Caution: Possible safety problem with Autolifter
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,749
Likes: 776
From: Dadeville AL
Caution: Possible safety problem with Autolifter
While visiting another car forum, I read a warning that might be of interest to those who own/operate an Autolifter. Here's the thread: http://www.clubcobra.com/t44529.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,460
Likes: 5
From: Wheaton IL
Re: Caution: Possible safety problem with Autolifter (kellsdad)
Thanks.... if you read the whole thread you'll find that the operator was asking for it.... he was under the car without the lift in a locked position ... needed " a few more inches".
Either way, the pulley shouldn't have failed.
I'm buying a lift in the next few weeks and am torn between the $2900 AL M6 (with accessories) or the $1900 pro park 7 (with accessories).
There's so much hype about safety I'm not sure what to believe. Each manufactuer manufactures the "best" lift :skep:
Brian
Either way, the pulley shouldn't have failed.
I'm buying a lift in the next few weeks and am torn between the $2900 AL M6 (with accessories) or the $1900 pro park 7 (with accessories).
There's so much hype about safety I'm not sure what to believe. Each manufactuer manufactures the "best" lift :skep:
Brian
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 41,732
Likes: 1,718
From: Springfield MO
Re: Caution: Possible safety problem with Autolifter (kellsdad)
I have two Autolifters M6 units. I just checked them, the oldest purchased November 2001, and they have steel pulleys(magnet sticks to them). On the M6 the first locking slots are at 18 inches plus you have to raise it almost another two inches for the dogs to drop in the slots, then lower the lift back down so the ramps(and car) are supported by the locks.
Autolifter should have notified owners that purchased their lifts prior to Autolifters changing from plastic to steel pulleys, and supplied them with free replacement pulleys. That said, I still think the Autolifter design is the best, along with Backyard Buddy, of the 4-post lifts, otherwise I wouldn't have recently purchased a second lift from them.
No matter whose lift you have, the best design and construction won't offset a stupid operator. I always, 100% of the time, check all four of the locks after operating one of my lifts to make sure they are in the locked position before putting myself in a position that I could be pancaked. So far, I've never had a lock fail to engage properly, but, for what ever reason, one could fail.
Autolifter should have notified owners that purchased their lifts prior to Autolifters changing from plastic to steel pulleys, and supplied them with free replacement pulleys. That said, I still think the Autolifter design is the best, along with Backyard Buddy, of the 4-post lifts, otherwise I wouldn't have recently purchased a second lift from them.
No matter whose lift you have, the best design and construction won't offset a stupid operator. I always, 100% of the time, check all four of the locks after operating one of my lifts to make sure they are in the locked position before putting myself in a position that I could be pancaked. So far, I've never had a lock fail to engage properly, but, for what ever reason, one could fail.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,721
Likes: 3,706
From: Central Arkansas
Re: Caution: Possible safety problem with Autolifter (JoesC5)
I purchased myautolifter 3 years ago (2000) and it has the composite pulleys that I've always been a little worried about. Love the lift but I'm giving them a call today about replacement steel pulleys. Can't understand why they wouldn't put out a notice. :confused: :confused:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,077
Likes: 2
From: The Garden Spot of the Garden State
Re: Caution: Possible safety problem with Autolifter (kellsdad)
...the guy sounds like a one-man OSHA to me...purports to believe in A.L. but throws the book at them (Black's)...a BIT incongruous, no?
...who's dumber, the tech on the phone or the guy for not demanding his money back?
...who's dumber, the tech on the phone or the guy for not demanding his money back?
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,550
Likes: 0
From: Naples, Fl. USA
Re: Caution: Possible safety problem with Autolifter (DansYellow66)
I purchased myautolifter 3 years ago (2000) and it has the composite pulleys that I've always been a little worried about. Love the lift but I'm giving them a call today about replacement steel pulleys. Can't understand why they wouldn't put out a notice. :confused: :confused:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 8,897
Likes: 1,357
From: Santa Ana CA
Re: Caution: Possible safety problem with Autolifter (kellsdad)
My AutoLifter 9000 (asymetric truck lift), installed about 9-10 years ago uses all steel pulleys. I don't know if their truck lifts still do, but they're not much more $$$ for the peace of mind. Mine is rated for 9,000/27,000 pounds and this is what they should have been using for an Expedition.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,721
Likes: 3,706
From: Central Arkansas
Re: Caution: Possible safety problem with Autolifter (toddalin)
I called Autolifters this afternoon and they are replacing my pulleys. Very nice and responsive about it, but not informative as to why no recall??? As an engineer I still think the lifts with the full steel collars around the posts and the positive locking lugs like Autolifters are the safest lift you can buy. However, I would never get under any lift without it being in locked position. That guys lucky the pulley shafts and cables could absorb the impact of that 5400 lb Expedition falling 6 inches!!! It would make for an interesting personal injury (death) lawsuit - personal carelessness versus manufacturer's defect. :steering:
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 41,732
Likes: 1,718
From: Springfield MO
Re: Caution: Possible safety problem with Autolifter (DansYellow66)
My newest Autolifters M6 also has the pulley shafts redesigned. Instead of using bolts which might backout they have gone to steel shafts secured to set screw locking collars which are welded to the ramps. My Nov 01 purchased M6 has the bolts but have yet to have one loosen on me, but I still check them ever so often. Like anything mechanical, it's best to do an occasional inspection, to be on the safe side.
