I purchased a 4.5t hoist from Jacks R Us Bundoora Australia on eBay.
The hoist turned up and was in good condition. That's when the problems started
Steve Miskas sells and installs a lot of these hoists, but he was helpful at all in providing an installation manual for the hoist. I had to ask repeatedly for the manual. The first one he supplied was for a completely different hoist. Then he asked which one i had (after just supplying it to me) I sent him photos and a link to the eBay item. He then provided me with a manual for a similar one but a different model number. I installed the hoist to the instructions and the install was mm perfect to the recommended dimensions. and when i was fitting the hydraulic hose it was too short. I asked why and he told me to move the hoist sided closer together ( i couldn't do this as it would make the dynamic bolt fixings too weak being beside a hole). I questioned that and he told me to just stretch the hose, now im no hydraulic expert but that sounded very risky (if it failed because i stretched it the hoist could seriously injure someone) so i i went to Pirtek and the guy laughed at what i was told to do.
So the new hose was fitted and i went to put the cover on and it was too short too, Steve actually suggested to cut the cover in the middle and move it out to the sides (leaving a gap in the middle of exposed cables and hydraulic lines) It was then that i lost all confidence in Steves advice. I insisted he supply me the correct manual, he seemed not too excited to get it for me as he would have to ask his supplier in China for it (in not sure how many he has sold but I would think an installation manual would be a fairly important inclusion for equipment capable of lifting 4.5t) he eventually suppled the manual after 4 days of trial and error. Guess what, the install dimensions were different in this correct manual.
Next I had to torque up the fixing bolts to the correct torque settings. It mentions to only use a torque wrench (never an impact gun) to do this but the manual fails to specify the setting. I asked Steve and he said to use an impact gun (really?) he said he has installed hundreds and never uses a torque wrench, only an impact gun. I wasn't really happy with this cowboy advice (different impact guns do different torques) and i looked into other manuals online to find the setting, they all stated that an impact gun must not be used.
I asked Steve to come to the party and reimburse me for the Hose extension and the new cover to go over the top due to him supplying the incorrect instructions (two times)
Steve refused and fount it easier to blame the installer for his mistakes. He said that he never uses installation manuals and that a new install should just keep calling him to ask him questions (and not use the manual i assume)
He wasn't even able to provide a wiring diagram that my electrician needed.
I had to call him and draw one out and send it back to him for approval.
This was a painfully slow and frustrating installation and i regret choosing Jacks R Us or Steves Jacks. I will be looking at other options for my next hoist install
Steves incorrect manual cost me nearly $500 in parts and a few hours calling and finding suppliers. read more