Is this safe?

[E46M54]

I have a 6000lb Bendpak scissor lift. It's an "open center" design, so two scissor assemblies, one on each side.

I bought it for my car but can't use it for my truck because the frame rail spacing is too narrow and won't make contact with the lift. Is it safe to get two pieces of 1/4" rectangular tubing, place them across the lift, and then lift the frame off the tubing?

 

[Olafur]

I would secure the square tubes to the lift by drilling through them and the platform and stick one 10-12mm bolt through each end, (perhaps put a nut on the underside but not tighten them down) Just to prevent the possibility of them sliding on the lift, and also tying the two platforms together, for good measure.

I would also try to put some rubber between the frame and the tubes for the same reason. Pay attention to weight distribution /balance of the truck and try it out.

I can't see the danger in doing this and have seen similar uses of such lifts, but anecdotal evidence are just that.

 

[cvairwerks]

I hope you are meaning 1/4 WALL tubing...

 

[matt_i]

As above 1/4" - WHAT?

Some more info is needed. How much are you off in terms of the gap between the scissors and the width of the frame rails?

Keep in mind when you load the scissor lift off-center you are asking for more trouble the higher it goes. You could attach the end of the tube to only bear on the center of the existing lift-plate, but then you need more structure as there is more distance to span.

Also keep in mind that coefficient of friction between steel and steel is very low. It would be ideal to have a piece of plywood in between to increase this value. Above it was suggested that you use bolts to attach the crossmembers to the lift plate, I agree with this, weld tabs, etc, to make it easier to do.

The other thing to think about is the distance between the crossmembers, the entire truck has to be balanced front-to-back on (guessing) 24"? That is not much room for error.

I'm thinking 3" square tube with 3/8" wall is a good place to start without knowing more.

 

[jtbinvalrico]

This sounds like what you’re talking about...build it or buy it:
http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Atlas-Scissor-Lift-Support-Bars


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