NEW Prototype BendPak RJ-45 Jack

[jamesg302]

NEW Prototype BendPak Bridge Jack (RJ-45)

BendPak may be updating their RJ-45 jack yet again this year. You may recall the updated design to lower the jack providing more under car clearance.

In using the RJ-45 jack, I found the need to lift from the middle of area and not just at the arm lift pads. So, I contact BendPak with several ideas for adding this type of functionality. BendPak, with their unending exceptional customer service, offered to try some of the ideas. After discussing the options we arrived at a design that seemed to meet all the requirements and a prototype was fabricated. Did I mention how thrilled I am to have purchased my lift from BendPak? How many other companies would work with its customers like this? Think about that if you are still deciding where to buy your lift.

I just received the prototype parts to update my RJ-45 and test the new design. It modifies the primary lift frame of the jack to allow the attachment of adapters. This allows you to lift not only from the adjustable side arms but also now from anywhere in the middle.

Photos are attached below.

The primary lift frame has guide rails welded to the sides to receive the adapters and the arm stop block bolts are now countersunk to allow easy addition and removal of the adapters as needed.

I had steel lift plates, rubber lift plates, and extension adapters that I got with the jack. The new adapters are the rubber lift plates and adapter plates that slide on the primary frame. With these adapters and the potential new jack design the functionality is GREAT! As you can see in the photos there are many combinations that should fit any job.

According to BendPak the slide on adapters will be optional if the jack design is produced and may cost around $150.

If ANYONE is interested in seeing this design go into production email BendPak at [email protected] and let them know you want more information. Make the subject of your email "RJ-45 Prototype Adapters". You could also email them just to say how cool of an idea this is, if you wanted.

As you can see I've already swapped the parts out on my jack. So, I'm eager to try it out. I'll post more information after some tests.

- Jim

 

[Mad40er]

I dont own a lift, but I think it is pretty cool that they made custom parts for your needs. Kudos to you and to Bendpak!

 

[mechamunch]

I've never heard of a company the size of BendPak doing something this custom for a customer. Really refreshing.

 

[gbcamp72]

This is far slicker than the various thickness blocks of wood I use between my subframe and the jack body. Great example of another innovation from the can do can do Bend Pak team wisely leveraging the creative minds of GJ members. You are both to be applauded just as the narrowing of the bridge jack, and the short wide lift ideas as well.

 

[darkk]

After all the screwing around I went thru to get one of the lowered rolling bar assemblies for my RJ45...they come out with something cool like this that's a zillion times better. I WANT ONE!!!!! WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!

 

[Cryptic1911]

ooh, I like that.. We have the old style rail that has the bolt heads popping out the top, so that extra 1/4" likes to snag on the bottoms of our cars. I was wondering if there was a way around that, but this here is a good way to get it done. Might have to pick one up

 

[James E]

If I'm interpreting those pics correctly, the scissors are attached at one end of the bar and the bar rolls on the other end. If that is the case, doesn't the vehicle shift to one side as the jack extends?

 

[ddawg16]

RJ45? I thought you were talking about an Ethernet port for the Bendpak.

 

[Cryptic1911]

If I'm interpreting those pics correctly, the scissors are attached at one end of the bar and the bar rolls on the other end. If that is the case, doesn't the vehicle shift to one side as the jack extends?

Nah, the piece you are looking at is just a spacer, its actually hinged there, so the tops don't move back and forth, they stay put, and the bottom slides in and out.

 

[AndysMBgarage]

Thats a good mod.

Hopefully they put it into production.

 

[BHR4CE1]

How many other companies would work with its customers like this? Think about that if you are still deciding where to buy your lift.

Jim,

I know EXACTLY how you feel. I also came up with a modification to the lift I purchased. I discussed it with Jeff, and he came out to my place, drew it up and had it made for my lift. He liked it so much that it is now a standard component of the lift.

 

[jamesg302]

Thats a good mod.

Hopefully they put it into production.

It will help the decision if EVERYONE who is interested would email BendPak as I noted above and make a post in this thread also as I believe BendPak is periodically reading it.

 

[Jawn]

RJ45? I thought you were talking about an Ethernet port for the Bendpak.

You ain't the only one.

 

[nvrlift]

I like that a lot...and seeing as I am considering a 4 post lift with rolling bridge jacks...Bendpak was already the top of the list, but maybe this is the push to finally order.

You guys going with just one rolling jack, or two? My only concern with two is the space/accessibility underneath the car when you are not using them. Do they truly roll out of the way easily? And can you run a drip pan or two in there as well if needed? Think leaky Porsche.

 

[AndysMBgarage]

You guys going with just one rolling jack, or two? My only concern with two is the space/accessibility underneath the car when you are not using them. Do they truly roll out of the way easily? And can you run a drip pan or two in there as well if needed? Think leaky Porsche.

I have one RJ45 rolling jack, a rolling oil pan and a pair of the plastic drip trays to protect my wifes SEL for the older SEL that leaks a little.

The single RJ45 is easy enough to move front to back once the oil trays are removed, which only takes a minute.

Cheers

 

[Cryptic1911]

You really only need one.. Just jack it up and slap some jack stands under it, and roll the jack out of the way


As for the jack in the original post, I don't know if that is standard from Bendpak yet or not, so you may have to check with your supplier. We retrofitted our jack with that top bar with the flanges, and it's nice as you have lots more options for lift points than with the standard jack

 

[JMURiz]

Good stuff, I also remember them making a super-low profile RJ-45 for a ferrari owner.

Hopefully I'll have the funds to buy an RJ45 in the coming year, also the Alumn ramps...wish I would have done it at the initial purchase though...oh well.

edit: Just checked the prices for buying alumn ramps after lift purchase....yikes, guess I'm stuck with my steel ones.

 

[nvrlift]

I am sure this question would be obvious if I had one in front of me, but why can't the RJ-45 jack have a lower profile? Why not be flush with the ramp deck when collapsed? I assume it is due to the ~4" deck height, and the ramps could not get all the way down to the ground, as the RJ-45 must be, what, 8" thick overall then when compressed?

Seems like there would be a market for rolling bridge jacks that could be flush (or maybe 1" high above ramp deck height) to accomodate all types of low cars, race cars, etc.

 

[trboxman]

RJ45? I thought you were talking about an Ethernet port for the Bendpak.

Same here. After reading the title I was all WTF would a Bendpak need to be attached to the network?

 

[jamesg302]

I am sure this question would be obvious if I had one in front of me, but why can't the RJ-45 jack have a lower profile? Why not be flush with the ramp deck when collapsed? I assume it is due to the ~4" deck height, and the ramps could not get all the way down to the ground, as the RJ-45 must be, what, 8" thick overall then when compressed?

Seems like there would be a market for rolling bridge jacks that could be flush (or maybe 1" high above ramp deck height) to accommodate all types of low cars, race cars, etc.

I am not an engineer but my assumption is that in order to support a 4,500lb. load the required tube and scissor components of the jack are minimized as much as possible already. In reality, the jack arms only stick up a couple of inches above the runways and should have ample clearance for all but the most exotic of sports cars. There is only about a half of an inch where the jack could possible be lowered a little and Bendpak may have already implemented that change as well. Give them a call. The jack, like the lift, is great and once you have one you won't want to do without it.

 

[aruba]

I called Bendpak about 6 months ago when I was going to get the RJ45. They said if you want the low profile design, you need to specify it when ordering through your retailer. At the time they were also getting rid of the plastic sliders in favor of steel roller wheels, so I didn't buy at the time. With this current improvement, I am glad I waited!

 

[additudeguy]

Thank You for this post.

I would never have known about these adapters if not for this post.

Now I currently have them on my lift and I couldn't imagine it without them.

Bendpak also now makes offset adapters that also work with the Rj45 that I also added they make up that little bit of space I was having difficulties reaching the pinch welds on certain cars.

http://www.bendpak.com/car-lifts/accessories/offset-adapters.aspx

...and Thank You Jeff Kritzer from bendpak for outstanding customer service. I too have contacted him since my purchase and could not be happier with the service provided.

 

[jamesg302]

I have come to really rely on the adapters also. They are great.

I'm glad to hear your experience with BendPak was very positive. BendPak definitely strives to insure quality customer service is provided. I am still happy with my purchase and would buy from BendPak if I had to do it all again.

 

[HIRISC]

I'd like to see Bendpak use -a, -b, (eg RJ45-b) or something similar to denote the 'newer' iterations of their rolling bridge jacks. Most of the retailers are clueless to the minute differences (wheel/slider type) that can affect customer satisfaction/perception.

 

[Rye425]

Same here. I'm back in the market for a rolling bridge but hesitant to order because I'm after the low profile. Not sure if they are all made to order or I'll just get sent one if its in stock.

 

[JSK]

Thanks to all.

Because of this thread and others, we have configured all current jacks as follows.

- All RJ-45's in stock are now lowered - they now sit just 1/4" - 3/8" from the floor when the lift is resting on the ground. This positions the pads at 3" off the runway when the jack is lowered all the way.

- All RJ-45's in stock now have the upper adapter rails so you can order the special adapters if needed.

Jeff

 

[Rye425]

Sweet, well there's my answer.

Thanks