Installing BendPak HD-9 cross support

[pattenp]

I'm looking at purchasing a BendPak HD-9 for use in my home garage and when looking at the installation instructions it is stated to install the cross support with the columns standing upright by using a forklift or craine to lower the cross support into the columns. Has anyone installed one of these lifts by laying the columns flat on the floor and then sliding in the cross support all the way to the bottom of the columns and then using two people to stand the columns upright? I don't have access to a forklift or craine and would like to know if this methoid would work or if the two columns with the cross support would be too heavy or unruley for two to four people to stand upright.

Thanks for any thoughts on this.

 

[Junkman]

Re: Installing Bend Pak HD-9 cross support

I read the same thing when I was reading the instructions prior to installing my lift. I did exactly what you described by laying the columns down, and installing the cross beam into each. Then I installed the safety ladders next, and with the assistance of a friend, we stood the columns up. I actually assembled my entire lift in the driveway, and then using the optional lift casters rolled it into the garage. I had to slide the movable lift platform all the way to one side, to get it into the doorway, since the lift is wider than my garage door, but it was no problem. Just don't try this on a driveway with a slope....

 

[pattenp]

Thanks for the reply. If the cross beam had to be installed with the columns standing, that would have been a problem for me. I didn't know if there would be any headaches in trying to install the cross beam with the columns laying flat on the floor.

 

[Junkman]

Re: Installing Bend Pak HD-9 cross support

The only other thing to be careful about is the routing of the cables in the cross beam where they go over the sheaves and under the runway. If you put the bolts into the runway to secure it to the cross beam, and the cable is on the wrong side of the bolt, it will pull the cable off the sheave the first time that you put tension on the cables. For this reason, install the bolts finger tight while you are assembling the lift. Then, before you tension the cables by activating the hydraulics, remove the two bolts from the powered runway at the end opposite the power unit. Run the lift up to the top, and then reinstall the bolts while there is tension on the cables. By doing this, you will be certain that the cable is on the top side of the bolt, rather than being caught under the bottom side of the bolt. I hope that this is clear instructions, but if not, let me know and I will post some pictures to aid you in the assembly.

 

[Iron-Iceberg]

Go to a renta yard they have hand crank lifts that would work perfect for this. I used one to put up a roll up door by my self.

 

[e-tek]

I did what JunkMan did too. It seems crazy they want you to lift that 300lb cross beam 9 feet! Sounds like all handy-types think alike! When you have the columns down, you'll install the ladders too - slide them in next to the cross beams. It's a good time to spray the insides and rubber blocks with WD-40 too.
One more thing I did (I'm sure others did too): instructions say raise x-beams to about 6ft before putting ramps on (I guess to have clearance to do cables) - also nearly impossibe - even with some kinda lift...so we stood up the x-beams/front posts, one guy held them, while two of us lifted one end of a ramp onto them, then lifted the other end onto the back posts. Hope that makes sense...

 

[Junkman]

Re: Installing Bend Pak HD-9 cross support

I set the cross beams at about 3' off the ground, and put the ramps on at that level. When it came time to "thread" the cables on, I raised each end of the cross beam with a jack and a piece of 4 x 4 one notch at a time until it was high enough to get under comfortably. I learned years ago to work smarter, not harder, to accomplish the same result. I often wonder if the people that write these instructions have ever tried to use them to install the lift. I knew a fellow that told me that he knew how to operate a bull dozer, since he wrote the operators manual for one. He never put his rear in the seat......ever!!!! Just observed someone else for a few hours.

 

[Old Moparz]

Re: Installing Bend Pak HD-9 cross support

The only other thing to be careful about is the routing of the cables in the cross beam where they go over the sheaves and under the runway. If you put the bolts into the runway to secure it to the cross beam, and the cable is on the wrong side of the bolt, it will pull the cable off the sheave the first time that you put tension on the cables. For this reason, install the bolts finger tight while you are assembling the lift. Then, before you tension the cables by activating the hydraulics, remove the two bolts from the powered runway at the end opposite the power unit. Run the lift up to the top, and then reinstall the bolts while there is tension on the cables. By doing this, you will be certain that the cable is on the top side of the bolt, rather than being caught under the bottom side of the bolt. I hope that this is clear instructions, but if not, let me know and I will post some pictures to aid you in the assembly.

I'll second the info on watching where you route the cables. I installed two HD-9 lifts & the first one went smoothly, but the cable on the second one wasn't routed correctly. I didn't know it until I had finished assembling & raising the lift to test it. The cable jumped off the pulley & the lift was stuck in the raised position.

I had to literally pry the cable from between the pulley wheel & the access hole in the cross support where it was wedged, which damaged the cable. I then had to partially disassemble things & replace the cable. Not fun, & it made me panic in thinking that I had installed the cable the same way on the first lift. I checked & it was fine, but wish I knew beforehand.

 

[ovilla]

Rent an oversized engine lift with a high lift arm. This type of engine lift will have about 5' long legs and will allow you to very easily lift each ramp to whatever height you need.

 

[e-tek]

Rent an oversized engine lift with a high lift arm. This type of engine lift will have about 5' long legs and will allow you to very easily lift each ramp to whatever height you need.

I had thought of doing that, but a few friends made it much easier! Beside, it would be hard to get ramp moved with one end on a hoist and one on the ground - they weigh upwards of a VW!