Mobile Column Lifts

Mobile column lifts are wireless or cabled column sets that lift a vehicle by its wheels, wherever the vehicle happens to be. They are the practical answer for buses, transit and refuse fleets, agricultural and construction equipment, and any shop that cannot commit floor space to a fixed lift. Columns here are rated from 13,000 lb and 14,000 lb each up to 18,000 lb and 19,000 lb, which puts a four-column set at up to 72,000 lb. iDEAL, Mahle, Rotary, Atlas, BendPak and Challenger are stocked, along with crossbeams, end-lift kits, fork-lift adapters and light-vehicle adapter kits.

How to choose

Work out the total lift requirement, then divide by the number of columns. Sets are sold in twos, fours, sixes and eights, so a four-column set rated 18,000 lb per column handles 72,000 lb. Check tire diameter and width against the fork range, because that is what actually limits which vehicles a set will pick up; light-vehicle adapter kits exist where you also need to lift cars. Decide cabled or wireless. Wireless sets move faster between bays and remove trip hazards, while cabled sets are simpler. Battery type and charging arrangement determine how many lifts you get per shift. Mobile columns do not need an anchored slab, but they do need a flat, sound, level floor to roll on and lift from, and enough overhead clearance for the vehicle at full rise. Most sets charge from a standard 110-115V outlet.

Installation, freight and what is included

Column sets ship by freight and are heavy, so dock or liftgate delivery is normal; columns generally arrive on wheels ready to roll off. There is no anchoring and usually no electrical installation, which is a large part of the appeal. Read the product title carefully, because sets of two and sets of four are listed as separate items, and adapters, crossbeams, end-lift kits and fork-lift adapters are sold separately. Many of these sets are ALI Certified, and the listing says so where that applies. The certification is held by the manufacturer and applies to the lift model itself; Variety Engines sells those models and is not itself ALI certified or accredited. A 6-month limited warranty applies as standard. Call 216-250-6666 to size a set against your fleet and tire dimensions.