October 15, 2021: The Hammer Strength Plate Loaded IL-BPV, IL-BPH, IL-IPV, IL-IPH, IL-ROW work arm weldments do not always line up perfectly (images below) which is common in many cases. The arms self-align as the machine is used. If at rest, one handle is slightly in front of the other, that becomes irrelevant when the arms are picked up and used.
Strength products are welded in jig fixtures under strict tolerance specifications to meet quality standards before shipping - every product is not identical to one another.
There are tolerance stack ups from the bends in the frame, welds at each joint, handle bends, and laser cut holes. Sophisticated quality metrics and measuring tools are used when manufacturing these products to meet those strict tolerance specifications. If tolerances were too tight, repeatability becomes almost impossible.
The arms are designed so the bumper lands on the edge vs. flat side. This allows the bumper to flex and have a softer landing than if it were flat or square with the frame.
- Always make sure the upper pillow block bearing hardware is tight where the weldment arm mounts to the product.
- Adjusting the arm left or right at the pillow blocks will allow you to align the arms more evenly so the bumper makes contact at the desired location on the frame. Loosen the set screws in the pillow block, align, and re-tighten. Replacing the arms is not going to get a different result.
If there is any question that a strength frame was jeopardized during transit to cause alignment issues, please reach out to Life Fitness within 30 days of installation so Customer Service can help investigate. Note: Pictures should be provided of the affected area and where the work arm attaches.
Fig. 1 - slight variation in the work arms may be visible, with one arm settling in a slightly different position
Fig. 2 - work arm contacting the adjacent bumper at a different position than the other.