Engaging reverse latch on hi lift jack

was playing with my new hi lift jack this morning and having a hard time engaging the reverse latch to begin lowering the load....

Snapped this quick vid for reference. Any input on what I'm doing wrong?

https://youtu.be/kl3ytdC_n8U

 

I think it needs some weight on it to work correctly in reverse.
Going to check on that to be sure. I don't want anyone to get hurt.

 

From the Hi-Lift manual:
The jack must have a load of 150 lbs. or more to lower step-by-step. Otherwise, the lifting mechanism will
slide down to the base plate, dropping your load.

Not sure if that helps at all.

 

Did you buy new or used?

 

Just in case you (or someone else) need this.

 

Has to have a decent amount of weight on it. And be careful lowering. You are in control of all the weight and have to release the handle slowly

 

Looks about right. It requires a firm pull to get into reverse mode.

 

Thanks for the replies. The jack does not have any weight on it at the moment. I did pull pretty strong on the reverse lever.

Pulling upwards rises the jack further. Unable to pull the lever in the downward position.

 

If it's new, you just have to cowboy up the first few times till the parts get worn in a little.

 

It is brand new.....

 

Yea, just keep messing with it. Wear gloves, watch your fingers and it'll get easier.

 

I find WD40 fixes all jack related problems... Haha

 

Thanks guys lol little elbow grease solved the problem

 

The more you use it, the better it will work.

 

Hopefully I won't have to use it too often but it's good to know I can change a tire if I need to.

 

Half the time we kick the lever down or hit it with a pair of pliers. Be sure to have handle vertical to keeps pins engaged when switching lever.

Here is the beast in our farm pickup.

 

Exactly. It needs a good nudge to engage back in reverse.

 

Hi lift and a set of sliders is much better than a floor Jack. I now have a jakjaw adapter for the sliders

 

Before you really start playing with it or actually need it you need to read the directions. After you've read the directions you need to get some instruction on how to use it- watching the Bill Burke videos on youtube is a good start. HiLift also has a Youtube channel with good videos including how to use them for extrication. https://www.youtube.com/user/hiliftjacks/videos
They are great tools when you need one but, like a winch, they can kill you- literally- if you aren't careful; they will easily damage body panels too. Some accesories, including a wider base, can make it easier to use. If you don't have aftermarket bumper and sliders you are going to need a way to attach the jack to the vehicle such as a lift-mate.

 

Totally agreed....by playing I meant jacking up empty jack (no load). This thing can really hurt if not careful.

I got 4xinnovation weld on sliders needing to be installed.