture to show the pulleys. They looked and felt rough, but that was hard to photo. If the pulleys on my car were this condition I would clean them up. My expectations were much higher than what their QC is.

Mine had some bad scratches on the middle of the runways where a forklift had handled the packages (he picked it up in the middle). BendPak seems to have gone to great lengths to protect the runways if they are end loaded with a forklift (1/4" boards are inserted where the forks will rub near the shipping brackets). Unfortunately, the ConWay forklift operator didn't know how to handle the package and scratched mine. It's too bad too, because it could have easily been avoided. I didn't notice any instructions telling them the proper way, but maybe there was something that I missed. Having known this, I would told clued them in on how to do it to avoid damage.



The bottom line is this - I'm a perfectionist and at first, it really bummed me out seeing the scuffs and scratches on a brand new purchase that I spent my hard earned money on. But in reality, this is a heavy shop tool and I came to the realization that it's not going to have the same paint job as the new car I just brought. Honestly, mine looks great from 5 feet away - and you will find the functionality far outweighs any of the initial cosmetic issues you might have.

I too am a perfectionist. I totally get this is a tool meant to be used, but the rust and scratches are not acceptable on a brand new item. It's one thing if I cause the damage, but for a new item to arrive like this is not OK. All of my tools, cabinets, workbenches etc are meant to be used. However, I treat them with respect as I spent my hard earned money on them. I clean my tools before putting them away and take precautions not to damage things. Maybe that's just me...

 

[c39er]

A common chinese product issue. I'm sure bendpak is not happy about these type of issues with their lifts.

 

[shopnut]

If the pulleys on my car were this condition I would clean them up.

I'm not sure how bad the one's were that you looked at, but mine seemed fine for the application (steel cable on idler pulley turning 20 rpm vs. rubber belt on drive/driven pulley turning 3000 rpm).

I understand perfectly what you are saying. I've learned a long time ago that I'm not necessarily willing to pay for the quality level I desire. Therefore I find products that are a good value from a performance vs. price standpoint and spend a little time and effort, if needed, to eliminate any shortcomings that maybe the average consumer wouldn't bother with.

From my experience with putting the HD-9 together and operating it a bit so far, this BendPak was a great value.

 

[Slowbra]

I'm not sure how bad the one's were that you looked at, but mine seemed fine for the application (steel cable on idler pulley turning 20 rpm vs. rubber belt on drive/driven pulley turning 3000 rpm).



I understand perfectly what you are saying. I've learned a long time ago that I'm not necessarily willing to pay for the quality level I desire. Therefore I find products that are a good value from a performance vs. price standpoint and spend a little time and effort, if needed, to eliminate any shortcomings that maybe the average consumer wouldn't bother with.



From my experience with putting the HD-9 together and operating it a bit so far, this BendPak was a great value.

I think we are on the same page for the most part. I could easily resolve the pulley issue as it wouldn't take much to clean it up. However, the rust and scratches are not that simple.

 

[my58]

I am surprised to see the rust on that Bendpak. I own what many consider the poor mans Bendpak, its sister the Dannmar. It had a few minor scratches from shipping (or maybe me unloading) but nothing rusty and every piece was clean and in pristine condition and they included touch up paint in with the parts box. I would have figured if the less expensive Dannmar had that high of a quality control the Bendpak would be even better.