I have a Bendpak two post lift. Like it, but the issue is, the first lock is too high for me to comfortably work in an engine bay. What would be a way to support the lift arms at a lower level and take the pressure off the hydraulics? Would two car stands, one under an arm on each side be a solution? Perhaps better, four stands, one under each arm?
Right height for two post lift
- Thread starter thelews
- Start date
finn
Well-known member
4x4 or 6x6”wooden block under the carriage at the post.
Ign
Well-known member
I dunno, I leave it where I need it, just not overnight and usually not if I'm UNDER it. But for working in an engine bay of a low car I just let the hydraulics hold it.
AFAIC the mechanical safety locks are merely in case of hydraulic failure, but like a floor jack the hydraulics *should* hold a load indefinitely
AFAIC the mechanical safety locks are merely in case of hydraulic failure, but like a floor jack the hydraulics *should* hold a load indefinitely
Please never use wood on a lift. I do lift safety training and we have had to investigate lift failures due to the use of improper adapters including wood. If the 1st mechanical lock is too high, the proper procedure is to place jack stands under the vehicle at the height you need and then release the hydraulic pressure on the lift. Lift hydraulics are designed to move a load not hold a load, that is the job of the mechanical locks.
whateg01
Well-known member
At least nobody suggested cinder blocks! (Yet)
I'm curious how using wooden blocks under the arms are I'm any way inferior to Jack stands. Wooden blocks are used everywhere for cribbing. Under houses, under ships. Why would they not support a car?
I'm curious how using wooden blocks under the arms are I'm any way inferior to Jack stands. Wooden blocks are used everywhere for cribbing. Under houses, under ships. Why would they not support a car?
hilld
Well-known member
Lego's, can stack them pretty much any height......
Wood compresses, it splits, it shifts, it breaks, and is not appropriate for lift use. As for the jobs you mentioned, they are all done by professionals that work with it all the time using the correct wood for the job. What we see with lifts is 2x4s and pallet wood etc. Being in the industry and specifically safety training unfortunately we see all the accidents. Usually it's dropped cars and trucks with the tech typically not getting hurt when it happens and normally the wood is used as a spacer on top of the lift arms between the unibody or frame not normally under the arm as a load support.
mrobins297aaa
Well-known member
whats your thoughts on 3/4 plywood blocks on top of the lift arms
Definitely not.