You can’t call yourself a true DIYer until you try to fix your own vehicle. But if you’ve ever found yourself crawling on the garage floor, flashlight in your mouth, trying to repair something down under, you probably know by now that the mission is far from easy.
That is unless you install the best car lift for your home garage.
Table of Contents
- Best Residential Garage Car Lifts- Top Auto Lifts for 2022
- Types of Garage Lifts
- 10 Top Car Lifts for Home Garages Reviewed
- 1. BendPak Portable Mid-Rise Scissor Lift
- 2. TRIUMPH NSS-8 8000Lbs 4 Post Storage Service Lift
- 3. Auto Lift Car-Park-8 Car Storage Lift
- 4. TRIUMPH NT-9 9000Lbs Two Post Floor Plate Lift
- 5. BendPak Asymmetric Lift XPR-10A 10,000-Lb. Capacity Auto Lift
- 6. APlusLift HW-10KBP 10,000Lbs – Recommended Car Hoist
- 7. Mayflower Blacksmith Four Post Lift
- 8. Atlas PV-10P 2 Post Above Ground Lift
- 9. BendPak HD-9 4-Post 9,000Lbs Lift
- 10. Dannmar Commander 7000 4-Post Auto Lift
- Vehicle Lifts for Home Garage – Buying Guide
- Our Top Pick
Now, before your jaw drops and you start thinking about unjustified prices, know that residential garage lifts are a lot more affordable than you’d imagine.
Don’t believe us? Well, know that we’ve spent weeks scouting the market for the perfect garage lift. From all, only 10 have made it to our list, and they all bring outstanding value for money. Check them out in the table below before moving on to their detailed reviews.
Best Residential Garage Car Lifts- Top Auto Lifts for 2022
Types of Garage Lifts
Your search for the best residential garage car lifts should begin with deciding which type you want. This is an essential step, that’ll help you trim down some options and make your choice a little less of a challenge.
You can essentially pick from the three types highlighted below:
- Scissors car lifts: These are the simplest – and obviously the least expensive – models. They are also known as portable due to their small dimension. These lifts often don’t need installation, but when they do, the process is very straightforward. As you can expect from compact equipment, they are not as powerful as the other two types. Nevertheless, they are ideal for quick fixes.
- 2-post car lifts: Provide the best value for money. They are more powerful than the scissors and more affordable than the 4-post below. These lifts also raise the vehicle quite high into the air, so you’ll have sufficient space to investigate its beneath. Unless you’re a mechanic or want to become one, these are probably the best garage lifts for you.
- 4-post car lifts: The daddy of them all, the 4-post car lift can handle heavy loads and is also capable of getting your vehicle up in the air quickly. These lifts encompass the definition of reliability. However, they usually must be bolted to the garage floor and take up quite a lot of space. They’re also expensive, but if these facts are not deal-breakers for you, then just go for one of these – you’ll surely not regret it.
Curious which are some of your best options? Check out our automotive lift reviews below.
10 Top Car Lifts for Home Garages Reviewed
1. BendPak Portable Mid-Rise Scissor Lift
The first car lift on this list is this model from BendPak. It’s a scissor style unit that blends portability with decent lift capacity. It can tackle up to 6,000lbs, quite impressive for a piece of equipment that will only occupy 81×40 inches of garage floor.
- 6,000lbs lift capacity.
- 53-inch max lifting height.
- Ultra-fast operation.
Powered by a single-stage 220V motor, this compact thing will be able to raise your vehicle in a breeze. It can reach 53 inches high in under a minute, a perfect height for no-fuss working underneath.
Collapsing to a total height of 4.75 inches, it’s also easy to store when not in use. And thanks to its small footprint, you’ll even get the chance to keep it anywhere without worrying it will get in your way.
Featuring state-of-the-art characteristics, the lift boasts adjustable arm assemblies and multi-position safety lock bar. It’ll give dynamic flexibility to your car repair, and what’s best, you won’t have to pay your weight in gold to get it.
- Portable car lift ideal for cars and light-duty trucks
- Smooth lifting power provided by an electric motor
- Ideal to fit under most cars thanks to 4.75-inch height when lowered
- Quite heavy for such a compact equipment
2. TRIUMPH NSS-8 8000Lbs 4 Post Storage Service Lift
The TRIUMPH NSS-8 couldn’t have missed from our list. This is a workhorse designed to lift up to 8,000lbs in the blink of an eye and boasts so many interesting features that you might just fall for it.
- 8,000lbs lift capacity.
- 67.5-inch max lifting height.
- Easy to install.
Due to its weight capacity, this beast has the force to lift almost any domestic vehicle. The 4-post design also provides better stability, and a pro garage feeling any weekend mechanic will love.
What we like best though is its versatility. It comes with 10 locking positions along its arc movement, letting you raise and hold your car at the preferred height.
Bolting it to your garage floor is quite easy. Just keep in mind that it has an impressive footprint. It will take up some space in your garage, and once installed; you won’t be able to fold it compactly for storage.
Nevertheless, this is one of the most outstanding models in the 4-post category, an exceptional hydraulic car lift that’s easy to use and install.
- Ten locking positions
- Reliable lifting and smooth lowering thanks to the hydraulic system
- Very easy to install for a 4-post lift
- It comes with no mounting instructions
3. Auto Lift Car-Park-8 Car Storage Lift
The Auto Lift Car-Park-8 Car Storage Lift is another of the best residential garage car lifts that have made it to our list. It’s very similar to the TRIUMPH above and comes with almost the same capacities.
- 8,000lbs lift capacity.
- 10 lock positions.
- 90-sec lifting speed.
It can handle vehicles of up to 8,000lbs and is the perfect equipment if you want to double the room in your one-car garage. In fact, this one’s build to help you service your car, but you can easily use it for storage too.
Extra-large slider blocks add stability, while the 10-lock height positions give you plenty of options when deciding how high to lift your vehicle.
Perfect for most domestic cars and light-duty trucks, this deluxe series lift also impresses with smooth operation. It can raise your vehicle up to 74.75 inches in only 90 seconds and provides a good 70-inch of under-the-track head clearance.
If that’s not enough, know that what makes it even more impressive is the no-frills and no-tools installation that you’ll love as a DIYer.
- Completely enclosed carriages boost safety
- Aircraft quality components enhance weight capacity
- Provides ideal service and storage space for one vehicle
- The casters may need an uplift
4. TRIUMPH NT-9 9000Lbs Two Post Floor Plate Lift
Do you know what’s more impressive than a 8,000lbs 4-post lift? A 2-post one that can raise up to 9,000lbs. And it even comes at a bargain. That, ladies and gents, is phenomenal value for money!
- 9,000lbs lift capacity.
- 72 inches lifting height.
- Generous space between posts.
What’s even best is that you’ll get an exceptional product. It’s a high-class 2-post unit that provides more than enough lifting capacity for most family vehicles.
It even provides enough lifting capacity for small trucks, and it can even hold them tight thanks to very well designed swing arms provided with extensions.
We were also impressed by its 3-horsepower motor that can lift the load in just seconds. An ideal solution for a smaller garage, this car hoist provides a whopping 72 inches of lifting height and 106 inches of space between the posts.
Coming with more features than other lifts in its class and at a price that won’t break the bank, this is no doubt one of the best vehicle lifts you can find.
- Asymmetric 2-post vehicle lift design
- Convenient floor plate covers cables and the hose
- Swing arm handles
- Scarce customer and shipping services
5. BendPak Asymmetric Lift XPR-10A 10,000-Lb. Capacity Auto Lift
If Triumph’s capabilities were not enough to wow you, check out this beast. The BendPak Asymmetric Lift XPR-10A is a true badass. If you don’t believe our humble opinion, why don’t you check out its features?
- 10,000lbs lift capacity.
- Overhead safety shutoff bar.
- Single-point safety release.
This beast comes with a revolutionary 30-degree rotated column designed to give you door-opening clearance and car interior access when the vehicle’s up and high in the air. Now, how neat is this?
If it’s still not enough, then you might like the exclusive Tru-Metric carriage and arm design that lets you load your car either symmetrical or asymmetrical; it’s just like having two lifts in one.
Furthermore, this bad boy can tackle up to 10,000lbs, and has an expandable top beam configuration for convenient narrow or wider drive-thru.
And for this versatility, you’re not even going to pay a too high price. Yes, you’ll drop some more bucks compared to other units on this list. But the features you’ll get and value for money are truly unrivaled.
- Easy to access the car interior when the vehicle’s lifted
- Symmetrical and asymmetrical loading
- Expandable top beam configuration
- This garage lift is truly heavy
6. APlusLift HW-10KBP 10,000Lbs – Recommended Car Hoist
Boasting a similar capacity to our top pick but only symmetrical arm assembly, the APlusLift HW-10KBP is still one of the best car hoists you can find. Compatible with truck adapters and strong enough to lift any domestic car, it reaches the astonishing height of 81 inches.
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Ideal for most garages and incredibly easy to mount, this lift is also super-easy to operate and comes with enhanced safety features.
It raises the vehicle in less than a minute thanks to its hydraulic system. With a drive-thru clearance of 100 inches, it also accommodates almost all types of domestic cars. The operation couldn’t get more intuitive than its UP button, and it even comes with two convenient sets of truck adapters.
A double-point safety lock release and automatic arm lock restraint enhance safety, letting you work in all peace of mind underneath.
Your vehicle will also be protected by specially designed rubber door guards; thanks to them, you’ll get no more scratches and won’t have to worry about redoing the expensive paintwork on your car.
We also like the manual lowering and the increased motion control that lets you make sure the operation is as smooth as desired.
- Relief valve built into the hydraulic power pump prevents overloading
- Up-limit switch protects the cylinders
- Easy to raise and lower the vehicle
- It only allows for symmetrical loading
7. Mayflower Blacksmith Four Post Lift
Another of those versatile garage car lifts that have made it to our list; the Mayflower Blacksmith is a four-post lift you can use to enhance your garage capacity or for DIY service purposes. It can handle up to 8,000lbs, and it raises the load at a max height of 72 inches.
- 8,000lbs lift capacity.
- Single hydraulic cylinder.
- 40-second lifting time.
Perhaps the best feature is the outstanding lifting speed. Expect it to raise your vehicle in less than one minute in a smooth but quick operation.
It may be one of your greatest choices if you’re looking for more than a personal use unit. Equipped with a jack tray and a set of three deep trays, it’s just perfect for anyone who wants to start a home garage business.
Besides the trays, you’ll also get a convenient poly caster kit, as well as approach ramps for easier loading and unloading of the vehicle.
Compatible with most family cars and some trucks, this unit also provides a 93-inch drive-thru clearance. We also like its single point safety lock release and the built-in 10 locking positions that increase even more this product’s versatility.
- Hydraulic lifting mechanism ensures smooth operation
- 69-inch clearance under runway
- Efficient single-point safety lock release
- Drive-thru width is smaller than expected
8. Atlas PV-10P 2 Post Above Ground Lift
Designed for residential use but with a vision towards the pros, the Atlas PV-10P is another 2-post lift that impressed us so much we had to include it on our list. It has a 10,000lbs capacity and boasts a commercial-grade construction that will give you utmost durability and resistance.
- 10,000lbs lift capacity.
- Easy installation.
- 146-inch clearance.
Like our favorite, this lift also has symmetric and asymmetric arms that enhance versatility. Besides the loading options, you should know you’ll also get plenty of clearance.
This beast can lift your car or truck up to 146 inches, and comes with adjustable height features. Thanks to its strength and quality build, it can tackle quite anything from a city smart car to a one-ton truck.
We also like that its carriages are padded with protective thick rubber, so you won’t have to worry about vehicle damage. Easy to assemble and easy to use, this lift is perfect for a residential garage or small car repair business.
- Commercial-grade construction withstands most domestic vehicles
- Adjustable height clearance up to 146 inches
- Padded shut-off bar protects the top of the vehicle
- Narrow width clearance between posts
9. BendPak HD-9 4-Post 9,000Lbs Lift
Fast forward to our next pick, the BendPak HD-9 is another 4-post car lift that has made it to our list. It can hold up to 9,000lbs and multiple height positions lockable at every 4 inches of spacing. It’s great for a home garage either for service or as a second car storage.
- 9,000lbs lift capacity.
- Easy access ramps.
- Freestanding design.
The thing we like best is that the HD-9 doesn’t necessarily need to be bolted in place. It impresses with a freestanding design that make it easy to dismantle.
It takes up little floor space yet it boasts a heavy-duty construction. With its outstanding lifting capacity, it can tackle almost all domestic vehicles.
The oversized lubricated cable rollers will let you lift and lower a car as frequently as you want without losing motion smoothness.
Because it requires no special foundation, this lift can also be mounted anywhere you want. It’s great to maximize your space in a parking or to place in a garage for service or storage.
- Reliable hydraulic lifting mechanism
- Ideal for all areas with a standard ceiling of at least 8 feet
- Space-saving design maximizes floor area
- You might have to pay your weight in gold for this lift
10. Dannmar Commander 7000 4-Post Auto Lift
Last but not least, the Dannmar Commander 7000 is the last entry on this list. It’s a solid but not exceptional car hoist. It boasts a robust design and a decent capacity for a 4-post model, but it’s somehow hard to justify its price.
- 7,000lbs lift capacity.
- 82 inches max lift height.
- Ten locking positions.
So, what does it do here? I hear you wonder. Well, it’s freestanding, a feature you don’t see too often on a lift with this capacity and that adds just a bit of mobility. A tad larger than the BendPak above, it can also accommodate trucks and larger car models.
We also like that it raises the load in no time; you can expect to see your car in the air in only 45 seconds.
Another great feature is the adjustable locking position. You’ll get 10 possible heights with a 4.5-inch increment from one another, up to an overall of 82 inches.
Ideal to use in a parking slot or garage, it provides an adequate platform for service and storage. Just what you need to maximize your space or start a small business.
- Easy vehicle loading ramps
- Great lifting capacity of up to 7,000lbs
- Reliable 1 horsepower engine
- Rather low weight capacity
Vehicle Lifts for Home Garage – Buying Guide
Besides the car lift types already discussed, there are a few other features to consider when choosing the right unit. Let’s have a closer look at them.
Weight Capacity
One of the most important things to check when buying a car lift is its weight capacity, and compare it against your car’s heft. Without making this comparison, the equipment’s weight capacity is just a number that won’t serve much.
The golden rule to keep in mind is that you should always pick a lift with a capacity higher than the weight of your car, to enhance safety.
For instance, if you have a family car of 4,000 pounds, you should get a lift with a capacity of at least 6,000 pounds.
Size
Things get a bit trickier now. You should consider the unit’s size reported to both your car and your garage.
- Regarding your car, it’s essential that you can drive it thru onto the platform seamlessly. Checking the width clearance between the posts is, therefore, essential.
- As far as your garage is concerned, how many floor space do you have available? The scissor type are the smallest, but also the least effective. If you have enough space, we recommend at least a 2-post solution.
Storage & Portability
Another thing to decide is if you want a permanent unit or one you can store and possibly move around.
If you aim for the latter, the scissor is the only type that fits the bill. If you don’t really care about portability and don’t plan to ever dismantle the lift once you’ve assembled it, get either a 2-post or 4-post based on your needs.
Our Top Pick
So, what’s the best car lift for the home garage? Well, we have two winners this time instead of one.
If you’re looking for a 2-post, the APlusLift HW-10KBP is your best bet. It offers impressive balance between overall size and capacity, and has outstanding lifting power. It can lift a whopping 10,000lbs.
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It has a symmetrical arm design and can handle most vehicles, from family cars to trucks and mini vans.
If instead you want to maximize the space in your garage or want unhindered access to the underneath of your car, the TRIUMPH NSS-8 will surely live up to the expectations.
- 8,000lbs lift capacity.
- 67.5-inch max lifting height.
- Easy to install.
It can lift up to 8,000lbs and fits perfectly in a small parking lot or garage. It can hold your car for service or storage, is easy to set up, and completely portable. That’s right! This 4-post vehicle lift comes with a convenient caster kit that allows you to move it easily from one place to another.
Regardless of the type you need or like, these home garage lifts bring utmost satisfaction, and are definitely two of the most phenomenal models on the market.
Best Car Lifts and Hoists for Home Garages Reviews
- BendPak Portable Mid-Rise Scissor Lift
- TRIUMPH NSS-8 8000Lbs 4 Post Storage Service Lift
- Auto Lift Car-Park-8 Car Storage Lift
- TRIUMPH NT-9 9000Lbs Two Post Floor Plate Lift
- BendPak Asymmetric Lift XPR-10A 10,000-Lb. Capacity
- APlusLift HW-10KBP 10,000Lbs Two Post Car Lift
- Mayflower Blacksmith Four Post Lift
- Atlas PV-10P 2 Post Above Ground Lift
- BendPak HD-9 4-Post 9,000Lbs Lift
- Dannmar Commander 7000 4-Post Auto Lift
Summary
Buying a vehicle lift could be an expensive investment if you do not know what you are doing. Here, we have reviewed the top rated best vehicle lifts for your home garage. The list is solely based on the top customer reviewed car hoists that won’t burn a hole of bank balance. We have covered everything from a cheap base model to a medium range car lift.
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Last update on 2024-04-21 at 18:45 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2 comments
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