by Joshua Thomas
Let's face it! Not everyone has a large garage that can stock many vehicles.
Most people have a small garage for only one, or 2 vehicles at most. But what if you have a small garage and still need to accommodate more vehicles than it physically can? Well, you can do it by stacking vehicles with the best car lift.
Indeed, the car lift is a heavy-duty car storage device that will allow you to stack multiple vehicles, to make the most out of your small garage space. And they also provide better access to work under the vehicle safely and effectively.
Additionally, most hydraulic car lifts have a lifting capacity of at least 5,000 lbs. This means that your average car lift can technically lift almost any type of vehicle on the market with great ease.
Without any further ado, let's check out a few top-rated car lifts below.
Contents
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
|---|---|---|
 | 1. Triumph NSS-8 (Best Overall) |
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 | 2. QuickJack BL-3500SLX (Best Car Lift for the Money) |
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 | 3. APlusLift HW-10KBP (Best Floor Plate Car Lift) |
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 | 4. QuickJack BL-5000SLX (Best Portable Car Lift) |
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 | 5. Auto Lift Car-Park-8 (Best Car Lift for Stacking) |
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 | 6. Mayflower Blacksmith BP9000 (Heavy-Duty High Lift 2 Post Car Lift) |
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| 7. BendPak XPR-10AS (Fast Rise Lift with High Capacity) |
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 | 8. Triumph NT-9 (Excellent Price to Weight Capacity Ratio) |
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The Triumph NSS-8 is a 4 post car lift that comes in a time tested design that has been in use for more than 20 years, which is what makes it our best overall car lift.
Another great thing about this top-rated car lift is its higher weight capacity of 8,000 lbs. And it also includes an automatic locking at 10 different positions for increased security.
Additionally, the steel build construction will make this car lift very durable and long-lasting. Since this unit has 4 posts, it is also very stable, and thus safer to use when compared to a 2 post model.
Furthermore, the maximum height of the lift arm of 84 inches is quite generous. This lift can be used by a tall person, no problem.
You also get a lot of bang for the buck with this car lift as it comes with various accessories like jack trays, dip trays and a caster kit for more versatility.
When compared to 2 post lifts, this one takes up a little more space, but this is a small price to pay for the increased stability. Although the instructions are not very detailed, you should still be able to figure things out with much ease.
More Detailed: Triumph NSS-8 Review
Pros
Cons
QuickJack BL-3500SLX is our best car lift for the money because for its price tag, it is super hard to get anything better.
Like many other top quality car lifts, it is made from a solid steel material to ensure maximum sturdiness and durability. The lift can hold up to 3,500 pounds, and with a maximum lift of 20 inches to make it easy to get underneath the vehicle.
Setting it up is also more effortless and it will be ready to use in as little as 60 seconds. And because it comes with all the accessories including the hydraulic power unit and hydraulic hoses, it is ready for immediate use.
Moving it around the garage should also not be a problem as there are some nice transport wheels at the bottom.
While the height might not be high enough for bigger repairs or stacking cars, it is perfect for small repairs, which are the most common ones.
Pros
Cons
If you prefer the space-saving design and convenience of a 2-post lift, APlusLift HW-10KBP will be an exceptional choice. And thanks to the heavy-duty steel build and stability, it is one of the best floor plate lofts out there.
The lift is built for speed as it will achieve a full lift in just 50 seconds. And lifting vehicles is also made simple by the easy-to-use controls that include a convenient manual lowering lever.
The combo symmetrical and asymmetrical arms and the double S structure ensure the vehicle will be highly secure when lofted.
Also, safety is further guaranteed by the dual point safety block, auto arm lock restraints, protection rubber for the door guards and many other safety features.
Like with many car lifts, the instructions provided seem quite poor, but this is a straightforward lift to set up and use. And so this should not be a deal breaker.
Pros
Cons
The QuickJack has a small and low-profile form factor that allows you to easily carry this car lift around. It has been built with portability in mind, and it is just what you need if you are looking for something to use in different locations.
Furthermore, the shape makes it a very efficient and heavy-duty car lift that is able to lift heavy vehicles. It can go even beyond its rated weight capacity of 5,000 lbs with ease.
Moreover, the reinforced steel body and upper frame will ensure that you can use this unit as a heavy-duty car lift in a busy workshop.
Also, the jack points of this car lift are anti-slip and will fit universally any type of vehicle on the market.
Although the 17.6-inch maximum height is relatively lower when you compare it to others on our list, it is still enough for you to work under the car comfortably.
More Detailed: QuickJack BL-5000SLX Review
Pros
Cons
If you are short on space, then this Auto Lift is an excellent model to consider for residential garages. It can comfortably hold 2 vehicles with ease as it is high enough (74.75 inches) for stacking, and it does not consume a lot of space.
This top-rated car lift has a weight capacity of 8,000 lbs, which means that it can lift and store almost any type of vehicle, ranging from a regular car to an SUV. And with its aircraft-grade cables, you can be sure of maximum security
For even more security, this car lift has a safety lock that automatically locks the lift, even when there is no electricity. Users also get 10 different locking positions to make sure you can have the lift just where you want it.
While the rollers on this car lift are not the most efficient, they are still quite useful as you can easily move the lift around.
Pros
Cons
The heavy-duty drive mode is one of the key highlights of this car lift. This drive mode will consist of two hydraulic cylinders and chain drive, and it is meant to ensure smooth and efficient operation.
With the up to 81 inches maximum lift, this car lift will provide more than enough space to work under the car while standing, and it allows you to stack up two vehicles to save garage space.
There is also a relief valve on the power pump that is very handy for protecting against overload.
With the dual 2-point safety lock release that has 18 locking positions, this will not only be a safer lift to use, but also a versatile one as you can lock it in different heights.
And you can be confident that this car lift will resist corrosion and rust for a long time as it has a nice powder coated finish.
The instructions can be a little misleading. And this is more so for the inexperienced users. However, there are more than enough videos online to help with the setup. Furthermore, you can also easily contact the manufacturer if you need more assistance.
Pros
Cons
With an incredibly fast 45-second rise, the BendPak XPR-10AS will ensure that you never have to sit around waiting for ages from the car to be lifted.
Besides speed, this car lift can also hold up to 10,000 pounds, which is one of the highest on our car lift review. And it means that you can use it to lift almost any vehicle.
The unique 30-degree rotated column that ensures you get more car interior access clearance, and opening the doors should be an effortless task.
With the expandable top beam, this car lift can accommodate both narrow and wide drive-through configurations.
Safety of operation is also ensured by the adequately padded overhead safety shutoff bar and single point safety release.
For those that intend to use this car lift on their trucks, the lack of adapters can be an issue. However, they are easy to get for a few bucks, and you can even make some simple DIY ones.
Pros
Cons
When it comes to price to weight capacity ratio, the Triumph NT-9 is definitely one of the best car lifts on the market.
For its price, this 2-post car lift has a decent weight capacity of 9,000 lbs. Which means that it will technically be able to lift any large-sized and heavy vehicle with ease despite its small size.
In addition, the maximum arm lift height of 72 inches shows that it can lift a vehicle quite high, therefore allowing even a tall person to inspect the bottom of the vehicle. And it only takes an impressive 40 seconds to get to maximum lift.
Moreover, this car lift comes with 3-stage front arms that will ensure you get a fantastic reach in different kinds of vehicles. There are also swing arm handles that will make arm positioning easier and quicker.
With this car lift, you get a floor plate to help cover the hoses and cables and allow the lift to fit under low ceilings.
The lock system that this lift use is not the best as some times it can be hard to use. However, a few knocks with the hammer are often good enough to lock it in place.
Pros
Cons
If you have been looking for the best car lift for the money, then you probably have seen that they come in 2 types, which are the 2-post and 4-post.
2-Post Car Lift
The 2-post car lift will make use of two posts to support the vehicles weight. And despite what some users might assume, these lifts are still highly stable.
These are more ideal car lifts for professionals, because they make it easy to work on the vehicle by leaving the entire under car open and easily accessible. Also, the suspension is left hanging for easier wheel change.
Overall, the 2-post car lifts like Triumph NT-9 also tend to be cheaper than the 4-post types.
But because it is not safe to leave a car on a 2-post lift for extended periods, these are not recommended for garage parking. Also, they are not ideal for stacking up vehicles.
4-Post Car Lift
4-post car lifts are the kinds that will have four posts just as their name suggests. These lifts provide more support to the car as it is supported at 4 different positions. And this will be the ideal lift for those that want to leave the car in the lift for extended periods.
Most manufacturers will also supply casters for their 4-post lifts, which makes them easier to move around.
These car lifts will give you additional repair abilities as the car is completely lifted off the ground. But what many users love most is that it doubles up the garage space as you can park another vehicle beneath the lifted one.
If you have a busy workshop where you lift a lot of vehicles of different types, these are also the best lifts. From lifting lightweight vehicles to heavy vehicles like SUVs and trucks, the 4-post lifts like BendPak XPR-10AS do an amazing job.
The weight capacity of the car lift simply tells you how much weight it can lift before the safety mechanism kicks in, preventing the lift arm from moving.
In most cases, a car lift for home garage is able to lift at least 6,000 lbs or more.
If you are planning to use the car lift in a professional setting like a mechanic workshop or a car park, then it is probably best to go with a model that can lift at least 9,000 lbs like Mayflower Blacksmith BP9000.
Such that the car lift is more flexible and able to lift a wider variety of vehicles that come in different weights.
In addition to the weight capacity, the height range will tell you how far up the car lift can lift the vehicle.
The higher the height range, then the more space you under the car lift, allowing it to accommodate taller vehicles. Here, something that can provide a lift of between 60 and 100 inches is often good enough.
Still on the size, you also need to consider the maximum width range. The wider the width range, the more flexible it will have in accommodating vehicles with different widths like SUVs which are generally wider vehicles.
For storing big vehicles like an SUV, we recommend that you go with a model that has a width range of at least 132 inches or more.
The lift material is perhaps one of the most important aspects you need to consider when purchasing a car lift.
This is because the material used in the construction of the car lift will dictate how heavy-duty, durable and long-lasting the car lift will be in both the short-term as well as in the long term.
In most cases, the safest build construction material of the car lift is steel.
This is because steel is a tough metal that does not corrode, has good resistance against substances like car oils and is extremely durable.
The only caveat is that a steel car lift is very heavy and you may have difficulty carrying it around.
There are many types of safety features used in the car lift. However, the most important one to look out for is an automatic safety lock mechanism that will automatically lock the lift in position while it rises.
This prevents it from suddenly falling down on you or your bottom vehicle in case of a power outage. And if it has multiple locking positions, the better.
Additionally, ensure that your car lift has a lock bar feature. What this does to make sure that the car lift arm descends smoothly and hands-free when you want to bring the vehicle down.
That said, different vehicles will make use of different safety features. Hence, the most important thing is to ensure that the model you pick is safe enough for you, your vehicles, and everyone else around you when using it.
A: It depends on the kind that you are installing. However, for the 2 post car lift, the installation will be under $500, while for the 4-post types it cost around $500 to $1,000. The actual cost varies from one locality to the other, and this installation cost does not factor in the cost of buying the car lift.
A: Yes, most modern ones are quite safe to use. And this is because they will incorporate various safety features such as a safety switch, hydraulic flow restrictor, anti-sway blocks and many others.
A: This often depends on the particular car lift you are installing, and its weight capacity. That said, 100 mm is often the minimum recommended concrete thickness for installing both 2 and 4 post car lifts.
A: You can place it almost anywhere in the garage depending on the space you have. However, you should make sure that you have at least 2-feet of space between the lift and side walls to ensure you have enough room to move around. But, the more space there is between the posts and side walls the better.
A: Both do a good enough job and will be ideal for different situations. If you are looking for stability and want to be able to stack up vehicles, the 4-post is perfect. However, if you are looking for something more space-saving, the 2-post is better. Also, 2-post lifts are more ideal for professionals, while the 4-post are perfect for vehicle enthusiasts.
TRIUMPH NT-11 11,000 lb Two Post Floor Plate Auto Lift Car Truck Lift Hoist Base Plate - Walmart Link
APlusLift HW-10KOH 10,000LB Two Post Overhead Auto Hoist Clear Floor Car Lift with Combo - Walmart Link
CR 10,000 L1000 220V 2 Post Lift Car Auto Truck Hoist Great Quality !!! / 12 Month - Walmart Link
RhinoGear 11909ABMI RhinoRamps Vehicle Ramp - Pair (12,000lb. GVW Capacity) - Walmart Link
Xk 10,000lbs Car Lift L1100 2 Post Lift Car Auto Truck Hoist / 12 Month Warranty - Walmart Link
XK USA L1000 10,000LBS Two Post Lift Car Auto Truck Hoist / 12 Month Warranty - Walmart Link
XK 9,000 LB Over Head L 2910 2 Post Lift Car Auto Truck Hoist / 12 Month Warranty - Walmart Link
TRIUMPH NT-11 11,000 lb Two Post Floor Plate Auto Lift Car Truck Lift Hoist Base Plate - eBay Link
APlusLift HW-10KOH 10,000LB Two Post Overhead Auto Hoist Clear Floor Car Lift with Combo - eBay Link
CR 10,000 L1000 220V 2 Post Lift Car Auto Truck Hoist Great Quality !!! / 12 Month - eBay Link
RhinoGear 11909ABMI RhinoRamps Vehicle Ramp - Pair (12,000lb. GVW Capacity) - eBay Link
Xk 10,000lbs Car Lift L1100 2 Post Lift Car Auto Truck Hoist / 12 Month Warranty - eBay Link
XK USA L1000 10,000LBS Two Post Lift Car Auto Truck Hoist / 12 Month Warranty - eBay Link
XK 9,000 LB Over Head L 2910 2 Post Lift Car Auto Truck Hoist / 12 Month Warranty - eBay Link
Car lifts are an essential garage component, whether you are a professional mechanic or just a regular car enthusiast. And with our comprehensive car lift review above, you should have an easy time choosing one.
From our list, the easy to setup Triumph NSS-8 is our best overall model as it comes in a time-tested design, is from a reputable brand and is highly portable to allow you to use it in different locations.
But, if you are looking for the best value for your hard-earned bucks, go with the QuickJack BL-3500SLX. And besides great value, it still has a lot more to offer such as a complete package with all the accessories.
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About Joshua Thomas
Joshua Thomas just simply loves cars and willing to work on them whenever there's chance... sometimes for free.
He started CarCareTotal back in 2017 from the advices of total strangers who witnessed his amazing skills in car repairs here and there.
His goal with this creation is to help car owners better learn how to maintain and repair their cars; as such, the site would cover alot of areas: troubleshooting, product recommendations, tips & tricks.
Joshua received Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University.
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