Question on 4 post lift lock synchronization

[rmorit01]

I had an installer, who does multiple 4 post installs per month install a Bendpak HD7P. It is very solid, and operates smoothly.

The installer likes to hear each lock on each post engage. So he intentionally leveled it so that front passenger lock clicks in the front driver side clicks in the rear driver and last the rear passenger. The motor is at the rear passenger. He believes hearing each lock click on ensures you lower it on to all four.

In reading the install and operation manual Bendpak focuses on ensuring the lift is level.

I believe the installer will have no problem synching it if I asked him too. Just wanted to check in with this group and get a view on the installers theory. He didn't ask before he setup, but as we went over operation of the lift.

 

[Buckgnarly]

The one at my school you can hear all 4, and I kind of like it. Otherwise there are times you kind of have to watch and make sure one corner is not below the lock as you lower it.
I've had some REALLY ******* kids lower one corner pretty far before they stopped...like really far!

 

[P0234]

If the lift is level and the cables are adjusted properly it should all lock at the same time. What is paramount is making sure your runways are level.

 

[Cougar]

Can hear all four on mine. Really close together, clickclickclickclick.

 

[finn]

I would actually prefer the multiple clicks. I make sure I go well past the locking point before I stop lifting and drop to the locks.

My two post BendPac originally had distinct clicks for each post, but like a ******* I “fixed” them to synchronize, and I don’t like it.

 

[Yankeefarmer]

Mine was initially set up with all 4 clicking in simultaneously. Then I moved it around to different areas of my shop and have loaded different vehicles on it. Depending on location and vehicle, there can be slight variations in the timing of the clicks, but all are pretty close, and I watch all four corners carefully whenever I lower it to make sure that all are engaged.

 

[nadogail]

Looks like there’s some room for discussion. The important thing to remember is that there is no substitute for common sense.

 

[Stuart in MN]

In your photo it appears all four legs are right on the floor with no shimming, so I'm not sure I understand what you mean about the installer adjusting the level. In any case I think it should be standard procedure to walk around the lift to visually make sure all four locks are engaged before letting the lift down onto the stops, it's what I do.

Nice M Coupe, by the way.

 

[RWorth]

I have a 2 post, but hearing all 4 on a 4 post makes sense. If you are concerned about it being level, lower it onto the locks before you work on it. My 2 post has separate controls for both sides so I generally lower it to the locks anyway.

 

[Al G]

If it's synchronized so all 4 locks click at the same time why can't you use that one click to know they've all past the locking point? I had 2 Bendpak 4 post lifts and they were both synchronized nearly perfectly. If you're not sure they've all past the locking point just go up another inch or two before lowering back down.

 

[mustang5.0]

I have a Bendpak 4 post and I like it staggered. Even though I hear the locks I still do a visual check

 

[Poolshark314]

In your photo it appears all four legs are right on the floor with no shimming, so I'm not sure I understand what you mean about the installer adjusting the level. In any case I think it should be standard procedure to walk around the lift to visually make sure all four locks are engaged before letting the lift down onto the stops, it's what I do.

Nice M Coupe, by the way.

I think this lift uses adjustable ladder bars for leveling locks, so shims are not necessary under the posts

 

[racecougar]

Yep. The independent adjustment of lock ladders and cables means your floor has to be way out of whack before you need shims. Unlike the lifts with the lock windows cut into the posts.

I have mine just barely staggered. All four click in rapid fire as the lock windows are passed.

 

[aggie113]

Adjust it yourself if you want it setup differently. The adjustments are at the top of the legs, just get a wrench on them to adjust.

 

[Stick-man]

I just finished installing mine, and still have to final level & adjust. However, before I anchored it down, I dialed it in to be close. With the ramps level on the cables, I then set it on the safeties & ladders, and re-leveled it. Now, the first couple 2 or 3 they all click simultaneously, then further up, they start clicking a little off. That tells me it is in the manufacturing and not leveling.
Btw, it is a BendPak 14X four post

 

[tom86951]

To me, the most important thing is getting to know your lift and the locks. The locks on mine were so sequential, it was hard tell where one level set ended and the next one started, so I adjusted as shown in this video. The other thing I've learned to do over time is watch the first few inches of lowering very closely. If you are paying close attention you can see and stop within a few inches if any of the corners are hanging up. Much better then binding the lift by lowering it as far as it will go while still hung up on a lock or three....

 

[Daedalus]

I rather have them all engage at the same height, but a tiny height difference from corner to corner is probably OK. It means each cable will have a slightly different amount of tension, but probably not a big deal. I keep mine level, and put little bright green pointers cut from painters tape on each post next to some clear and visible feature on each moving corner, at each stop that I work at. If a lock doesn't engage, I know pretty darn quick.

 

[ronr80]

I can hear all mine in a quick sequence almost all together been like that for 15yrs , R

 

[BruceMc]

If you're not sure they've all past the locking point just go up another inch or two before lowering back down.

Even if I think all four are engaged I still take it up another second or two before lowering. I didn't once. Just once was enough for a lesson learned.

 

[Byrdnyrd]

I have a BendPak HD-9, i hear the clicks (loud bangs actually!) on my lift in very close sequence but not exact. I did noodle with each ladder adjustment when I first installed the lift.

i am VERY conscious of the locks when I am lowering a vehicle, the best indicator I have found ( with Bendpak ) is to keep your eye on the cables under the runway ( my power unit is on passenger side rear) , if one of the locks isn’t released, you will notice the cable go slack!

i also watch the vehicle to see that it is lowering parallel to the floor, if it is not STOP! Go back up and repress the safety lock button!!

this lift has changed my life! No more rolling on the floor!

good Luck

Cheers,
BN