MaxJax owners...

[Jason280]

I'm getting ready to run the hydraulic lines overhead on my MaxJax lift, and the plan is to mount the pump & reservoir on the side of the column. I've found a few pics of these online, but haven't seen much in the way of details on how the pumps are actually attached to the column.

Any suggestions?

 

[Jason280]

Anyone?

 

[tjc1965]

Pretty simple, unbolt the pump and splitter valve from the cart, measure the distance between the four holes you just took the bolts out of. Mark the hole locations on the wide side of the column, drill holes to match, bolt motor and valve to new location. I think I even re-used the same bolts.

 

[Jason280]

Pretty simple, unbolt the pump and splitter valve from the cart, measure the distance between the four holes you just took the bolts out of. Mark the hole locations on the wide side of the column, drill holes to match, bolt motor and valve to new location. I think I even re-used the same bolts.

I thought of that, but wasn't sure if it would be safe to drill the columns...

 

[nickstewartroc]

I ran my lines overhead and mounted the pump on the wall, be careful if you do decide to attach it to the post that you have enough clearance between the lift post inside and the bolt heads, not sure what kind of clearance there is off hand

 

[red61cj5]

Dude, yer avatar is killing me. I read your post like six times before I even realized what you were saying. Something about pumps on a column. I need to get out more.

 

[Makoto]

you mean like this?

full gallery here: https://imgur.com/gallery/EIQ0G

 

[Dannmar Support]

Just be careful not to void your warranty, if dealing with a new lift.

 

[thinpockets]

Just be careful not to void your warranty, if dealing with a new lift.

Is there something about mounting the pump to the column that would void the warranty?
I'm considering the same thing when I get to setting mine up. I've had it for several months and won't be assembling it until spring.
My concern is, is there something unsafe about drilling the required holes?

 

[97dynaglide]

I'd try to avoid drilling or welding the column, but that's just me.

I routed my line overhead and mounted the pump on the column with 'hooks' and adjustable feet.

I used the pump mounting plate from the cart and added hooks to hang on to the top of the column. I then added adjustable feet at the top and bottom to keep the whole assembly level and secure.

The dial thingy you see in the one pic is an adjustable valve to keep the fluid flow equal in order to keep the arms even during lifting and lowering. This was recommended to me from Gabe (no longer with MaxJax) to correct an uneven lifting problem I couldn't get rid of.
Works like a charm.

 

[Jason280]

I really like the idea above, hooks seem almost genius in this situation....no need for welding or drilling.

Tell me a little more about the adjustable valve. I'm having some uneven lifting on mine, but I *believe* its mainly from a leaking seal. Its not that bad, no more than a couple inches, but noticeable. One of my cylinders has a slight leak, but MaxJax can't tell me which seal kit I need (they apparently have two versions, and my serial number doesn't help). I'll probably end up taking it to a local hydraulic shop....if I still have lifting issues, I may try an adjustable valve.

 

[97dynaglide]

The valve simply restricts the flow to the cylinder that was lifting faster than the other. In my case it was the cylinder with the shortest hose.
I had a problem with the 'divider' (I think that's what the black box with the 3 lines on it is called...) If I switched the lines from left cylinder to the right, the uneven lifting followed.
Gabe recommended the valve to me and it has worked great going on close to 5 years.
I don't have a part number off hand, but I'm sure any hydraulic shop could set you up.

 

[c4cruiser]

I've been thinking about mounting the motor/pump to one of the columns and I was considering using hooks to hold the unit. The assembly seems heavy enough that it may not need bolting to the upright. But if anything, just a couple of 90 degree tabs with holes could be welded to the upright and bolt the pump frame to the tabs. I was thinking that I would mount the front side of the pump assembly so it would face away from the post. That way I would not need any 90 degree fitting, much less taking everything apart.

But I was also concerned about unequal length hoses. The one pic that shows a single hose from the pump to the fitting on the hydraulic ram is what I thought of doing, but what about the hose to the other side?? Will the big difference in hose length cause lifting problems? Right now, I don't have any problems with uneven lifting, but every 6 months, I bleed the hydraulics at the top of the column. Only takes a minute to do and hardly get any air to escape.

 

[Jason280]

Will the big difference in hose length cause lifting problems?

According to MaxJax, there shouldn't be any issue...as long as you stay under the max length for both hoses.

 

[Jvvmusme]

According to MaxJax, there shouldn't be any issue...as long as you stay under the max length for both hoses.

and what is the maximum lenght ???

 

[Jason280]

If I remember correctly, Maxjax told me 30' or so...mine are around 35' total.