maxjax cylinder issues...

[nzk]

purchased my maxjax almost a year ago and have used it a dozen times or more. im currently on my 3rd cylinder in less than a year. all have failed due to leaking seals. first one went bad, refurb replacement sent, which leaked right away. so third one sent. now the other original cylinder sprung a leak so getting that replaced. the guys at danmar have been good about getting new cylinders sent out without hassle but this is worrying me because my warranty will run out soon and I will have to start paying for their poor QC

am I the only one here with these failures? I am using the fluid specified in the manual, should I switch to something else? getting tired of swapping cylinders and mopping up the mess.

 

[Hiball]

Have you inquired with them in regards to why your having so many issues? I would voice your warranty concerns with them and see if they will extend it etc. I'm not familiar with the Units, but what type of tonnage are you lifting? What is it rated for?

 

[nzk]

Yes I have, they can't explain it. They say their QC is top notch. Either way I keep getting bum cylinders. I'm only lifting max 4000lb on the 6000lb rated lift. I can't be the only one...

 

[Hiball]

Yes I have, they can't explain it. They say their QC is top notch. Either way I keep getting bum cylinders. I'm only lifting max 4000lb on the 6000lb rated lift. I can't be the only one...

You would think someone on there end can explain it after Looking into the Issue, Maybe try and talk to the Tech Department versus the Customer Service guy who is just trying to keep you happy.

 

[nzk]

Yes I've been talking only with their tech dept.

 

[Farmall450]

You've been using the mechanical* safeties, not holding weight on hydraulic pressure for long amounts of time, right?

*Even so, first I've heard of the issue.

 

[Jvvmusme]

Never heard of this issue before
I would change oil brand and specs

Next time you replace a cylinder take the old to a local hydraulic shop to see what they tell you, but I think your oil could be you problem....

 

[nzk]

No I have never let the car rest on the hydraulics. I usually put safeties and then unhook the hydraulic line.

 

[Jvvmusme]

No need to unhook the hydraulic lines once the car is on the safety bars....

 

[regguy1]

No need to unhook the hydraulic lines once the car is on the safety bars....

yes, just release pressure with down lever

 

[nzk]

I do it to get the lines out of the way when I work on the car. That's not causing the seals to blow I guarantee u.

 

[Jvvmusme]

My bet is on the oil you are using....

 

[nzk]

So what fluid is everyone using?

 

[Jvvmusme]

I use the ATF mentioned in the maxjax manual
A friend of mine uses Hydraulic 32, the cheapest on the market.
Same performance

 

[nzk]

I use ATF as too. I guess I use my lift more than most.

 

[NewShockerGuy]

So my right cylinder housing is leaking at the point that it seals against the cylinder, up and down..etc.

I ordered a new seal kit for the cylinder and was wondering has anyone put new seals in the unit? Or is there a how to on doing so? I can't imagine it being that difficult but I've never done something like this so wanted to see if anyone had some pointers or guidance.

It's just on the one cylinder, always the side that seemed to lift lower than the other, and I have a feeling this is why... Been using it for probably two years, use actual hydraulic fluid and not ATF.

Thanks much,
-Nigel

 

[Jvvmusme]

I would go to a local hydraulic shop and have the seal replaced by a pro.....maybe they can determine when the problem is

 

[1trkpny]

I need to replace my seals as well. Can someone send me link for seal purchase? I have the same 6000 lb unit.

 

[charlottefocker]

Any updates on replacing the seal?

 

[Bill-banger]

I've had both cylinders replaced, first one under warranty, second one after it was out of warranty but they sent me a replacement free. One still leaks, and one side always rises faster than the other, regardless of which post I put where. I used ATF originally but switched to AW32 after about a year. The uneven lifting likely means the flow divider is defective, a new one is $275. I recall reading somewhere that one owner replaced his with a different divider and fixed his problem, I need to locate that post. BTW, I've thymine for over 6 years.