BendPak XPR-10AXLS opinions

[Mopar_Mudder]

I am getting a lift for my garage and have narrowed it down to the XPR-10AXLS. The main reason is that it is the only lift I have found which lifts higher then your normal lift, which really surprised me, all the mechanics must be short! I am 6'4" and have no desire to have to crouch or bang my head. Also the BendPak is suppose to have this TruMetric that let's it be assymetric and symmetric which seems would be good for lifting my 3500 Mega Cab Dually. Any thought or problems with this lift. Or any other lift out their with a longer lift stroke?

 

[jetlag]

I wouldn't pick a 3500 dually diesel with a 10K asymmetric lift. Not saying it can't be done, but generally, manufacturers recommend a symmetric lift for heavy pickups. If you do go with this lift, talk with BendPak first, and let them know what you're planning on lifting with it.

Another possibility is the Whip WS102E-24. It can be installed at over 13 feet, depending on which upper height adapter you use. 75 inches of lift. About the same price as the BendPak, but made in the US (not China). Challenger and Rotary also have some tall lifts in the 10K range, and both companies have a USA line and an imported line.

Bendpak makes a big deal over the one piece columns, but in truth, the carriage doesn't ride in the upper extremes, so it doesn't make a whole lot of difference whether it's a one piece column, or two piece with bolt on upper sections. I'd be more interested in the hardware used, cylinder quality, etc. Frankly, if I was buying a new lift, I'd start with Rotary, then Challenger, Worth, and Whip in roughly that order. I'm installing a Mohawk 10k in my shop, but picked it up used, and will put a little of my time into ensuring it's working perfectly before it goes into service.

 

[Mopar_Mudder]

I have checked Rotary and Challenger and while they both claim extra tall lift, when you read the specs all they do is raise the top bar so you can lift taller vehicles, they don't actually raise any higher off the floor.

I tried sending BendPak an email with questions and they didn't answer them at all so I figured I would try here. Tried talking to Rotary and all the guy could do is read the specs off the web site which was no help at all.

The BendPak is suppose to be able to be use symmetric for heavier vehicles, I was hoping some one here had some experience with on.

 

[jetlag]

The Bend Pak lift you mentioned has (according to their specs) 75" of rise, compared to 69" of rise for other Bend Pak lifts.

The Rotary SPO10 has 77 inches of rise with similar adapters.

Challenger has several 10K lifts. Some are around 70 inches of rise, others are over 74". Look at the Challenger LE10 or CL10V lifts. The LE line is Chinese, I believe the CL line is still built in the US.

Another one to consider is Worth, built in Texas. Their 10K lifts are 74 inches or more, depending on adapters. Not certified, but hell for stout, and will definitely handle your heavy truck.

I've used lifts from Bend Pak, Rotary, Western, and others. I don't know a lot, but my experience is that asymmetric lifts and heavy pickups don't play well together. If BendPak is ignoring your emails, give them a call. If they tell you the lift you're considering will work with your truck, I'd take them at their word.

I'm putting a Mohawk 10K in my shop, primarily because I have a 4 door, diesel Ram 2500, as well as an Expedition SUV along with our passenger cars.

 

[Mopar_Mudder]

This is what I show according to their web site for lifts with the same round pad adapters on all. BendPak claims their lift has a 6" longer ram then others, based on these numbers that seems to be the case.

Are you seeing something that I am not. Funning thing on Rotary is the specs on the product page are completely different then what shows if you download the 2 post brochure. So which is correct and what do you believe. Other things I have noticed is a lot o them list the lift spec with risers, adapters, ect. Which I really want to know the lift with no adapters, gota read between the lines on a lot of them.

I am realling leaning toward the BendPak unless something has some experience with them being really bad or something. I will give them a call tomorrow.

BendPak 79"
Rotary SPO-10 72-1/2"
Challanger LE10 74-3/4" (this spec at full extension of screw pad, so not actual lift)
Challanger CL10V 74-1/8" (this spec at full extension of screw pad, so not actual lift)
Worth 74"

I kinda take manufacture comparisons with a grain of salts but these are still kinds interesting:

BendPak vr Rotary

BendPak vr Challenger

 

[WhiffySpark]

Last shop had a 12k rotary. You can easily walk under it with a dually

You can put a corvette on it as well. Just had to jack up the car to slide the pads under lol

 

[ss2win]

I just searched the market and found this is the only option for tall guys within this price range. At 6'6" I need all the height I can get. Bendpak seems to have a good reputation. The product is made in China which I'd rather avoid but what do you do anymore? 15k lifts go higher for a couple grand more...

 

[WhiffySpark]

I’m 6 foot and had to lower it down to do anything

 

[lakeroadster]

The product is made in China which I'd rather avoid but what do you do anymore?

Call Rotary. Most of their 2 posts are USA made.

 

[jetlag]

I suppose you could take the floor-to-pad measurement, and subtract it from the max rise to get the overall stroke, which seems to be what you're most interested in.

The complaints against the Chinese BendPak lifts are leaky hydraulics and issues with the motors. I don't have any idea how often those problems arise. I used to work with an older Bend Pak lift, and it was a tank. The newer ones are no longer built in the US, and I've never used one, personally.

More manufacturer's comparison to be taken with a grain of salt:

http://www.automotiveequipmentinc.c...15/02/Rotary-SPOA10-vs-Bend-Pak-XPR10-ACX.pdf

 

[bamendaboy]

I have checked Rotary and Challenger and while they both claim extra tall lift, when you read the specs all they do is raise the top bar so you can lift taller vehicles, they don't actually raise any higher off the floor.

I tried sending BendPak an email with questions and they didn't answer them at all so I figured I would try here. Tried talking to Rotary and all the guy could do is read the specs off the web site which was no help at all.

The BendPak is suppose to be able to be use symmetric for heavier vehicles, I was hoping some one here had some experience with on.

BendPak has the worst customer service you can ever experience. I needed a quote on a lot of equipments. Willing to spend big bucks but there is some body there by the name Alex. He is too lazy to return phone calls or reply emails. He would promise to get back to you and never does. And when he finally does, he gives you a link to their website. Like for real? I got tired of going back and fort with him and I had to call another guy at Sega who gave me a good deals on similar parts for a very good deal.

 

[bamendaboy]

Call this number 208-475-3079 and ask for Ryan. Tell him Nigel sent you.He would give you the best lift money can buy. Very professional too. Try him and thank me later.

 

[Jazzman442]

The last lift in the word I would take is a bend Pak. There is tons of issue with them. Just google them. Rotary or even their Direct lift for home users. Challenger as well.
My son is 6 4 and he just lowers his head because under my Suburban he stands right up as the truck floor is raised high. No problems for him to stand.

 

[Walter_TA]

I have a BendPak. All good. The sales person I talked to the first time was not there. Saw my caller ID and called back. Lift arrived no problems. I think BendPak sells more so you see more complaints. Had to call service for a can of spray paint. The picked up the phone and sent the paint. A lot of people do not like the fact they are not made in the US also.

 

[danielcooper9]

OP - Did you decide on the axls Bendpak? I have been debating the same lift for the same reason. Closest other option I came up with was the Atlas OH10X. Their specs list the max height including adapters at 7' and it appears their stackable adapters add up to 9" so the lift without adapters seems to be about 6'3". I'm interested in lift heights without adapters because my main lifting will be sportier cars which I will not allow adapters without driving the car up on blocks or something to get it started. Atlas is about $700 cheaper than the axls model from bendpak as well. I haven't decided yet but I'm starting to lean towards the Atlas

 

[Mopar_Mudder]

I did order the BendPak, not sure when it will arrive and it may be awhile before I get it up and going, but I will be sure and update everyone when I do.

 

[Mopar_Mudder]

It is in and done, haven't got a vehicle on it yet though. Here are pictures of the height at full lift. Only thing is I forgot to drop it down so it is sitting on the stops. It drops down 3/4 inch from the dimensions pictured.

 

[Ign]

I'd guess more than 1/2". Seems my XPR-10XC drops at least a couple inches to rest on the locks.

 

[Jeep07]

I bought a bendpak XPR10AS (I decided against the extra tall because I'm 6' tall and don't see need to lift vans to full height since I don't own one). I have a 4 door 2012 2500 Cummins Diesel and I lifted it in symmetric just fine. My bendpak does everything I've asked of it and the quality is great. I've owned it for 3 months so its the newer model that's grey in color.

I think you will be happy with your purchase.

 

[wssix99]

It is in and done, haven't got a vehicle on it yet though. Here are pictures of the height at full lift. Only thing is I forgot to drop it down so it is sitting on the stops. So it will probably come down a 1/2 inch I am guessing.

Congratulations. I have one on order, which should arrive the week of Thanksgiving. (My wife complains like hell when I ask her to move heavy stuff around with me - so I'll be enlisting other family.)

How heavy were the posts? (From the weight of the package, I've been phych'ing myself up for around 500 lbs without the carriages.)

 

[Jeep07]

Congratulations. I have one on order, which should arrive the week of Thanksgiving. (My wife complains like hell when I ask her to move heavy stuff around with me - so I'll be enlisting other family.)

How heavy were the posts? (From the weight of the package, I've been phych'ing myself up for around 500 lbs without the carriages.)

They are heavy. My tractor can lift right at 1000lbs and it was close to its limits picking up 1 column with the carriage in it. The carriage ships inside the column and the instructions just say to move the carriage back and forth to install the cables etc so removing them will add extra work.

I used my tractor, a floor jack and some blocking to stand each column up. (I installed the entire lift by myself). I did rent a scissor lift to do the high up work because I didn't have a 12' step ladder. The scissor lift made putting the crossbar on top easier.

 

[Mopar_Mudder]

I'd guess more than 1/2". Seems my XPR-10XC drops at least a couple inches to rest on the locks.

I just checked and it drops 3/4" to hit the stops.

 

[Mopar_Mudder]

Congratulations. I have one on order, which should arrive the week of Thanksgiving. (My wife complains like hell when I ask her to move heavy stuff around with me - so I'll be enlisting other family.)

How heavy were the posts? (From the weight of the package, I've been phych'ing myself up for around 500 lbs without the carriages.)

I believe on their site they claim around 550 pounds. First one I tipped up with the skid steer but it is hard to do without scratching it all up. Second one I got smart and put a pulley on the rafter to run a cable though. Hooked it to the top of the column and pulled it right up.

 

[wssix99]

I used my tractor, a floor jack and some blocking to stand each column up. (I installed the entire lift by myself). I did rent a scissor lift to do the high up work because I didn't have a 12' step ladder. The scissor lift made putting the crossbar on top easier.

Thanks! To bad you did it yourself - the pictures would have been great!

This tip/method may help us a ton.

 

[wssix99]

I believe on their site they claim around 550 pounds. First one I tipped up with the skid steer but it is hard to do without scratching it all up. Second one I got smart and put a pulley on the rafter to run a cable though. Hooked it to the top of the column and pulled it right up.

Thanks. This may also work for us. I have a scaffold on wheels and may be able to hoist the column up inside the scaffold.

 

[Ronald1988]

Jeep07Was wondering how well your liking your xpr10as bendpak so far? I am currently debating between the xpr10as and the xpr10axls. Being you said your 6' tall, are you able to stand comfortably under your truck at fully raised height? I am 5'9" and have an extended cab 2500hd duramax that I will be lifting. Would you be able to tell me roughly how close does your cab come to your overhead shutoff bar?

 

[rockwvu]

Congratulations. I have one on order, which should arrive the week of Thanksgiving. (My wife complains like hell when I ask her to move heavy stuff around with me - so I'll be enlisting other family.)

How heavy were the posts? (From the weight of the package, I've been phych'ing myself up for around 500 lbs without the carriages.)

Any updates?
How do you like it??

 

[Mopar_Mudder]

I know I love mine other then the fact that I don't have enough time to use it!

 

[wssix99]

Any updates?
How do you like it??

It went up pretty easy with two people. My scaffolding made the assembly easy at the top.

Like all Bend-Pak lifts:
- The shipping was horrible and the lift got all scuffed up in transit. No one cares; except Bend-Pak is supposedly investing more in packaging these days. Maybe someone has a more current update?
- The instructions are missing a few steps. Without youtube videos, the whole thing would have been a lost cause.
- The instructions are out of date - but Bend-Pak support is pretty good and they can explain the deltas.
- The leveling instructions are confusing - but the tutorial on the Bend-Pak website helps get things in line.
- There are no instructions for how to run the electrical into the lift and there are no provisions for conduit, etc. Backwoods engineering is required.

Use of the lift has been great. My only complaint is that as the lift takes heavier loads (like my Toyota Tacoma), the posts bend inward slightly. (as any lift does and as is to be expected.) However, this causes the safety release cable to shorten up just a tad and the safety locks tend to get stuck when the load is at the higher positions.

^ This is a bit annoying and a little dangerous, so one needs to be alert and very careful when lowering a load. I'm sure there is a clever fix for this, but I haven't taken the time to work it out yet. I got two four post lifts later on in the year and have found myself using them a lot more. I only use the 2 post lift for suspension work and changing tires.

 

[Mopar_Mudder]

My only complaint is that as the lift takes heavier loads (like my Toyota Tacoma), the posts bend inward slightly. (as any lift does and as is to be expected.) However, this causes the safety release cable to shorten up just a tad and the safety locks tend to get stuck when the load is at the higher positions.

Guess I don't see how this can happen when you have a frame across the top holding the post? I have have over 8000# trucks on mine with no issue at all.

 

[wssix99]

Guess I don't see how this can happen when you have a frame across the top holding the post? I have have over 8000# trucks on mine with no issue at all.

The top frame is weak compared to the columns and will bow as the columns bend inward. I'm thinking it will bow up or bow down. If it bows up, it will press the pulleys for the safety cable up and keep it tight. (Mabye this is why yours is OK?) If it bows down, the pulleys will disengage and allow the safety cable to slack. (Maybe this is why mine is not OK?)

I need to measure this, but it's a real PITA when there's a load on the lift...

 

[alberto]

Just FYI, I've called Benpak twice in the last couple of weeks to ask about a lift I'm looking at. First time the guy I spoke with had no clue about the lift. Said he'd talk to the engineers and get back to me. Of course he didn't. Called a second time, got a lady who was a bit more knowledgeable than the first dude, but needed to ask about a few details. Said she'd get back to me. Never called back. I'm not getting the warm and fuzzy from Benpak in terms of their customer support.

You might keep customer service in mind as you decide which lift to buy.

 

[SJW]

Alberto, what were your questions?

 

[Diesel Dan]

My only complaint is that as the lift takes heavier loads (like my Toyota Tacoma), the posts bend inward slightly. (as any lift does and as is to be expected.) However, this causes the safety release cable to shorten up just a tad and the safety locks tend to get stuck when the load is at the higher positions.

I've noticed the columns flex when picking crewcab diesels.
It hasn't affected my release cables, yet.

This is something my Worth lifts did not exhibit.