A car lift is an important piece of equipment that has to be safe, reliable and above all strong enough for your needs.

With the choices available, buying the best car lift can feel complicated. That’s where this guide aims to help.

We’ve taken 5 top-rated post-style car lifts and done some comprehensive analysis to bring you the low down on each. For our results at a glance, check out the table below.

For dedicated buyers guide covering the 2 and 4 post car lifts, plus detailed reviews of each of our picks, keep on reading.

Top 5 Best Car Lifts

2 Post Car Lift Reviews

In our first review section, we will look at 2 post car lifts. These are all suitable for the home garage (with adequate space) and the needs of a small auto shop.

1. TOP PICK: Triumph NT-9 2 Post Car Lift Review

Our well deserved top pick in the two posts lift category is a symmetrical 2-post machine with a lifting capacity of 9,000 pounds (4082 kilograms or 4 tonnes). It is designed and made by Triumph, a leading manufacturer of high-quality 2-post, 4-post and scissors car lifts.

The Triumph NT-9 is classed as a symmetrical car lift because it has two upright columns that directly face each other.

Dimensions are important of course, (you need to know that the lift will fit your garage); and here the distance between the columns is 128 inches.

This is enough space to allow most personal car models and vans to fit on the lift. The height of each vertical column is 111 inches.

Maximum weight capacity

The maximum car weight that can be lifted is 4 tonnes, and this is usually the curb weight (that is the weight of a car without any luggage or passengers [including the driver], but with all fluids and components fitted).

The overall utility here is excellent considering we are dealing with a 2 post lift.

The Triumph NT-9 has the capacity to lift compact cars, mid-size cars, compact trucks, sports utility vehicles (SUV), large cars, mid-size trucks, and large trucks (that fall below the 4-ton threshold).

Fixed permanently to the garage floor

Four anchor bolts secure the base of each column to the garage floor. This means that this post lift is permanently anchored to the garage, and cannot be relocated to another part of the workplace without breaking the garage floor.

The Triumph NT-9 features a floor plate (or baseplate) through which the equalization cables and hydraulic hoses are routed from the smart column to the dependent column.

The smart column is the upright column on which the hydraulic unit is fitted, and this means that hydraulic fluid first goes through the hydraulic cylinder before it reaches the other column, which is called the dependent column.

The floor plate is mounted into the garage floor using the floor-mounting hardware that comes with this car lift.

How the Triumph NT-9 works

When the electric motor is turned on, it powers the hydraulic pump which then sucks hydraulic fluid from its plastic reservoir.

It is then pumped at high pressure to the hydraulic cylinder of the smart column before the pressurized hydraulic fluid is routed through the hydraulic hoses in the base-plate, and into the hydraulic cylinder of the dependent column.

Inside each hydraulic cylinder, the pressurized hydraulic fluid moves a piston up, and when the hydraulic pump is powered off, the pressure of the hydraulic fluid drops, and this allows the piston to descend gently back to its default position.

Lift speed & arm extension

The lift speed of the Triumph NT-9 is actually variable; it depends on the amount of pressure generated by the motor-powered hydraulic pump.

The adjustable arms on each carriage assembly feature a 3-stage extension mechanism which means that the length of each arm can be extended in 3 stages.

This allows the arms to fit well onto the chassis underside of most vehicles that fit in this 2-post vehicle lift.

Also, extensible arms can be extended before the vehicle is driven into the post lift. This allows the car driver to bring the front-end of the vehicle into the post lift, and then open the car doors and move out.

Thereafter, the extended arms mount onto the chassis underside and lift the vehicle gently, and the user then maneuvers the arms to position the vehicle right at the center of the post lift.

This is important because the main disadvantage of a symmetrical post lift is that once the car is driven into the lift, the front doors are just next to the columns, and this prevents them from opening fully.

The lifting height of the Triumph NT-9

The lifting height of the Triumph NT-9 is 72 inches. As mentioned earlier, it uses a hydraulic mechanism to lift the car, but one needs to remember that it is the chassis that is lifted, not the wheels.

This means that the vehicle height that is lifted up is the car’s body height. The car body height is measured from the underside of the chassis to the top of the luggage rack, and it thus includes the wheel height.

This means that the Triumph NT-9 raises the car to a much greater height as compared to a 4-post car lift with a lifting height of 72 inches (as the 4-post lifts the vehicle using its wheels).

The NT-9 features an all-steel construction which means that it can lift the maximum car weight without its columns bending or developing fractures, or its adjustable arms developing bends.

This 2-post lift comes with an instruction manual, and Triumph provides a 12-month guarantee.

Bottom-line

The Triumph NT-9 is an affordable and reliable symmetrical 2-post car lift that can accommodate most vehicles of standard width.

With a maximum lifting capacity of 9,000 pounds (4 tonnes), most home garages (and auto shops for that matter), will have ample lifting power using the NT-9.

Overall the quality design, solid-steel construction, and generous lift capacity (as well as variable lift speeds) all make for a highly recommended car lift. In our opinion, it is the best 2 post car lift in our review round-up.

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2. BendPak XPR-10 Two Post Car Lift

Number 2 in our round up for this category is a symmetrical 2-post car lift with a lifting capacity of 10,000 pounds (4536 kilograms or 4.5 tonnes). This high quality machine is designed and made by BendPak Inc.

Dimensions on the BendPak XPR-10

Overall dimensions are good. The distance between the two columns is 118 inches, which allows most personal car models and vans to fit in this car lift. The height of each vertical column is 145 inches.

Unlike the Triumph NT-9 whose columns are free at the top, the BendPak XPR-10 features an overhead beam that is used to adjust the drive-through clearance of this car lift between 96 inches (narrow drive-through) to 106 inches (wide drive-through).

Because the XPR-10 features an over-head beam, its vertical columns are considerably taller than those of Triumph NT-9 (145 inches versus 111 inches respectively).

Maximum weight capacity

The maximum car curb weight that can be lifted by BendPak XPR-10 is 4.5 tonnes, (making it marginally more powerful than our top pick).

As a result, the BendPak XPR-10 has the capacity to lift a wide range of vehicles, from small cars to pickups and SUVs.

Fixed permanently to the garage floor

Four anchor bolts secure the base of each column to the garage floor, and this ensures that BendPak XPR-10 is permanently anchored to the garage floor.

The overhead beam features a safety bar on its underside. This safety bar is padded to prevent it from scratching the top of the vehicle.

It is through the overhead beam that the equalization cables and hydraulic hoses are routed from the smart column to the dependent column. Unlike the Triumph NT-9, the BendPak XPR-10 does not feature a floor plate.

How the BendPak XPR-10 works

When the electric motor is turned on, it powers the hydraulic pump which delivers pressurized fluid through the hydraulic cylinder of the smart column, before the pressurized hydraulic fluid is routed through the hydraulic hoses in the overhead beam into the hydraulic cylinder of the dependent column.

Inside each hydraulic cylinder, the pressurized hydraulic fluid moves a piston up, and when the hydraulic pump is powered off, the pressure of the hydraulic fluid drops, and this allows the piston to descend gently back to its default position.

In a similar vein to the Triumph NT-9, the piston in each vertical column of the BendPak is attached to a carriage assembly.

The rise time of the XPR-10 is 45 seconds, which is the time it takes for it to lift the vehicle through a height of 69 inches.

On top of the hydraulic power, the unit is the single-point lock-release handle that locks the carriage assembly at its set height, hence preventing it from sliding down from its elevated position.

This single-point lock-release handle is present on both columns, and it slides along the column height, and this ensures that both carriage assemblies are locked into their set elevated positions.

Each of these handles serves as a safety lock, which prevents the carriage assembly from sliding down inopportunely and then injuring the worker underneath the vehicle.

Adjustable Arms & extensions

The adjustable arms on each carriage assembly of XPR-10 feature a 3-stage extension mechanism which means that the length of each arm can be extended in 3 stages.

This allows the arms to fit well onto the chassis underside of most vehicles that fit in this 2-post vehicle lift.

It also allows the car driver to bring the front-end of the vehicle into the post lift, and then open the car doors and move out, and have the vehicle then positioned right at the center of the post lift.

Each extensible arm features 3 high-quality contact pads made from wear-resistant material.

The lifting height of the BendPak XPR-10 is 69 inches, which is 3 inches shorter to that of the Triumph. Nonetheless, the XPR-10 lifts the car body, hence allows the user to work on the overhanging wheels.

This 2-post lift comes with an instruction manual, and BendPak, Inc. provides a 12-months warranty

Bottom-line

The BendPak XPR-10 is a symmetrical 2-post car lift that can accommodate most vehicles of standard width, and whose maximum lifting capacity is 10,000 pounds (4.5 tonnes) and can lift the car up to 69 inches high.

The combination of the quality build (from a reliable market-leader) and power makes this a highly recommended option.

Best Portable Car Lift

All of the reviews above have detailed 2 post lifts that need to be fully installed, (i.e drilled into a concrete base in order to be used.)

However, this is not practical for all circumstances. It could be that you need more portability from your auto lift.

Well, we have the lift for you. After careful research and consideration, we have selected the following lift as the best portable model on the market.

3. Dannmar-DMJ6 MaxJax Portable 2 Post Car Lift

The Danmar DMJ6 is currently one of the best portable car lifts you can buy. With a lifting capacity of 6,000 pounds (2721 kilograms or 2.7 tonnes), it can be used for a wide range of lifting applications while being easily moved from place to place.

As the name suggests, it is designed and made by Dannmar.

The design differs from both the Triumph NT-9 and the BendPak XPR-10 in that the Dannmar does not need to bolt permanently to the garage floor.

Instead, this versatile 2-post lift features two upright columns with wheel kits attached at their base.

The DMJ-6 is also lightweight with the total weight coming in at around 880 pounds. Each column is 78 inches tall, while its almost-square cross-section is 25 inches by 24 inches.

Because the vertical columns can be wheeled around, they can be oriented to face each other (providing a symmetrical configuration), or they can be angled along their vertical axis (for an asymmetrical configuration).

The lift also comes with portable under-car access which allows the user to easily work on the lifted car.

Maximum weight capacity

The maximum car curb weight that can be lifted is about 2.7 tonnes. This is clearly less than the other 2 post lifts reviewed above, however, that is the trade-off for the portability factor.

The Dannmar MaxJax Portable does not have an overhead beam nor a base plate. This means that its hydraulic hoses have to be routed directly onto each vertical column from the hydraulic pump.

This necessitates that the hydraulic unit is not attached to any of the vertical columns, and therefore the Dannmar DMJ-6 does not have a smart column nor a dependent column.

Instead, the standalone hydraulic unit can be wheeled towards or away from the upright columns, and the distance is limited by the length of the two hydraulic hoses that connect the hydraulic unit to the vertical columns.

How the Dannmar-DMJ6 works

When the electric motor is turned on, it powers the hydraulic pump which then transmits pressurized hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic hoses into the hydraulic cylinder in each vertical column.

Inside each hydraulic cylinder, the pressurized hydraulic fluid moves a piston up, and when the hydraulic pump is powered off, the pressure of the hydraulic fluid drops, and this allows the piston to descend gently back to its default position.

Adjustable Arms & extensions

As with the Triumph NT-9 and BendPak lift options, the piston in each vertical column is attached to a carriage assembly.

The adjustable arms on each carriage assembly of the Dannmar DMJ-6 feature the standard 3-stage extension mechanism which means that the length of each arm can be extended in 3 stages.

This allows the arms to fit well onto the chassis underside of most vehicles suitable for the weight capacity of the lift.

The lifting height of Dannmar DMJ-6 is 45 inches, which can be increased to 48 inches if its lift adapter is used.

Just like other 2-post car lifts reviewed here, the Dannmar DMJ-6 lifts the car body hence allowing for its underside and overhanging wheels to be worked on.

Finally, Dannmar provides an extensive 36-months guarantee.

Bottom-line

This is a portable and versatile 2-post car lift with a lifting capacity of 6,000 pounds and can lift a vehicle of any width so long as it weighs less than 2.7 tonnes.

It has a maximum lifting height of 45 inches, which can be increased to 48 inches by a lift adapter. If portability is a key factor for you, the Dannmar is the lift to buy.

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4 Post Car Lift Reviews

For those that require the utilization of the 4 post lift we have selected two excellent tools to do the job.

And it may seem like bias but there is no stopping Triumph when it comes to top-quality auto lift systems. They are our number one pick in the 4 post category too.

Read on to find out why.

4. TOP PICK: Triumph NSS-8 4 Post Car Lift

The Triumph NSS-8 is a durable 4-post car lift with a lifting capacity of 8,000 pounds (3628 kilograms or 3.6 tonnes).

The NSS-8 has 4 posts with the two posts forming the front row, and the other two posts forming the back row.

In each row, there is a horizontal carriage beam that connects the two vertical posts together. The front row is attached to the back row using two runway-length base-plates.

The distance between the two front columns and the two back columns is the same hence giving Triumph NSS-8 a symmetrical configuration.

Important Dimensions

The NSS-8 features a high-rise design, its overall height is about 84 inches.

The distance between the outer edge of the left runway-length base plate to the outer edge of the right base plate is 93 inches, and this gives the Triumph NSS-8 a drive-through width of 93 inches.

The length of each runway-length base-plate is 165 inches. Also, there are approaching (wheel) ramps that allow the vehicle to gently ascend onto the lift platform (that is, the two runway-length base plates).

The length of the wheel ramps and the lift platform is 175 inches. The drive-through width of the NSS-8 allows it to lift most personal car models and vans, (the maximum car weight that can be lifted comes in at 3.6 tonnes).

Floor Fixtures & Caster Kits for Mobility

Each of the four-column features a base plate which allows them to be steadily placed on the garage floor, as well as prevents the 4-post car lift from sliding.

Even so, the lift comes with a caster kit that allows each of the four vertical columns to be fitted to a wheeled rack. This allows this car lift to be moved around the garage.

The Triumph NSS-8 features one smart column and three dependent columns, with the hydraulic hoses being routed through the horizontal carriage beams and underneath the 2 runway-length base plates. The hydraulic unit is usually mounted on the right front column.

This piston is attached to the carriage assembly in each vertical column, and this allows the four-column cylinders to lift the car in unison.

Lifting Platform

The lift speed of the Triumph NSS-8 is variable and depends on the amount of pressure generated by the motor-powered hydraulic pump. That being said, the rise time is usually around 40 seconds.

At its default position, the lifting platform is usually positioned 5 inches above the ground, and therefore if the car is lifted up by 94 inches, the space underneath the raised car has a height of 99 inches which is enough for one to park another car.

This is the key factor with the Triumph NSS-8 (and why one would pay the extra money to purchase a 4 post lift in the first place); as one of the best auto lifts around, it can be used as a reliable car storage solution.

Finally, Triumph provides a 12-month guarantee.

Bottom-line

The Triumph NSS-8 is a portable and durable 4-post car lift with a lifting capacity of 8,000 pounds (3.6 tonnes).

It can lift medium-size vehicles (of standard width) for storage or repair purposes as long as they weigh less than 3.6 tonnes. With a maximum lifting height of 94 inches, the NSS-8 really is one of the best auto lifts on the market for safely storing your car.

5. Auto Lift Car-Park-8 Storage Lift

This is another high-quality 4-post car lift with a lifting capacity of 8,000 pounds (3628 kilograms or 3.6 tonnes). It is designed and made by Auto Lift Manufacturing.

The Auto Lift Car-Park-8 Storage Lift (also called Auto Lift FP8K-DS) has 4 posts with the two posts forming the front row, and the other two posts forming the back row.

In each row, there is a horizontal carriage beam that connects the two vertical posts together. The front row is attached to the back row using two runway-length base-plates.

Important Dimensions

The distance between the two front columns and the two back columns is the same, and this gives the FP8K-DS a symmetrical configuration.

The lift features a high-rise design, with an overall height of 86 inches, (the drive-through width is 93 inches).

The length of each runway-length base-plate is 165 inches. Also, as with our top pick Triumph 4 post lift, the unit has approaching (wheel) ramps. These allow the vehicle to gently ascend onto the lift platform.

The length of the wheel ramps and the lift platform is 175 inches. The drive-through width of the Auto Lift FP8K-DS allows it to lift most personal car models and vans.

Floor Fixtures & Caster Kits for Mobility

Each of the four-column features a base plate which allows them to be steadily placed on the garage floor, as well as prevents the 4-post car lift from sliding.

Moreover, the FP8K-DS comes with a caster kit that allows each of the four vertical columns to be fitted to a wheeled rack. As with the Triumph, this feature allows the car lift to be moved around the garage.

Lifting Platform

As with the other lifts in our top 5 review roundup, the lift speed of the FP8K-DS is variable and depends on the amount of pressure generated by the motor-powered hydraulic pump. Even so, its raise time is usually around 90 seconds.

The lifting height of the Auto Lift FP8K-DS is 74 inches. However, one needs to remember that the entire car is lifted above ground from the base of the wheels.

This, of course, creates enough space underneath the vehicle for another car to be parked. What you have here is an excellent 4-post auto lift designed for storage.

The Auto Lift FP8K-DS features all-metal construction, and a 12-month guarantee is provided.

Bottom-line

Auto Lift Car-Park-8 Storage Lift is a high-quality, high-performance and durable 4-post car lift with a lifting capacity of 8,000 pounds (3.6 tonnes).

It can lift medium-size vehicles up to 3.6 tonnes, and can be reliably used to keep the raised car in position for storage purposes. A highly recommended 4-post lift option.

Best Car Lift for Home Garage – A Buyer’s Guide

Vehicle lifts, also called automotive lifts, auto lifts, or car lifts, are specially designed to raise cars above ground.

With the many units available, it is clear that certain models will have different lift capacities. The amount of power in this department will determine whether they can lift a light-weight vehicle, a medium-weight car, or a heavy-weight truck.

Automotive lifts are broadly categorized into two: scissor lifts and post lifts. Scissor lifts are used for light-duty trucks and are not designed for the user to access the underneath of the vehicle.

Therefore, if one needs a car lift for doing mechanical repairs, servicing or wheel maintenance; then post lifts are the best option. This review, of course, has focused on the popular 2 and 4 post car lifts.

As we mentioned throughout the review section, post lifts feature vertical columns that directly face each other (for symmetrical car lifts) or are rotated at an angle along their vertical axis (usually 30 degrees) in asymmetrical lifts.

If there are only 2 vertical columns, then the post lift is described as a 2-post car lift; and if there are 4 vertical columns, then it is described as a 4-post car lift.

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The 2 Post Car Lift

The most common types of post lifts on the market are the 2-post car lifts.

The 2 vertical columns of a 2-post lift are joined at their bases by a diamond-plated base-plate, but some are joined together at their top using an overhead beam.

The overhead beam limits the height that the vehicle can be lifted up-to, and for this reason, most 2-post car lifts are open at their top so as to allow vehicles to be lifted to the maximum height achievable in the lifts.

Even so, the ceiling height of the garage limits how much the car can be lifted up, especially for low-ceiling garages as the luggage rack of the vehicle quickly comes into contact with the ceiling surface.

For this reason, the ceiling height of the garage is a major consideration when purchasing a car lift.

How a 2 post car lift works

In these upright columns, the sides facing each other are followed out along their vertical lengths, and in each hollowed column is fitted a vertical hydraulic cylinder sandwiched between two equalization cables.

There is a carriage assembly that slides down or up the hydraulic cylinders. It is the central section of the carriage assembly that is fitted into the vertical column, while its two adjustable arms extend inwards (towards the other vertical column).

Because there are 2 carriage assemblies (one for each column), then a 2-post car lift features four adjustable arms that go underneath a vehicle, and when the carriage assemblies slide up their vertical columns, then the adjustable arms move with them in the process lift up the car.

The 4 Post Car Lift

The basic construction of a 4-post car lift is of two 2-post car lifts, which one placed in front of the other, but instead of left and right adjustable arms, their carriage assemblies are fitted with two long (right and left) base plates that serve as wheel ramps and runways for the entire vehicle.

Therefore, one needs to only drive the car onto these baseplates, and then lift the entire vehicle off the ground.

This also means that if the vehicle is lifted to the maximum height attainable, another vehicle can be parked underneath the lifted car.

Therefore, the 4-post car lift allows one to store 2 vehicles in the storage space of one vehicle.

Differences between 2 and 4 post car lift (other than the obvious)

Generally, 4-post car lifts can handle more car weight than 2-post car-lifts. Even so, 2-post car lifts allow the wheels to hand down, as their adjustable arms lift the chassis, thus allowing one to work on the wheels; but this is difficult when using a 4-post car lift, as its base plates lift the wheels.

Likewise, because the adjustable arms of a 2-post car lift are anchored underneath the car chassis, which allows the wheels to hand freely downwards, the lifted car can be lifted to a much greater height as compared to a 4-post car lift which elevates the entire vehicle as the car is ramped on its base plates.

Normally, 2-post car lifts are bolted to the floor of the garage, and for this reason, it is recommended that the garage concrete floor must be at least 4-inches thick. On the other hand, most 4-post car lifts are fitted with a caster kit which allows them to be wheeled around the workplace.

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What to consider when buying a post style car lift

Buying a post lift for your garage is a large investment. It is therefore important that you do your research before handing over your hard-earned money for one of these tools.

Here are just some of the things you should consider when buying a post-style car lift.

Consider your needs – weight capacity

First and foremost, you need to think about your needs. What kind of weight capacity will be suitable?

You can obviously do this by ensuring that the heaviest thing you need to lift will be well catered for using your new car post lift. Any post lift for sale will clearly state the maximum weight the unit can safely carry.

You will also need to consider how closely the vehicle runs to the ground. This means being aware of the dimensions of the range of vehicles you plan on lifting.

You should also think about whether a 4 post lift will be more suited to your needs. If your aim is for a more efficient parking space within your garage then the answer here will be yes; the 4 post car lift is the best option for you.

If however, you are looking to raise the vehicle for repairs only, the 2 post option is what you should be looking for.

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Will the lift fit inside my garage?

When looking at the weight capacity and whether you are going for a 2 or 4 post car lift configuration, the physical dimensions of the lift, and whether it will fit inside your garage space have to be clearly planned out.

Whereas a professional auto shop may have a hanger-style building with space a number of post lifts, your home workshop may well be limited in headroom.

When installing any car lift you will need space for not only the lift but for you to safely work around it. The best health and safety practice to follow is to ensure that the lift you buy will have at least 2 feet (60cm) of clearance around its entire construction.

Installation

Beyond ensuring you have enough space for the lift to fit, you also need to have adequate ground support for the unit to be installed.

Ideally, you will have a sturdy concrete base that is at least 6″ thick. Remember, retaining bolts will need to be screwed in.

Furthermore, you should not drill into the concrete near the edge as this will be weaker and prone to cracking.

If your garage does not have a suitable support structure in place, you will need to have this built for you, (a local building contractor or maybe even the suppliers of the lift will be able to arrange this for you).

You also need to consider the electrical hook-up. In most instances, a qualified electrician will be required.

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The all-important warranty

Finally, there is the issue of warranties. Like any other man-made machine, a car lift is susceptible to human-error and unexpected failures.

A good car lift manufacturer will cover any unexpected defects with a generous warranty. Check how long the warranty is on the lift you are thinking about buying. How comprehensive is it? What kind of after-sales service can you expect?

If your choice comes down to more than one brand, this could be the deciding factor so make sure you read the small print.

Image Credits: Car Lifts Plus, Garage Living, Forward Lift