Your First MaxJax: What to Expect

[cw_racefan]

I think it's just new product, working out the bugs. Can you post a picture of your cart? When you say upside down, you mean the hole pattern for the proportioning valve is on the bottom?

As for me, well, mine's installed!! Lifted my 5000lb Chev. Tahoe with no problems at all. A 20 amp circuit seems to do fine. As Jeff mentioned though, be very careful drilling the holes. I have one that is a PITA to get in because it wasn't perfect. It's hard to get a concrete bit started exactly in the center of the column hole, and in my case anyway, the 7/8 bit was hard to get started in the 5/8 hole. Take your time bleeding, it took many times running it up and down to get all the air out. Worst part of that is with no load, it takes a loooong time to lower.

I'll try to take some pics later today, didn't have time yesterday.

 

[PowerDubs]

Add more problems to the list..

So I am putting the fittings and hose onto the pump mounted to the cart. The hose doesn't fit.

At first I thought mybe I had put the lower fitting in the wrong hole as the # of plugs and locations are different on my pump than they are in the picture in the install guide...so I went onto MaxJax's site and looked at the video and made sure I was putting the fitting in the right spot. I was.

SO then..I thought wow, they made the hose an inch too short until I realized that in the video they show the distribution block being mounted closely above the pump and on mine it is further apart. (hence why the hose won't reach)


If someone who has managed to put theirs together with no issues can take pictures and measurements of the mounting holes.. I looked at it several times and there is no other way to mount it from what I can see.. the holes appear to be in the wrong spot.

 

[cw_racefan]

Dubs- Mine went together fine, though as you eluded to, the connection for that hose on the pump is not the same location as they show in the manual. Let me double check mine and I'll post back in a couple of minutes....


Ok....took some measurements....

I have 1/2 inch between the top of the pump to the bottom of the dist. block
3/4" from the top of cart to top of mounting plates on dist. black
1 3/4" between bottom of dist. block mount and top of pump mount

 

[Art D]

CW racefan.... Yes the hole pattern is upside down. Pump mount holes are on top and proportioning valve holes are on the bottom of the mounting plate. I Agree with you....start up gremlins of a new product.

I will be carefully drilling the holes while I wait for a new cart.

 

[wachuko]

I will take photos... there was no need to drill... you have different settings/holes, you might not be putting the motor in the right ones. I will snap a few photos.

 

[wachuko]

Photos:

 

[PowerDubs]

Those are the same holes I have mine mounted in (there is no other way)..and as you can see from my photo the hose will not reach.

Again, the space between my pump and distribution block is too great. The holes in the cart are drilled improperly.

Between this problem, the missing wheels, the missing safety bars, missing teflon tape...and the motorcycle adaptor pieces we are all missing..I'm not too happy. Good thing this was a great price!! I will be making a phone call first thing in the morning..I hope they can straighten this out with no hassle.

 

[Junkman]

what is up with all of the missing parts? Cart plate welded upside down? This is very discouraging....

I believe that the problem lies in the fact that they did the group buy prematurely, in the fact that they were just getting the product delivered to the warehouse, and everyone chaffing at the bit to get the lift shipped. Normally, when a manufacturer gets new items in, they sample a bunch and assemble to make sure that everything goes together correctly. I have a feeling that this didn't happen because they wanted to keep everyone happy by shipping the lifts out as soon as possible. I have no doubts that these issues will be resolved, and that future shipments will not have these issues. Be patient, Gabe and Jeff will make everything right.

 

[DB2]

It sounds like they are not doing a weight check on each bag of nuts, fittings, parts, etc before shipment/packaging.

I implemented this process at my factory/DCs in both the China and the US and went from ~10% "missing parts" claims to 0.2% in 1 month - and have kept it at that level for 3 years.

All they have to do is get a "known good" bag of parts, weight it, and then require each new bag of parts to meet that exact weight before packaging. We use scales accurate to .1g, 1g, 10 g depending on the weight of the bag and the accuracy level required. A 0.1 g scale will catch a missing 1/8" washer.

I hope they read this as I plan on buying a MJ this fall, and I want it to all arrive together!

 

[cw_racefan]

Actually, I think the missing m/c adapter parts are due to the fact that the m/c adapter is normally an option. These first units shipped with it, and I think the quick disconnect was just an oversight, since normally that will be part of the m/c adapter "package".

 

[FlameOut]

I'm still not sure if I'm missing anything. I've been so busy all I had time to do with my MJ is remove the plastic wrapping. I'm hoping I was lucky and have everything it was supposed to ship with

BTW, anyone know of a good place, maybe online, that has a 7/8" bit? I looked at Home Depot, but only one they had was $33

 

[Axis11]

I'm still not sure if I'm missing anything. I've been so busy all I had time to do with my MJ is remove the plastic wrapping. I'm hoping I was lucky and have everything it was supposed to ship with

BTW, anyone know of a good place, maybe online, that has a 7/8" bit? I looked at Home Depot, but only one they had was $33

I don't know what type of bit you where looking at, but I bought Bosch ones through here.

7/8 SDS Max

7/8 SDS Plus

 

[goblue1998]

Grainger has bosch bits on clearance. They did a local transfer for me for free.

5/8" bit for SDS + (HC2102) was about $7
7/8" bit for SDS + (HC2142) was about $15

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/ww...nementSearch&originalValue=bosch+7/8&L1=Bits,


SDS Max and spline bits are also on clearance. Not sure what shipping would be. May be worth a call to a local store to see what they have or can get.

 

[wachuko]

Just to see if this helps... I measured my setup to see if the problem is with the base on the motor or the length of the the hose, or...

Hose length from the adapters is 11.25"

and here are a few photos:

 

[///Mflossin]

wachuko,
Thanks for all of the info. Have you been using the lift at all....any more feedback if so?

 

[wachuko]

wachuko,
Thanks for all of the info. Have you been using the lift at all....any more feedback if so?

I have, and outside of making sure you tighten the bolts after the car is raised and lowered, during the first time used, I have not had any problems.

 

[G-force]

Grainger has bosch bits on clearance. They did a local transfer for me for free.

5/8" bit for SDS + (HC2102) was about $7
7/8" bit for SDS + (HC2142) was about $15

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/ww...nementSearch&originalValue=bosch+7/8&L1=Bits,


SDS Max and spline bits are also on clearance. Not sure what shipping would be. May be worth a call to a local store to see what they have or can get.

Thanks for that info. I picked up a Bosch 7/8 SDS spline drive bit for $22 today. Normally $53.

Thanks again!

 

[///Mflossin]

Thanks for that info. I picked up a Bosch 7/8 SDS spline drive bit for $22 today. Normally $53.

Thanks again!

SDS plus or SDS max?

SDS plus normally for $53, I haven't seen. SDS max on the other hand can be had all day in the high 30's low 40's.

 

[PowerDubs]

Thanks for the pictures.. that clearly shows where the problem is.

You bolts on the pump bracket are clearly above the 8 & 11 inch marks..and mine are not. That is why my hose will not reach to connect. I will need to drill new holes in the cart to make it work. I'm not really happy about that.

I called Gabe on Monday morning and explained everything to him. He said he would send me what I was missing. On Wed I received the missing wheels, but instead of the pieces for the atv adaptor they sent another of the 90 degree elbow that goes into the pump and the safety bars are still not here. I immediately called Gabe back up and he said he would look into it. He called back about 5 minutes later and said the guys who packed it claimed to include the safety bars.. but they weren't in the box and it was very well sealed with heavy duty tape. Problem is Gabe says they have no more safety bars. I am waiting to hear back about a solution.

I'm happy most of you have had no problems with yours..but so far my experience is frustrating. I did mount the wheels up today..



YOURS

MINE

 

[G-force]

SDS plus or SDS max?

SDS plus normally for $53, I haven't seen. SDS max on the other hand can be had all day in the high 30's low 40's.

I meant spline drive not SDS.

 

[///Mflossin]

more discouraging news PowerDubs. I think that these guys got WAAAAY ahead of themselves on this.

 

[PCW]

New to the forum. I was just about to order a MaxJax, but seeing what is going on with some of the missing parts, group buying mishap and quality issues, I will have a wait and see attitude. I respect those that are installing the lifts themselves, however, I will be paying a certified installer to do mine if I decide to go with a MaxJax. Someone else should share in the frustration , it's well worth the extra $$ to me.

PCW

 

[wachuko]

Working on an exhuast upgrade... this thing rocks!

 

[PowerDubs]

So Wed is when I received the wheels and Gabe said he would get back to me about the safety bars (and atv adaptor pieces). I wasn't expecting a call back the next day or Friday even..but I didn't hear anything today either.

Shouldn't take 3 business days to let me know what is going on.

 

[jh_m5]

Mine has been delayed 2 weeks for delivery. Maybe they are working out these minor issues?

 

[ColoradoBob]

My unit has not shipped yet, but I bought the drill bits for the holes. The hammer drill I have has a "normal" chuck, ie the three jaws that clamp a round bit shank. The 5/8" bit is a Bosch Blue Granite with a round shank but the 7/8" bit has the SDS plus shank and a much different flute design. The guy at Home Depot said would work with the standard chuck but I don't think so. Now my options are to return the 7/8" bit with the SDS shank and mail order the 7/8" Blue Granite or to rent a hammer drill to use with the SDS plus chuck. My only real concern is the quality of the final hole to ensure the insert works properly. Does anyone have experience with the Blue Granite versus the SDS bit? Has anyone used an SDS bit in a standard chuck?

 

[chrislehr]

oooooo i want.

 

[PowerDubs]

more discouraging news PowerDubs. I think that these guys got WAAAAY ahead of themselves on this.

New to the forum. I was just about to order a MaxJax, but seeing what is going on with some of the missing parts, group buying mishap and quality issues, I will have a wait and see

Ok..I'm starting to get upset now.

When I first got this lift and discovered the missing pieces, it was on a Friday after work so I had to wait until Monday to call Gabe.

That was weekend #1 missed that I couldn't use this lift.

He sounded like he understood everything I explained. (missing wheels, missing safety bars, faulty cart mounting holes...as well as the 2 missing motorcycle hose adaptor pieces) and he assured me he would overnight the parts to me.

On Wednesday I received a box with the missing wheels, but no safety bars and instead of the 2 pieces for the motorcycle hose adaptor that goes on the distribution block I was mistakenly sent another 90 degree elbow that mounts on the pump. (useless)

I immediately called Gabe back and he said he would look into it for me and call me back. I didn't hear anything back that night, or Thursday or Friday from Gabe.

There is weekend #2 that I can't use the lift.

The next week comes and I get a message on this forum from 'Trex-Dannmar' saying Gabe needs my name again because he doesn't remember me, although I have talked to him 2 times in detail as well as posted a couple times to the thread explaining the parts I am missing and posting pictures of the faulty cart.

After I gave 'TrexDannmar' my name on the 7th Gabe called me a few minutes later to tell me he would be overnighting the parts to me. He asked again what the parts were that I was missing and I told him for the 3rd time..safety bars, faulty cart, motorcycle hose adaptor pieces.

So even if he didn't get the order out that day (7th) I was thinking if he got them out on the 8th overnighted that I would get them on the 9th (Thursday)... I was wrong.. Thursday my phone rings and it is Gabe again.. He asks me "what parts do you need again??" I am thinking in my head 'are you kidding me??' I bite my tongue and tell him for the 4th time. He says OK, they are going out overnight. Fine, I've heard that several times now.

Except that I come home from work tonight expecting to see a box sitting next to my house... nothing.

This makes weekend #3 that I won't be able to use the lift. I am fed up.

Gabe is very nice and polite on the phone, but that is worthless if it never solves the problem.

Seriously..I can understand forgetting to ship a part, especailly rolling out a new product to 35 people at once.. But I have a cart with holes drilled wrong, I had no wheels for my towers, no safety bars and the same missing adaptor parts that everyone didn't get. That is a lot of screw ups..and then add to it a bunch of phone calls and promises, another screwed up shipment (wheels but not the other parts)...and now a supposed shipment that is nowhere to be seen?


BUYER BEWARE

 

[Junkman]

Ok..I'm starting to get upset now.

When I first got this lift and discovered the missing pieces, it was on a Friday after work so I had to wait until Monday to call Gabe.

That was weekend #1 missed that I couldn't use this lift.

He sounded like he understood everything I explained. (missing wheels, missing safety bars, faulty cart mounting holes...as well as the 2 missing motorcycle hose adaptor pieces) and he assured me he would overnight the parts to me.

On Wednesday I received a box with the missing wheels, but no safety bars and instead of the 2 pieces for the motorcycle hose adaptor that goes on the distribution block I was mistakenly sent another 90 degree elbow that mounts on the pump. (useless)

I immediately called Gabe back and he said he would look into it for me and call me back. I didn't hear anything back that night, or Thursday or Friday from Gabe.

There is weekend #2 that I can't use the lift.

The next week comes and I get a message on this forum from 'Trex-Dannmar' saying Gabe needs my name again because he doesn't remember me, although I have talked to him 2 times in detail as well as posted a couple times to the thread explaining the parts I am missing and posting pictures of the faulty cart.

After I gave 'TrexDannmar' my name on the 7th Gabe called me a few minutes later to tell me he would be overnighting the parts to me. He asked again what the parts were that I was missing and I told him for the 3rd time..safety bars, faulty cart, motorcycle hose adaptor pieces.

So even if he didn't get the order out that day (7th) I was thinking if he got them out on the 8th overnighted that I would get them on the 9th (Thursday)... I was wrong.. Thursday my phone rings and it is Gabe again.. He asks me "what parts do you need again??" I am thinking in my head 'are you kidding me??' I bite my tongue and tell him for the 4th time. He says OK, they are going out overnight. Fine, I've heard that several times now.

Except that I come home from work tonight expecting to see a box sitting next to my house... nothing.

This makes weekend #3 that I won't be able to use the lift. I am fed up.

Gabe is very nice and polite on the phone, but that is worthless if it never solves the problem.

Seriously..I can understand forgetting to ship a part, especailly rolling out a new product to 35 people at once.. But I have a cart with holes drilled wrong, I had no wheels for my towers, no safety bars and the same missing adaptor parts that everyone didn't get. That is a lot of screw ups..and then add to it a bunch of phone calls and promises, another screwed up shipment (wheels but not the other parts)...and now a supposed shipment that is nowhere to be seen?


BUYER BEWARE

Call and tell Gabe that you are unhappy, and have him pick it up and refund your money. That will solve your problem, and you will be free to buy something else elsewhere.

 

[Gabriel J]

Call and tell Gabe that you are unhappy, and have him pick it up and refund your money. That will solve your problem, and you will be free to buy something else elsewhere.

I was listed "#4" on the official list they posted for the group buy. However I wasn't one of the initial 12 to receive a lift...They should have sent that one to me, because I would have taken care of those MINOR details myself................

 

[c39er]

Call and tell Gabe that you are unhappy, and have him pick it up and refund your money. That will solve your problem, and you will be free to buy something else elsewhere.

I'd rather go through a local commercial professional garage equipment company like I have always done so I get my tools and equipment- how and when I need them so I can deal with any problems fast which have been few-1 -over the last 15 years. Some oft his MaxJax ordeal is a bit stressing to read!
Bob

 

[wachuko]

In my case, the missing hydraulic adapter for the motorcycle setup was not a big deal. I called and they were quick to send me a different one that I did not care to use (I wanted the same type as what the lift came with). A trip to the local hydraulic parts store and it was fixed. Even so, I had no plans to use it immediately with the bike, so I could have waited for the correct part to come in.

But I can understand buying something new and expecting it to be complete and as described... so even if drilling a few holes is not a big deal, there is a sense of dissatisfaction for not receiving what you purchased.

Also, it does not help the delay in response to this issues... a few hours of a focused resource from their team should be able to just resolved these issues...

I posted photos and part numbers of the hydraulic connectors so no excuse on what the right part is...

 

[PowerDubs]

They should have sent that one to me, because I would have taken care of those MINOR details myself................

At what point does it stop being minor? 1 mistake? 2? 3?

How much is acceptable, both in the initial errors and then the attempts to get it resolved?

I can drill new holes in the cart, fine. Live without the motorcycle pieces or source my own, fine. Waited on the wheels, fine.

Not having the safety bars is not minor though from a safety and liability standpoint.

You can say I am whining all you want. I've been patient and given them SEVERAL oppertunities to make things right. I just want others to be aware of the potential problems and how it is being handled before they spend their money.

Even though the GB was a *great* price, $1500 is still a chunk of change to lay out for a product with faulty and missing parts that goes unresolved for weeks afterwards.

 

[wachuko]

That really ***** big time.

At what point does it stop being minor? 1 mistake? 2? 3?

How much is acceptable, both in the initial errors and then the attempts to get it resolved?

I can drill new holes in the cart, fine. Live without the motorcycle pieces or source my own, fine. Waited on the wheels, fine.

Not having the safety bars is not minor though from a safety and liability standpoint.

You can say I am whining all you want. I've been patient and given them SEVERAL oppertunities to make things right. I just want others to be aware of the potential problems and how it is being handled before they spend their money.

Even though the GB was a *great* price, $1500 is still a chunk of change to lay out for a product with faulty and missing parts that goes unresolved for weeks afterwards.

 

[///Mflossin]

PowerDubs,
I couldn't agree more. Totally unacceptable on multiple levels. As most say...if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. I am greatly reconsidering my purchase and thank you for posting regarding your experience.

 

[Gabriel J]

At what point does it stop being minor? 1 mistake? 2? 3?

How much is acceptable, both in the initial errors and then the attempts to get it resolved?

I can drill new holes in the cart, fine. Live without the motorcycle pieces or source my own, fine. Waited on the wheels, fine.

Not having the safety bars is not minor though from a safety and liability standpoint.

You can say I am whining all you want. I've been patient and given them SEVERAL oppertunities to make things right. I just want others to be aware of the potential problems and how it is being handled before they spend their money.

Even though the GB was a *great* price, $1500 is still a chunk of change to lay out for a product with faulty and missing parts that goes unresolved for weeks afterwards.

The first time I spoke with Jeff, my understanding was that the initial units were to go out to users for feedback. The safety and preliminary tests are done by the company to ensure it meets their standards...The receiving, intall, and usage tests were going to be from "actual users". That's how I viewed the intention with the first 20 (now 25) units.

There will be some problems, and it seems that of the first 10-12 people who have the lifts in their possession, only you seem to have an issue preventing you from using the lift. If I were you I would just have taken Wachuko's approach and source what you need yourself. Adapt and overcome.

I'm still working with a leaking craftsman jack and jack stands. **** happens.

 

[alkemyst]

If I were you I would just have taken Wachuko's approach and source what you need yourself. Adapt and overcome.

I'm still working with a leaking craftsman jack and jack stands. **** happens.

Yes and no...maybe he could source substitutes but then WHY...he bought this new and then will his warranty be honored if he modified the unit?

I am thinking about one of these units shortly...glad I am waiting.

 

[PowerDubs]

If I were you I would just have taken Wachuko's approach and source what you need yourself. Adapt and overcome.

Where exactly does one source safety bars for this lift other than the manufacturer?

I bet if you paid $1500 for your leaky jack you would feel differently about '**** happens'.

 

[Gabriel J]

Where exactly does one source safety bars for this lift other than the manufacturer?

I bet if you paid $1500 for your leaky jack you would feel differently about '**** happens'.

I have a hard time believing the bars are made out of anything other than steel tubing..If that was stopping me from using the lift I would call Danmar and ask for what the specs were on a bar, make two until they get the proper ones to me.

 

[volvo]

PowerDubs,
I couldn't agree more. Totally unacceptable on multiple levels. As most say...if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. I am greatly reconsidering my purchase and thank you for posting regarding your experience.

A quick search over at clubcobra, another site that ran the MaxJax special group purchase, Not a word about any problems or how they like it or deliveries. No comments or posts after the contest. Odd ???