Portable Car Lifts

Portable car lifts raise a vehicle without a permanent installation. There is no anchoring into the slab, no overhead structure and, on most models, no special electrical supply. The lift is wheeled into position, used, and rolled back against the wall. That makes this the category for home garages, rented spaces, mobile technicians, race and track support, and shops that need an extra lift without giving up a bay. Capacities run from about 3,500 lb to 8,000 lb. QuickJack, BendPak, iDEAL, Tuxedo, Challenger and Atlas are stocked.

How to choose

Match the frame length to your vehicle. Portable lifts come in several frame lengths, and the frame has to reach usable lift points on both your shortest and your longest vehicle. For most buyers this matters more than headline capacity. Check lowered height against the ground clearance of your lowest car, since a low sports car may need the supplied blocks or extra ramps. Check rise height against what you actually need to do underneath, because portable lifts of this type give seated working height rather than standing height. Power is usually a standard 110-115V outlet, which is the point of the category, though some models are offered with other supply options. A flat, sound, level slab is still required even though there is no anchoring. If you need standing headroom underneath and you have the ceiling and the concrete for it, a two-post or four-post lift is the better buy.

Installation, freight and what is included

These ship by freight and are largely ready to use: position the frames, connect the hydraulic lines to the power unit, bleed the system and check operation per the manual. Bundles listed here add extra blocks, ramps and cases, so read the product title, since the bundle and the bare lift are separate listings. Nothing in this category requires slab anchoring. A 6-month limited warranty applies as standard, and the extended warranty offered on qualifying remanufactured drivetrain units does not cover new equipment. Call 440-374-1039 if you want the frame length checked against your vehicles before you order.