*DO NOT* use the washers I have in the video. They are *NOT* Grade 8 washers. They are only hardened washers. I will make a trip to Grainger tomorrow or somewhere else to see what I can locate.
This lift would absolutely not “come flying down” on you if the lock failed. The valve holding the hydraulic fluid in the cylinders is closed, meaning it would not come down at a fast face or down at all. If the welds broke on the locking mechanism, attached to the frame AND the cylinders just happened to explode or the welds broke off as well, then the lift would “come flying down.”
This lift and the TD6MR sold by Greg Smith are basically the same lift. They are both manufactured in China. One is painted black the other one is painted blue. The major difference in most of these scissor lifts is the accompanying hardware and the power units. I was looking for some exteneded arms and luckily I found this video so thanks for that. I have the TD6MR and in hind sight I should have gotten this one from Harbour Freight, there is not enough of a difference between the two to justify the extra money that Greg Smith Charges. Especially when you still need the extended arm for unibody vehicles that don't have frame rails. I'm definitely getting these extensions because I can't use the lift for my Toyota Highlander nor my Sienna because they are to wide and don't have frame rails. You don't have to be afraid to work under these lifts. If for some reason the hydraulic cylinders failed, it'd show signs of failure first and that locking pin is rated to hold 6k pounds (static) by itself and will probabaly hold more before complete failure. Plus if the cylinders failed with the lift properly locked on the pin then it shouldn't have any space to build momentum which could cause it to fail from dynamic force. If both those cylinders failed and the locking pin failed all at the same time, then it was meant for you to go. Thanks for the video and especially the measurements of the arm extensions.
There’s no way that lock would come out, with weight on it. It came down with no weight on it, because it wasn’t fully engaged. When it’s fully engaged, as long as there’s a detent that the lock sits in, it cannot come out with weight upon it. If you can’t get your cable adjusted properly, get a new one, or add a turnbuckle to the cable you have. That said, don’t depend only upon the lock. It’s always good to have a backup safety device, if you’ll be under the car. Use jack stands, or better yet, make some collars that go around the lifting actuators of the lift. As far as the washers go, if you’re curious whether or not your washers are only aluminum, you can simply put a magnet to them. If they’re steel, the magnet will attract them. If they are aluminum, it won’t.
I have this lift, they are all made in China, the Harbour Freight lift is not a bad lift. I have had my Silverado 1500 on it with no problems, but like any other lifting device, don't overload it and don't be stupid !!!
Those openers are called torsion springs, that's the style that escaped your train of thought. Thanks for the rundown and the upgrade tips. Good vid Elijah.
Aircooled Tech You're welcome. I knew it was going to help a lot of people out there because I searched for these arms and was surprised to see there was not a video on TH-cam covering it.
We have a scissor lift we got from Gregg Smith Equipment here in Indiana about 4 years ago. We use it for brakes, bearings tire rotations etc so we have the big lifts for bigger jobs. We lift Small cars up to Tahoe’s with it. We just lower the lock bar down onto the lock. Never had a problem and is very sturdy. First couples uses were a little nerve racking but now it’s just everyday work. I think we paid $1500 for it and it’s rated at 6,000lbs.
Webster Slaughter My cable is not adjusted properly and I should have contacted Harbor Freight but I had to many other things on my plate to deal with; still do. Do you work underneath this type of lift? What jobs does your lift help you with?
optimistichorizon no I don’t work underneath it. In the shop we have a 4 post lift, 2 (2 post) lifts and a scissor lift. We use the scissor lift for brakes, wheel bearings, tie rod ends, shocks/struts, tire rotations etc. if we need to do under car work we use a 2 post lift. We bought it so we wouldn’t take up the big lifts for jobs that don’t need to be on them. We lift Sherriff Tahoe’s with no problems on the scissor lift all the time. I’ve also put a Silverado 1500 4x4 on the scissor lift. They are actually good lifts. You just have to make sure it’s lifted squarely and not off centered.
I have one and I don't use the pinch weld to set up the pads, I put them on the subframe.Most people that uses this jack use the subframe.Plenty wide.Put everyone has their methods.
Thanks for the info on the longer arms but even with the patience of a cat watching it's prey I couldn't make it to the end. Hello! If safety is your concern then drill a hole through the side of the safety bar and some spaced holes through the inside bar and put a hitch pin through it. That way you won't have to rely on the cheesy latch or the hydraulics to hold it up.
you can move you garage door opener to the side edge of the door, pulls up my single car door just fine. thanks for the long arm advise can't wait to upgrade mine
When you said that you wouldn't trust this lift without stands and the lock "popped off", I scratched this off my list. Maybe the maxjax would be the better choice for a home unit.
Sunil Thomas I have become more comfortable with this lift. I use the stands that are in the video. I use one from the side to hold it for a little while if it fails until I can get the one in the middle set up. Then I move the one in the back to the back middle. I Quit TH-cam otherwise I would make a video on it to show you. Don't get a MaxJax. Get one of these instead, BendPak GrandPrix™ GP-7LCS Bi-metric™ Narrow Bays & Low Ceilings 2 Post Lift www.bestbuyautoequipment.com/grandprix-bi-metric-low-ceiling-2-post-lift-p/BendPakGP-7LCS.htm?gclid=Cj0KCQjwtOLVBRCZARIsADPLtJ1-VXIe7tnGeGyC0a24tYaGd8wHf3R6WIaCDR_Hv0s-M4yPPPYtzRgaAgpoEALw_wcB You need to test your concrete first though for depth, psi strength, and cracking. Otherwise, get this lift or a four post lift. Good luck.
The lock can’t pop-off with weight on it. His lock did that because the cable wasn’t correct, and THERE WAS NO WEIGHT ON IT, which meant the lock wasn’t all the way engaged into its detent. The weight of a vehicle literally holds the lock into place. As with any lift or any sort of safety lock, you must make sure the lock is fully engaged, when the vehicle or equipment is lifted. In short, the short cable kept the lock from going all the way into its detent.
Thanks for the info on the extended arms. I gotta disagree with you on the safety aspect, I've been using mine regularly for ~5yrs and if you raise the lift up, then slightly lower it down on that pawl, it really locks it in place. I also do have a lot more slack in my release cable than you do. All that said, I'm still careful around it, for sure.
Wish I would've got those extensions years ago. Right now it cost $195 each set. The shipping cost for 2 sets is insane ($211.84). I paid less to have that heavy ass lift shipped to my house in a wooden crate with liftgate service.
Thanks so much for the tip and link to the extended arms, I got mine and bolted them on - they are great! Someone asked about truck adapters - GregSmith has them (1 3/8") I bought a set, they just needed trimmed about 1/4" as the small end pegs are a little too long (cut with a lathe, bandsaw or grinder) - link: www.gregsmithequipment.com/12-Piece-Set-Of-Stackable-Truck-Adapters-1-3-8-PEG
ne thing you never tell us is "how do you lock the mounting pad arms in place once you select their position?" you can move them around so easily with your hand, makes one think a 5,000 lbs car would easely slide off at the slightest push and fall on the ground. Are there screws or "something" to lock them in place once they are placed under the vehicle's jack points? All the videos I saw nobody mentions this and its a huge safety concern for us.
The extended arms are cool and a good idea. I have yet to buy one of these but like they say you get what you pay for. Would you work under one like it that was made by another company? If you read some of the later reviews on TH-cam an employee of Bendpak said he knows for a fact the lifts Harbor freight sells are made by the same factory theirs are. Nothing is made in the USA any longer. The place might claim that but assembly might be the only thing done on US soil. The parts are all foreign made. There is no way they could sell it that cheap if it was made here. I am confident the steel meets a minimum standard but if there is a weak leak it's the bolts. Grade 8 made in the USA and Grade 8 made in China are not even close. If I bought one of these I'd replace every bolt, washer and lock nut with USA made bolts. Dorman used to be made in the USA but not any longer.
DO NOT use the washers I have in the video. They are NOT Grade 8 washers. They are only hardened washers. I will make a trip to Grainger tomorrow or somewhere else to see what I can locate.
Manny F. The price was right. If you listened to the entire video you would have heard me state that I will be adding one 4 post lift and one 2 post lift in the near future. This lift will be a welding table.
Wayne Gale: Mallory Knox has said that she wants to kill you. Steven Wright (Dr. Emil Reingold): I never really believe what women tell me. Natural Born Killers I love that guy.
You mention 6" height extensions are available? Do you have a link to a website, So far I haven't found anything short of making my own, I've looked through the website you got your length extenders from and I haven't found anything yet. Thanks.
Timothy Bagrowski www.redlinestands.com/catalog/lifts-c-290/automotive-c-290_138/mobile-c-290_138_293/titan-6000-lb-automotive-mid-rise-scissor-pad-lift-p-366 These guys have them. Call to see if they sell them separately. If so, please tell us how much.
www.redlinestands.com/catalog/lifts-c-290/automotive-c-290_138/scissor-style-c-290_138_141/kernel-mr6k48-6000lb-portable-midrise-frame-lift-p-1249 This lift looks a lot like the HF lift, they sell (as an add-on) a set of (4) 5" height for $79.98 - I emailed them to see if they will sell them without a lift purchase. I'll probably make my own in the end.
Timothy Bagrowski If you can make it for less than 80 bucks, YOU ARE THE MAN! Make a video of you accomplishing that and post it here because I want to see that.
shouldn't be too hard, 1" pipe fits pretty good, trim to length, tack some steel plate to the pipe and add a pad, somebody on here uses Hockey pucks, not a bad idea and cheap to replace.
paul baker 6000 Lb. Capacity Scissor LiftCentral Hydraulics®, Item #:91315 Coupon Applied 35820562 Valid Until 12/31/2018 20% Off Item Total: $1,199.99 Save $300.00 I would wait for a 25% OFF to save an additional $75. You're welcome.
paul baker 6000 Lb. Capacity Scissor LiftCentral Hydraulics®, Item #:91315 Coupon Applied 35820562 Valid Until 12/31/2018 20% Off Item Total: $1,199.99 Save $300.00 I would wait for a 25% OFF to save an additional $75. You're welcome.
*DO NOT* use the washers I have in the video. They are *NOT* Grade 8 washers. They are only hardened washers. I will make a trip to Grainger tomorrow or somewhere else to see what I can locate.
grade 8 IS hardened!! ...aluminum washers?? no they are zinc coated steel ...man learn before giving advice to others that don't know any better
Pro-touring F-body I tried to undo it with this post but you are absolutely correct.
This lift would absolutely not “come flying down” on you if the lock failed. The valve holding the hydraulic fluid in the cylinders is closed, meaning it would not come down at a fast face or down at all. If the welds broke on the locking mechanism, attached to the frame AND the cylinders just happened to explode or the welds broke off as well, then the lift would “come flying down.”
This lift and the TD6MR sold by Greg Smith are basically the same lift. They are both manufactured in China. One is painted black the other one is painted blue. The major difference in most of these scissor lifts is the accompanying hardware and the power units. I was looking for some exteneded arms and luckily I found this video so thanks for that. I have the TD6MR and in hind sight I should have gotten this one from Harbour Freight, there is not enough of a difference between the two to justify the extra money that Greg Smith Charges. Especially when you still need the extended arm for unibody vehicles that don't have frame rails. I'm definitely getting these extensions because I can't use the lift for my Toyota Highlander nor my Sienna because they are to wide and don't have frame rails. You don't have to be afraid to work under these lifts. If for some reason the hydraulic cylinders failed, it'd show signs of failure first and that locking pin is rated to hold 6k pounds (static) by itself and will probabaly hold more before complete failure. Plus if the cylinders failed with the lift properly locked on the pin then it shouldn't have any space to build momentum which could cause it to fail from dynamic force. If both those cylinders failed and the locking pin failed all at the same time, then it was meant for you to go. Thanks for the video and especially the measurements of the arm extensions.
Willie Boykin Great comment. Thank you for the information.
Could you tell me what the overall width of the lift is using the short arms and what the length of the short arms are?
There’s no way that lock would come out, with weight on it.
It came down with no weight on it, because it wasn’t fully engaged.
When it’s fully engaged, as long as there’s a detent that the lock sits in, it cannot come out with weight upon it.
If you can’t get your cable adjusted properly, get a new one, or add a turnbuckle to the cable you have.
That said, don’t depend only upon the lock. It’s always good to have a backup safety device, if you’ll be under the car.
Use jack stands, or better yet, make some collars that go around the lifting actuators of the lift.
As far as the washers go, if you’re curious whether or not your washers are only aluminum, you can simply put a magnet to them.
If they’re steel, the magnet will attract them.
If they are aluminum, it won’t.
Your comment is actually common sense. The guy in this video is putting out bad info because of his lack of mechanical knowledge.
I have this lift, they are all made in China, the Harbour Freight lift is not a bad lift. I have had my Silverado 1500 on it with no problems, but like any other lifting device, don't overload it and don't be stupid !!!
Those openers are called torsion springs, that's the style that escaped your train of thought. Thanks for the rundown and the upgrade tips. Good vid Elijah.
Thanks for the link for the extended arms. I have been using this lift for over 3 years, great loft for the price.
Aircooled Tech You're welcome. I knew it was going to help a lot of people out there because I searched for these arms and was surprised to see there was not a video on TH-cam covering it.
We have a scissor lift we got from Gregg Smith Equipment here in Indiana about 4 years ago. We use it for brakes, bearings tire rotations etc so we have the big lifts for bigger jobs. We lift Small cars up to Tahoe’s with it. We just lower the lock bar down onto the lock. Never had a problem and is very sturdy. First couples uses were a little nerve racking but now it’s just everyday work. I think we paid $1500 for it and it’s rated at 6,000lbs.
Webster Slaughter My cable is not adjusted properly and I should have contacted Harbor Freight but I had to many other things on my plate to deal with; still do. Do you work underneath this type of lift? What jobs does your lift help you with?
optimistichorizon no I don’t work underneath it. In the shop we have a 4 post lift, 2 (2 post) lifts and a scissor lift. We use the scissor lift for brakes, wheel bearings, tie rod ends, shocks/struts, tire rotations etc. if we need to do under car work we use a 2 post lift. We bought it so we wouldn’t take up the big lifts for jobs that don’t need to be on them. We lift Sherriff Tahoe’s with no problems on the scissor lift all the time. I’ve also put a Silverado 1500 4x4 on the scissor lift. They are actually good lifts. You just have to make sure it’s lifted squarely and not off centered.
That's exactly how I envisioned using mine. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience.
I have one and I don't use the pinch weld to set up the pads, I put them on the subframe.Most people that uses this jack use the subframe.Plenty wide.Put everyone has their methods.
Thanks for the info on the longer arms but even with the patience of a cat watching it's prey I couldn't make it to the end. Hello! If safety is your concern then drill a hole through the side of the safety bar and some spaced holes through the inside bar and put a hitch pin through it. That way you won't have to rely on the cheesy latch or the hydraulics to hold it up.
How safe is it to add length to the arms? It wasn't designed for that?
you can move you garage door opener to the side edge of the door, pulls up my single car door just fine.
thanks for the long arm advise can't wait to upgrade mine
When you said that you wouldn't trust this lift without stands and the lock "popped off", I scratched this off my list. Maybe the maxjax would be the better choice for a home unit.
Sunil Thomas I have become more comfortable with this lift. I use the stands that are in the video. I use one from the side to hold it for a little while if it fails until I can get the one in the middle set up. Then I move the one in the back to the back middle. I Quit TH-cam otherwise I would make a video on it to show you.
Don't get a MaxJax. Get one of these instead,
BendPak GrandPrix™ GP-7LCS Bi-metric™ Narrow Bays & Low Ceilings 2 Post Lift
www.bestbuyautoequipment.com/grandprix-bi-metric-low-ceiling-2-post-lift-p/BendPakGP-7LCS.htm?gclid=Cj0KCQjwtOLVBRCZARIsADPLtJ1-VXIe7tnGeGyC0a24tYaGd8wHf3R6WIaCDR_Hv0s-M4yPPPYtzRgaAgpoEALw_wcB
You need to test your concrete first though for depth, psi strength, and cracking. Otherwise, get this lift or a four post lift. Good luck.
The lock can’t pop-off with weight on it.
His lock did that because the cable wasn’t correct, and THERE WAS NO WEIGHT ON IT, which meant the lock wasn’t all the way engaged into its detent.
The weight of a vehicle literally holds the lock into place.
As with any lift or any sort of safety lock, you must make sure the lock is fully engaged, when the vehicle or equipment is lifted.
In short, the short cable kept the lock from going all the way into its detent.
Put hydraulic lockers on it it's basically a pipe cut in half that goes over the hydraulic cylinder keeping it from going down
soulless one Please, tell us more. That sounds like a great idea!
It’s called a collar, to keep the lifting actuator piston extended.
Thanks for the info on the extended arms. I gotta disagree with you on the safety aspect, I've been using mine regularly for ~5yrs and if you raise the lift up, then slightly lower it down on that pawl, it really locks it in place. I also do have a lot more slack in my release cable than you do. All that said, I'm still careful around it, for sure.
You're welcome. I hope I get as comfortable as you are with this lift.
Wish I would've got those extensions years ago. Right now it cost $195 each set. The shipping cost for 2 sets is insane ($211.84). I paid less to have that heavy ass lift shipped to my house in a wooden crate with liftgate service.
Thanks for the direction. Been thinking of jerry rigging something but this makes a lot more sense.
You're welcome. Let me know how they work out for you.
Thanks so much for the tip and link to the extended arms, I got mine and bolted them on - they are great! Someone asked about truck adapters - GregSmith has them (1 3/8") I bought a set, they just needed trimmed about 1/4" as the small end pegs are a little too long (cut with a lathe, bandsaw or grinder) - link: www.gregsmithequipment.com/12-Piece-Set-Of-Stackable-Truck-Adapters-1-3-8-PEG
ne thing you never tell us is "how do you lock the mounting pad arms in place once you select their position?" you can move them around so easily with your hand, makes one think a 5,000 lbs car would easely slide off at the slightest push and fall on the ground. Are there screws or "something" to lock them in place once they are placed under the vehicle's jack points? All the videos I saw nobody mentions this and its a huge safety concern for us.
$575 with shipping for 2 pairs. Have to find a different option. This sucks.
Are you tired?
What did you do with your old arms? If you still have them & would like to sell them let me know.
The extended arms are cool and a good idea. I have yet to buy one of these but like they say you get what you pay for. Would you work under one like it that was made by another company? If you read some of the later reviews on TH-cam an employee of Bendpak said he knows for a fact the lifts Harbor freight sells are made by the same factory theirs are. Nothing is made in the USA any longer. The place might claim that but assembly might be the only thing done on US soil. The parts are all foreign made. There is no way they could sell it that cheap if it was made here. I am confident the steel meets a minimum standard but if there is a weak leak it's the bolts. Grade 8 made in the USA and Grade 8 made in China are not even close. If I bought one of these I'd replace every bolt, washer and lock nut with USA made bolts. Dorman used to be made in the USA but not any longer.
Maybe you should just sell it to me cause you seem to hate it.
Any lift is dangerous If you are that scared then dont use it
What kind of plate did you end up putting on it? I want to use mine for four wheelers too
Are you afraid of your own shadow too?
joe hopes Yes, please subscribe.
DO NOT use the washers I have in the video. They are NOT Grade 8 washers. They are only hardened washers. I will make a trip to Grainger tomorrow or somewhere else to see what I can locate.
I ended up doubling up on the washers that came with the lift and the extension arms.
Do you have a link to the Lowes stuff?
You don't speak very highly of this lift so why did you buy it?
Manny F. The price was right. If you listened to the entire video you would have heard me state that I will be adding one 4 post lift and one 2 post lift in the near future. This lift will be a welding table.
Soooooo you bought a $1500 welding table? Waste....
Yokomo racing A multipurpose welding table; however, you are entitled to your opinion.
Yokomo racing th-cam.com/video/38yPR25VSw4/w-d-xo.html
That's where I got the idea.
Yokomo racing its his money he can “waste” it on whatever he wants to.
Sounds like Stephen Wright
Wayne Gale: Mallory Knox has said that she wants to kill you. Steven Wright (Dr. Emil Reingold): I never really believe what women tell me.
Natural Born Killers
I love that guy.
$195/pair now.
The good days of HF are long gone.
You mention 6" height extensions are available? Do you have a link to a website, So far I haven't found anything short of making my own, I've looked through the website you got your length extenders from and I haven't found anything yet. Thanks.
Timothy Bagrowski aclifts.com/products-2/automotive-lifts/mid-rise-scissor-lift/
Try contacting them.
Timothy Bagrowski www.redlinestands.com/catalog/lifts-c-290/automotive-c-290_138/mobile-c-290_138_293/titan-6000-lb-automotive-mid-rise-scissor-pad-lift-p-366
These guys have them. Call to see if they sell them separately. If so, please tell us how much.
www.redlinestands.com/catalog/lifts-c-290/automotive-c-290_138/scissor-style-c-290_138_141/kernel-mr6k48-6000lb-portable-midrise-frame-lift-p-1249
This lift looks a lot like the HF lift, they sell (as an add-on) a set of (4) 5" height for $79.98 - I emailed them to see if they will sell them without a lift purchase. I'll probably make my own in the end.
Timothy Bagrowski If you can make it for less than 80 bucks, YOU ARE THE MAN! Make a video of you accomplishing that and post it here because I want to see that.
shouldn't be too hard, 1" pipe fits pretty good, trim to length, tack some steel plate to the pipe and add a pad, somebody on here uses Hockey pucks, not a bad idea and cheap to replace.
How much was that really tall grey Jack in the video
yo yo $58 out the door with a 25% OFF Coupon m.harborfreight.com/2-ton-capacity-underhoist-safety-stand-61600.html
th-cam.com/video/38yPR25VSw4/w-d-xo.html
My future welding table idea came from this video.
make a hitch pin saftey pin ... lift a car put a bolt in the hole lower lift and it sits on the bolt in the hole
Put a roll up door ends all that stupid talk sounds scared the ski could fall too lol
You dont seem to like this lift....give it to me so you dont get hurt
Earl Scaanlon Give me your address.
Rellay
Really*
Of you know how to work on cars, ill tell ya. I need to put head gaskets on my van.
paul baker
6000 Lb. Capacity Scissor LiftCentral Hydraulics®, Item #:91315
Coupon Applied 35820562 Valid Until 12/31/2018
20% Off
Item Total: $1,199.99
Save $300.00
I would wait for a 25% OFF to save an additional $75.
You're welcome.
they would not let me use a coupon ..
paul baker
6000 Lb. Capacity Scissor LiftCentral Hydraulics®, Item #:91315
Coupon Applied 35820562 Valid Until 12/31/2018
20% Off
Item Total: $1,199.99
Save $300.00
I would wait for a 25% OFF to save an additional $75.
You're welcome.
thank you will try this week again..
paul baker You're welcome. I would wait for a 25% OFF coupon coming in the next 45 days.
Talk about attention span.....you are all over the place....lol
I would not get under that lift very bad design
Made in China.
A toy, NOT a lift .