Last Updated on June 26, 2023
Are you looking to make the most of your home garage space? Car lifts are an ideal solution that can transform your ordinary garage into a multi-user environment. They can store multiple cars in the same space and offer a safe and secure way to keep vehicles and other items.
There are many automotive lifts, but how do you know which is best for your garage? There are several things to look for when choosing the ideal one. Adequate load capacity, robust lift post, proper size for a home garage, ease of installation, and ETL/ALI or CE certification are all important factors to consider.
This article will review five of the most highly rated car lifts available. We’ll discuss what to consider when choosing a lift, what size garage you need, and which type is best for your needs. So if you’ve been thinking about adding a car lift to your home garage, keep reading.
Top 5 Car Lift for Home Garage Reviews: Maximize Space Efficiency
Car lifts are beneficial investments that can help make working and storing cars easier and more efficient. They allow space for tools and parts but make it easy to get under and around your car without hunching over.
To help you out, here’s our list of the five best home garage lifts for cars:
1. APlusLift 10000 lb Garage Car Lift for Home
Are you searching for an automobile lift that offers maximum efficiency and unbeatable performance? Look no further than the APlusLift garage car lift. Its top-notch heavy-duty design makes it reliable and capable of delivering incredible power.
Heavy Duty Design
The APlusLift 10000 lb garage car lift for home is designed with top-quality materials that ensure maximum durability and strength. It boasts two hydraulic cylinders with steel construction, column steel thickness of 13/64”, and carriage steel thickness of 15/64”.
This automotive lift heavy-duty design is made to last over years of use and can handle up to 10,000 pounds of weight. Even in the most challenging conditions, this car lift will stand firm and perform exactly as it should.
Improve Safety Mechanism
In addition to its sturdy construction, the APlusLift home car lift has been fitted with various safety features. It includes a double-point security lock mechanism that ensures secure operation when not in use, as well as automatic arm lock restraints that keep vehicles secure while they’re being lifted or lowered.
To prevent overloading, it also has a built-in relief valve as an extra layer of protection. For added security measures, there are also door guards protection rubber and an up-limit switch that protects the cylinders from excess pressure or strain.
Easy Control System
The APlusLift two-post lift for the home garage has a simple yet effective control system that makes lifting a car as easy as pressing a button. There is also an intuitive manual lowering operation for extra control when necessary.
Plus, its built-in relief valve prevents overloading during use, so you don’t have to worry about accidents due to the powerful lift system. It takes for the platform to reach full height in just 50 seconds.
Safe and Stable Lift
This car lift is designed with safety and stability in mind. Its all-robot welded structure prevents accidental damage while providing the highest quality construction and welding. Its hydraulic lift mechanism offers a smooth ride, and its wide platform can carry 10,000 pounds without sacrificing performance.
Pros:
- Made of heavy-duty steel for lasting durability
- Dual hydraulic cylinders for safety and stability
- Wide platform for easy access to your car or truck
- Easy to get under low vehicles with a low-profile design
Cons:
- Insufficient instructions for installation
2. TRIUMPH 4 Post Car Lift for Garage for Home Use
The Triumph 4-post car lift can be an ideal choice if you need a reliable and secure car lift for your home garage that won’t take too long to assemble. With its robust construction and innovative design, you can be sure of a safe and straightforward lifting job.
Durable and Stable Construction
Durability is a big part of the TRIUMPH 4-post home car lift design for garage home use. Constructed with strong steel, it can easily handle up to 8,000 lbs of weight without wobbling or instability.
For added convenience, only one person is required to operate it, so anyone can use it to move their vehicle in or out of their garage quickly. Also, the lift has a long life expectancy, so you can rest assured that your lift will remain secure even through frequent use.
Maximize Garage Space
The compact design of the TRIUMPH 4 post car lift for garage for home use allows you to use your garage floor space when not in use fully. Its low profile ensures that it doesn’t take up too much room when unused and is easy to maneuver around tight spaces.
Assembly is a Breeze
No more grappling with complicated instructions or risking dangerous attempts at assembly, the Triumph 4 Post Car Lift was made for easy installation.
All necessary tools are included for quick setup to start using your car lift immediately. Its low-profile design allows it to fit into almost any limited garage space.
Safe and Secure for Lifting
Safety should be a top priority when dealing with a car lift, which is why the 4-post Triumph car lift was designed with extra care put into its construction process. It can be used with any vehicle due to its sturdy steel frame, which provides maximum stability while holding heavy loads without risk.
Pros:
- Durable steel construction for years of use
- Low-profile design allows for parking under most vehicles
- It comes with a wheel kit to make moving it around easy
- No need for a second person to help with assembly or use
Cons:
- It comes with NO instructions
3. XK USA Home Garage Car Lift Vehicle Hoist
Forget searching endlessly for a reliable auto lift; the XK USA car lift is your ticket to worry-free maintenance. This durable piece of equipment was made with professionals and home users in mind, giving you lifetime access to convenient automotive care.
Perfect For Any Garage
The XK USA home garage car lift vehicle hoist is designed with a top-notch product that makes it perfect for any garage, allowing you to easily store multiple cars while providing ample room to move around.
It’s super simple to install and can be set up in minutes, making it ideal for anyone who needs a quick and reliable lift solution. The construction is built with solid steel, ensuring maximum durability that will last for years.
Highest Quality Material
Regarding quality material, the XK USA 2-post car lift doesn’t disappoint. It’s constructed using only solid steel, which provides superior strength and durability for long-term use.
The stiffened base plates add extra stability, while the self-lubricating ultra-high molecular nylon slider reduces friction when lifting heavy objects.
As a bonus, this car lift also includes door guards protection rubber that prevents scratches or dents from occurring as you move items around your garage or workshop space.
Great Safety Mechanism
This Car Lift boasts some impressive safety features, such as its double-point safety lock release that prevents accidental lift operation and automatic arm lock mechanisms that keep everything secure during transportation or storage.
There’s also a relief valve built into the power pump that ensures smooth operation even under heavy loads while still providing silent operation at all times. To top things off, an up-limit switch protects cylinders from overuse to prevent any potential damage caused by misuse or other unforeseen circumstances.
Easy-to-Use Controls
Finally, this car lift includes a manual lowering operation that allows users to safely lower their vehicle without worrying about damaging any components or losing control altogether.
Pros:
- Any garage with a high ceiling will work
- Lifts car to a comfortable working height
- Easily assembled in just a few hours with simple hand tools
- Compact size makes it easy to store when not in use
Cons:
- Can’t use it for trucks or wide-frame vehicles
4. Mayflower Blacksmith Car Lift for Garage 2 Post 9000 Pound
Upgrading your garage with a reliable and powerful lift? Mayflower Blacksmith knows what’s up. Their 2-post, 9000-pound car lift is tough to resist corrosion while providing plenty of safety features for smooth lifting operations.
Heavy Duty Construction
The Mayflower Blacksmith car lift is designed to be solid and durable, with two powerful hydraulic cylinders capable of handling up to 9000 pounds. It is constructed from high-grade steel, making it robust enough to handle any load. Also, the reinforced support arms ensure maximum stability during lifts.
Increased Safety Features
This Mayflower Blacksmith car lift for garage 2 post 9000 pounds has been designed with user safety, featuring a double two-point safety lock and 18 locking positions for secure stabilization during operation.
Also, arm lock restraints activate automatically when the lift reaches a certain height, while drop-in-type lifting pads provide extra cushioning. The rubber door guards provide further protection against potential damage or injury.
Superior Corrosion Resistance
A blue powder finish was applied to this car lift to ensure durability and prevent corrosion and rust caused by long-term exposure to rain and sun. As such, it’s an excellent choice for any garage environment exposed to harsh conditions or frequent use over time.
Smooth Lifting Operation
This car lift is designed for optimal performance and efficiency thanks to its self-lubricating nylon sliders, which enable the carriage arms to move smoothly up and down, even under high load capacities.
It ensures that users can operate the vehicle with confidence at all times without worrying about excessive wear and tear on the moving parts due to friction buildup from frequent use.
Pros:
- Heavy Duty Two hydraulic cylinders and chain drive
- Double two-point safety lock release
- Eliminate the need for a complicated wiring diagram
- Blue powder finish prevents corrosion from ensuring durability
Cons:
- Installation instructions aren’t good enough
5. Atlas Two Post Car Lifts For Home Garage
For the at-home auto enthusiast or professional mechanic dealing with limited space, Atlas has two post-car lifts to fit your needs. Solid construction with adjustable height settings provides an efficient way to use every inch in your garage while keeping safety a top priority.
Heavy Duty Construction
The Atlas two post car lifts feature powder-coated frames that resist rust, corrosion, and wear. With reinforced base plates, the columns are more stable and safe, and the lift arms have load-bearing locks for more security. Also, each lift is tested for quality assurance before being sent to customers.
Enhanced Security Features
Atlas two post car lifts have enhanced security features that provide extra protection from damage caused by improper use or mishandling while on the lift.
The spring-loaded Secondary Lock System (SLS) ensures that all four arms are securely locked in place before beginning any operation on the vehicle, providing maximum protection against accidental disengagement during use.
Height Adjustment Option
Atlas car lifts feature an adjustable height setting so you can fit your vehicle into tight spaces or customize how much clearance you need depending on your specific needs. With this option available, you’ll be able to work on various vehicles easily, no matter their size or shape.
Easy to Install
Not everyone has the time or resources to hire a professional for installation service, but luckily installing an Atlas car lift is relatively straightforward. All you need is basic home tools such as wrenches, drill bits, and a couple of jacks (not included).
Pros:
- The post lift can lift 9,000 pounds
- 220-volt single-phase power unit included
- Two different height settings between 11’6″ and 11’10” heights
- The secondary Lock System automatically engages on slack chains
Cons:
- No instructions included
Comparison Chart for the Best Car Storage Lifts for Home Garage
Product | Construction Material | Load Capacity | Maximum Lift Height | Floor PSI Requirement |
APlusLiftHW-10KOH | Alloy Steel | 10,000 lbs | 6’9″ | 3,500 PSI |
TRIUMPHNSS-8 | Light Weight Aluminum | 8,000 lbs | 6’ | 3,000 PSI |
XK USAB073GQGR9Y | Solid Steel | 10,000 lbs | 6.5’ | – |
Mayflower BlacksmithBP 9000 | Steel | 9000 lbs | 6.25’ | 3,000 PSI |
Atlas Automotive EquipmentATEXH-9KOHX | Alloy Steel | 9,000 lbs | 11′ 6″ or11′ 10″ | 3,000 PSI |
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Home Garage Car Lifts?
Having the right car lift is essential if you’re planning to work on your car at home or want to store yours for a long time. Car lifts provide an elevated workspace and storage space, allowing you to easily move around and access different parts of your car.
But there are a few things to consider when picking the best home garage car lift for your needs:
Purpose of Car Lifts
When selecting the best car lifts for your house garage, it’s essential to consider their purpose. Are they primarily being used as storage solutions? Or will they be used primarily for maintenance and repairs?
Knowing this information will allow you to select a lift designed specifically for these purposes, ensuring that it meets all requirements to perform its intended tasks efficiently and safely.
Types of Car Lifts
From fixed lifts to the best portable car lift, it’s important to select one that fits the size of your vehicle and can handle the weight needed.
Fixed Car Lifts
1. Four-Post Lift: When deciding if a 4-post lift is right for you, think about how much space you have in your garage and how much weight you need it to hold. These lifts are perfect for larger sedans or SUVs since they can hold up to 15,000 pounds.
Also, since these lifts don’t require ramps, they are easier to maneuver with less worry of damaging the underside of your vehicle while driving onto or off the lift. They don’t require as much installation time as other models.
2. Two-Post Lift: The key factor when considering a 2-post lift is its maximum lifting capacity, usually between 8,000 and 10,000 lbs, which makes it ideal for smaller cars like compacts and mid-sized vehicles but not good for heavier ones such as large SUVs or full-size trucks.
Also, keep in mind that despite its small size compared to 4-post lifts, this type requires less space because it has two columns instead of four posts which take up less room overall. On top of that, these lifts tend to be sturdier (since there are no movable parts) and require less installation time.
Portable Car Lifts
1. Scissor Lift: If portability is a priority, look no further than scissor lifts. These lifts generally only reach heights between 14 and 20 inches, so they won’t be suitable if you need extra height clearance.
Still, they make up for it in their lightweight construction, making them easily transportable from one location to another without too much hassle or effort.
2. Ramp-style Car Lifts: One thing that sets ramp-style car lifts apart from other options is their size. Their width makes it easier to drive all four wheels onto the platform at once instead of manually rolling them into place, which can take a long time.
Size of Home Garage
When picking the best home garage car lifts, it is important to consider the garage’s size. The size of your garage will determine the type and size of lift you should get.
If you have enough space in your home garage, you may want a standard four-post vehicle lift with either symmetrical or asymmetrical arms. These lifts come in various sizes and can be used for regular maintenance and repairs on cars up to seven thousand pounds.
On the other hand, if your home garage is small or limited in space, a hydraulic or electric two-post lift may be a better option since these types of lifts require less space.
Lift Power Supply
In addition to considering the size of your home garage when selecting the best car lift for your needs. It’s also essential to consider what type of power supply you need. Whether you are looking for a symmetrical or asymmetrical arm lift, you will need either a hydraulic or electric power source.
Hydraulic power sources provide more power than electric ones and can typically handle heavier vehicles. However, they tend to be more expensive than their electric counterparts. Electric sources are usually cheaper but unsuitable for heavier vehicles like SUVs and trucks.
Maximum Weight Capacity
If you plan on regularly lifting heavier vehicles like trucks or SUVs, you’ll need to invest in a lift with a higher weight capacity than what would be necessary for a standard passenger car. Check the manufacturer’s specifications and ratings before purchasing any lifts to know what load it can safely handle.
Ease of Installation
Installing your own car lift in your private garage isn’t exactly an easy job, and even if you have all the necessary tools and equipment, it can still take several hours to complete.
As such, look for models designed for DIY installation. These will typically come with detailed instructions and may even include helpful step-by-step videos to make things easier. Also, determine how much space is required around each lift side when fully extended.
Lift Safety Features
Safety should always be your number one consideration when choosing any type of car lift, so make sure that any potential model has undergone rigorous testing and been certified by either the ETL (Electrical Testing Laboratories) or ALI (Automotive Lift Institute).
This certification ensures that the lift meets all current safety standards and is capable of providing reliable performance over time. Also, look for those models with CE certificates, as this indicates additional safety measures that may be beneficial depending on where you live or where you plan on using your lift.
Car Lift Pricing
Last but not least, pricing is always something that must be considered when purchasing any type of product. This holds especially when dealing with large items like garage car lifts.
The price tag may seem intimidating at first glance, but remember that many manufacturers offer financing options that can break down payments over several months so as not to put too much strain on your wallet all at once.
Also, look out for deals and sales since these can help save a lot of money while still getting good quality products from reputable brands.
What Size Garage Do You Need for a Standard Car Lift?
Generally speaking, if you plan on installing a four-post car lift in your garage, you’ll need to ensure that it’s at least 173 inches long by 103 inches wide. It’s big enough to handle most vehicles, but it will also leave plenty of room around the lift to work comfortably while you make repairs.
When you go with a two-post car lift, the minimum dimensions can be smaller, typically 90 inches wide by 142 inches long, but some installations may need more space to work on your car fully. In either case, measuring the area before purchasing any car lift is best.
What Type of Lift is the Best Car Lift for a Home Garage?
If you’re looking for a reliable car lift option for your home garage, look no further than the four-post design. It’s seen as the superior choice for both convenience and safety.
Four-post lifts provide twice as much support as two-post when lifting heavy loads, making them a great choice if you regularly work on larger vehicles (like SUVs) or need more clearance to perform repairs.
What is the Ideal Garage Ceiling Height for a Car Lift?
If you plan on mounting a car lift in your home garage, then it’s essential to ensure that you have enough height clearance above your vehicle without any obstructions above it (such as lighting fixtures or ductwork).
As such, most manufacturers recommend that your ceiling be at least 11 feet tall or higher to operate any kind of car lift without issue safely. Of course, this number may vary depending on the type and size of the vehicle being lifted and other factors, such as your particular installation setup.
How Much Does it Cost to Install a Car Lift in age?
The cost of installing a car lift in your garage will largely depend on the type of car lift you choose and the complexity of the installation itself. Generally, installation costs range from $500 to $10,000.
In addition to the cost of the actual car lifts, it’s essential to factor in any additional equipment that may be needed for a successful installation, such as clamps for securing the arms into position or even anchors for affixing them firmly against the ground or wall.
Depending on the size and weight of vehicles that need lifting, it may also be necessary to reinforce floors or walls before installation. This could potentially add thousands of dollars to your overall purchase price.
Get Creative Storage with a Car Lift: Transform Your Garage Today
Car lifts are an excellent way to add valuable storage space to your home garage without taking up any extra room. There are many different types available with varying features and costs, so you must take the time to research before making your purchase.
With the information provided here, you’ll be able to select the perfect car lift for your specific needs. So if you’re ready to upgrade your home garage with a reliable and effective car lift, then make sure you research to make an informed decision.
While all those car lifts provide excellent performance and reliable operation, the APlusLift 10000 lb garage car lift for home stands out as the best overall. Its heavy-duty construction ensures it can handle up to 10,000 lbs, and its intuitive controls make it easy to use.