Problem #1: 2 M10 x 160 bolts were missing. Only after reading other reviews about this product did I realise that the 2 M10 x 160 bolts came with the base unit. I then remembered the 2 extra bolts that came with the base unit, searched and found them. The thing is not everybody buys base and pull down attachment at the same time. I bought the base unit 6 months before, I forgot about receiving the 2 extra bolts. The bolts should have been with the pull down attachment parts.
Problem #2: Connecting the Vertical Frame to the Rear Connection Frame of the base unit I found the holes did not line up. Because the holes did not line up, 2 of my base unit footings were off the floor. I watched a Force USA installation video and noticed in the video the holes did not line up either. I did notice they were installing on carpet and I am installing on concrete. So I had another look and managed to complete step 2. I checked levels and Vertical frame is level. The thing is now 2 of the base unit footings are off the floor. I asked Gym and Fitness Support what they recommended to fix this problem? I asked for a solution.
I waited 3 days for Support to reply (too slow!) and Gym and Fitness Support wrote back: "Unfortunately, We dont have anything to send you to place under the unit. However, We reccommend Bunnings, I imagine they would have something. Then we would look into compensation."
So, Support could not give me a good solution.
I did find a solution as follows:
I purchased 15mm commercial rubber flooring tiles. I was not comfortable using the rack and lat attachment with 2 base unit footings not touching the floor.
But the rubber mats were not enough, 2 base unit footings still where not touching the rubber tiles. That is how much the holes on the lat attachment vertical frame do not line up. I then went to Bunnings to buy some high load heavy duty packing shims.
I bought a few different size packing shims from
https://www.bunnings.com.au/macsim-fasteners-72-x-100-x-3mm-green-half-shim-6-pack_p0044306 and now base unit + attachment are perfect level and load.
So, that is the solution; Macsim Packing Shims from Bunnings. I hope this helps somebody. Because really I for one did not even know heavy duty packing shims existed. I had to find my own solution where I reached out to Gym and Fitness and was hoping the could give me a solution.
Couple of other minor things:
- a bit of the black coating on the Weight Holder is missing (minor cosmetic)
- The 6 joint chain is just a bit too short resulting that I had to release some thread from the weight holder screw.
- The bottom pulley attached to the Vertical Frame (2#) is a bit wobbly. I tried to correct by releasing the bolt + nut, straightening up and retightening but that did not fix the problem. It wobbles when used but it’s probably OK, the cable won’t fall out.
These couple of ‘other things’ that is all OK. Just annoying and together with the holes not lining up does not give me much confidence about the quality of this product. It is a shame really because I was happy with the other Force USA stuff I bought.
Gym and Fitness Warranty team did offer me a generous store credit. I am happy with the store credit. And I must add, although support took 3 days to reply to my initial email, further correspondence was answered very quickly.