BendPak launches eight-arm lift for cab-off repairs
Key Highlights
- BendPak’s OctaFlex lift supports cab-off repairs and heavy component handling in a single service bay.
- The lift’s integrated assist system could help shops reduce downtime and increase technician productivity.
- BendPak estimates two hours saved per cab-off job, potentially freeing labor for additional billable repairs.
BendPak has launched its OctaFlex 12DPS, an eight-arm, two-post lift designed to simplify cab-off repairs, EV battery replacements, and other jobs involving heavy vehicle components. The lift is shipping now following two years of development and testing since its initial introduction as a concept in 2024.
The OctaFlex combines a traditional 12,000-lb. capacity two-post lift with an integrated 6,000-lb. capacity lift-assist system. Four primary arms support the vehicle, while four independently operated secondary arms can raise, lower, or hold components such as cabs, drivetrains, EV batteries, and suspension assemblies. When not needed, the secondary arms can be moved out of the way.
The configuration allows technicians to separate a truck cab from its chassis while keeping both supported in the same bay. Technicians can then perform additional maintenance, including brake, suspension, and oil service, without waiting for the cab to be reinstalled.
“As dealers and independent repair shops continue to struggle with an aging and shrinking technician workforce, they also face surging demand for labor-intensive tasks like cab-off repairs and EV service,” said Jeff Kritzer, BendPak president and CEO. “OctaFlex eases the pressure by helping technicians handle complex jobs independently with greater efficiency and less physical strain, maximizing throughput and profit potential.”
According to BendPak, shops can save an average of two hours per cab-off operation. At 20 cab removals per month and a $150 hourly labor rate, the company estimates that the time savings could translate to $6,000 in additional monthly revenue, assuming the freed-up labor hours are billed to other jobs.
Dave Bell, owner of Dave’s Auto Center in Centerville, Utah, said the lift has helped his 25-bay shop complete additional repairs while waiting for parts during cab-off jobs.
“Since you can raise the chassis while the cab is in the air, you can do brake work, suspension work, change the oil – a lot of the extra jobs customers want done while their truck is in the shop – while you’re waiting for parts,” Bell said.
The OctaFlex also features a magnetic pendant controller with two operating speeds, allowing technicians to independently position each set of arms. The slower setting is intended for precise alignment when reinstalling cabs or positioning heavy components.
For technician safety, the lift incorporates BendPak’s Automatic Swing Arm Restraint System (ASARS), which locks the primary lift arms in position. The design also allows technicians to work at a more comfortable height during cab removal and reinstallation.
The OctaFlex 12DPS has been third-party tested and ALI Certified under model EV12DPS.
