Auto lifts can make a big difference in your business, but which one do you buy? How can you maximize the cost-efficiency of purchasing expensive machinery? By learning about the potential prices of automobile lifts, you can educate yourself and make a more informed decision about what you can expect to pay for the equipment and features you want for your business.

Since there are a lot of options regarding vehicle lifts and their models, features, weight limitations and so on, this guide will give you a rundown of some of the pricing information in the market so that you can analyze your needs and budget and choose the best machinery for your business. Check out some information about:

1. The costs of various garage car lifts

2. Auto storage lift prices

3. The pros and cons of used lifts and the prices of car lift parts

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Start with basic knowledge about average costs for auto lifts

When it comes to car lifts for sale by the average supplier, you can expect to pay more for heavier-duty equipment. Weight limits on the machinery also contribute a lot toward the cost; more lifting capability means a higher price. Also, for the most part, a four-post lift will cost more than a two-post, and various features available for auto lift equipment will drive up the cost as well. Basic models usually begin around the $1,500 range, and upper limits can be in the tens of thousands.

I recommend: Price the various automotive lifts available from American Automotive Equipment to start determining what's in your range. Compare the options and features with Eagle Equipment and with discount automobile lifts like those from Pace Tools, which eliminates shipping and mark-up costs through direct sales, leading to a lower price.

Make an informed decision regarding costs when buying an auto storage lift

Storage lifts follow the same general rules as maintenance lifts when it comes to pricing. Because the requirements are slightly different, though, there are a few discrepancies. Though you can plan on spending about $1,500 for a basic model, the range can increase to $4,000, $5,000 or even more as lift capacity exceeds 10,000 pounds.

I recommend: Get an idea for the pricing and costs of car lifts for storage by considering Car Buy Garage and Panther Lifts. These fairly represent the average costs of car storage lift options, although prices will always vary depending on the style of the lift and the features and weight ranges applicable. The low averages from companies like Panther may indicate fewer or lesser features or other drawbacks.

Learn about purchasing used automotive lifts and pricing parts and repair services

Used auto lifts will save you money in the short term, but pay close attention to the condition of any machinery you buy. Look carefully for wear and tear and any defects or anomalies, especially in the steel and hydraulics. You can end up paying more in the long term in repairs and maintenance if the equipment is damaged or compromised in any way.

I recommend: Analyze your option to buy used car lifts; get some pointers from Car Tuning Central. You can also start getting an idea for the cost of replacement or enhancement parts for lifts manufactured by various companies, including Rotary auto lifts, by checking out Automotive Shop Equipment.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  At times, buying used equipment might mean that shipping is not included by the seller. Be prepared to provide your own transportation for your car lift if required.

Vehicles come in all shapes and sizes and so do auto lifts. Depending on the size and layout of your service center, you need automobile lifts of varying sizes and capabilities.

Auto lifts can be 2-post or 4-post, have solid peg adapters or screw up adapters and be designed as an overhead lift or baseplate lift.

Keep these things in mind when purchasing rotary auto lifts:

1. Determine your bay size first and make sure the car lifts will fit into your service center's space.
2. Quality and durability is as important as the way the auto lift functions.
3. The Internet gives you dozens of resources and makes it possible to find quality automotive lifts and discounted prices.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Decide what kind of car lifts your business needs

You can purchase auto lifts with 9,000 lifting capacity if you're dealing mostly with cars. For heavy duty vehicles, you should buy a heavy duty auto lift with a 15,000 pound lifting capacity. Other auto lifts are made for motorcycles and still others are for storage.

I recommend: ASE Deals sells several different types of lifts. Check out Panther Lifts's inventory of 2-post and 4-post automobile lifts.

Use the Internet to find car lifts for sale

Through the Internet, you can search websites for new car lifts, used car lifts, rotary lifts and even a car storage lift. Check out the pictures, read the product specs and recommended bay size. If Learn all this information before buying, so that you're sure the auto lifts will fit into your bays.

I recommend: Eagle Equipment sells two post car lifts, four post lifts, heavy duty lifts, motorcycle lifts, scissors lifts and a car storage lift. Rotary Lift is a great resource for buying rotary auto lifts. The company sells all types of light duty and heavy duty lifts.

Focus on high-quality, durable automotive lifts

Look for car lifts that have a heavy-duty leaf chain with low friction. You want steel pulleys and a strong cable equalization system.

I recommend: Revolution Lifts sells quality automotive lifts and rotary lifts with storage, maintenance and versatility in mind. Use IQS Directory to find rotary auto lifts and other car lifts for sale.

Save some money by buying discounted auto lifts

Buying a car lift package can save you big money. They include the lift, jacks, oil drain and trays.

I recommend: Best Buy Auto Equipment offers lift packages at a discounted price. Check out Greg Smith Equipment. They have several discounted lifts. America's Pride Online sells automobile lifts at wholesale prices if you pre-order them. It's a great solution if you don't mind the wait.

Don't forget about auto lift accessories

You'll need a reputable company to buy replacement parts from. Whether it's an adapter for Corvette lifts or a replacement pad, your automotive lifts will need parts once in a while. It's a smart business move to know exactly where to buy them.

I recommend: Standard Industrial and Automotive Equipment sells hundreds of auto lift parts including drop-in pins, replacement pads and extensions. Reliable Hydraulics sells replacement parts and accessories, too.

Auto lifts can provide your business with several advantages, but like any small business owner, you know the importance of getting some basic information before you get started. Whether you're in an auto repair or service business or simply own your own fleet and want to start handling maintenance on your own, looking into automotive lifts is a good way to expand your abilities and cut down on your long-term costs.

Automotive lifts are just devices that allow you to lift a car off the ground either to enable easier access to the undercarriage or park another vehicle beneath it for more efficient storage. But whichever purpose interests you, you need to make sure you get the right products for your business needs. The steps below will help you with:

1. Some basic info about types and advantages of automobile lifts

2. Some of the specific models of car lifts for sale

3. Operational and safety tips for car lift equipment you should know.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn the advantages that vehicle lifts can provide for your business

Before choosing one of the first garage car lifts you come across, analyze your own needs. Know what you want the equipment to do and how you want it to work; some lifts are limited in their functions and configurations. If they don't fit your needs according to use and size, they can decrease efficiency.

I recommend: Start gathering information about car lifts basics by perusing the data listed at the Automotive Lift Institute, which has info regarding the advantages, types and uses of vehicle lifts. You can also check out Mobil; although geared toward do-it-yourself home projects, it has helpful information about preparing your garage for and installing your auto lift.

Consider your options for two- and four-post rotary auto lifts for service and storage

Now that you've got a better idea for your requirements, choose the right type of rotary lifts. Figure out whether you want a two-post or a four-post, and decide on mechanical or hydraulic. Also, consider the platform: for instance, if you work in a tire service business, you want a lift that allows the vehicle to be raised by the frame and not the tires.

I recommend: Narrow down your options for automotive lifts according to the needs of your business; consider the pointers and helpful hints you can get from FindLifts, which covers the advantages of several different types. You can get further information and compare more details about automobile lifts by going through the options at National Auto Tools.

Obtain some additional information on the safe operation of auto lifts

Once you've narrowed your possibilities down, consider the operational necessities. Make sure you're knowledgeable about the safe use of your lifts and confirm the safety certifications of any products you're considering buying. The Automotive Lift Institute certifies all approved equipment, so looking for their seal is an important step.

I recommend: Get operational and safety information for auto maintenance and auto storage lift equipment by checking out SVI, which also distributes various products to enhance safety. Also, make sure the lifts you consider are verified by the ALI; Rotary Lift has specific information regarding this verification as well as further safety tips. The company has experience, as Rotary auto lifts have been around since 1925.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Used car lifts are also an option, but be careful when buying machinery. Used lifts often present safety issues, because you don't know who owned it previously or how well it was maintained.

Anyone who works on cars, from professionals to shade tree mechanics, either has or wants a car lift. Whether you're looking to buy one for the first time or are thinking about upgrading from your current model, a basic knowledge of car lifts terminology will allow you to shop and research with confidence. So, before you browse your favorite automotive sites or start calling around, learn the following car lifts key terms.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Maintenance lifts

Maintenance lifts are designed to allow users to quickly and easily raise and lower cars for regular work. These are the kinds of lifts you see in repair garages. Most maintenance lifts are hydraulic, though there are also screw lifts and drive-on lifts.

I recommend: The Automotive Lift Institute defines and illustrates a wide variety of maintenance lifts.

Storage lifts

Storages lifts also lift cars, but they are primarily designed to store cars, not work on them. Since storage lifts aren't meant to raise and lower cars on a regular basis, the process of raising and lowering cars on them typically takes more work. They are also designed so that another car may be stored underneath.

I recommend: Stinger illustrates the typical usage of storage lifts.

Hydraulic lift

Hydraulic car lifts are typically the most expensive type of car lift. They're also among the easiest to use - push a button and up or down it goes. Hydraulic lifts can lift the heaviest of trucks with ease.

I recommend: Complete Hydraulic Services & Sales discusses a wide variety of hydraulic car lifts.

Scissor lift

A scissor lift is a car lift, usually hydraulic, that functions by extending its arms in a scissor-like 'x' configuration.

I recommend: Watch a small scissor lift in operation at YouTube to get a better idea of what scissor lifts look like. Scissor lifts are also discussed in detail at Car Tuning Central.

Two-post lift

Two-post lifts are hydraulic lifts with two vertical posts. Each post has two lift arms that are manuevered to lift points under the car for hoisting.

I recommend: Mohawk Lifts shows several different two-post lift models.

Four-post lift

Four-post lifts allow users to drive onto the lift surface for hoisting. Since it's lifted by its tires, the entire bottom of the vehicle is available for work at the same time.

I recommend: Automotive Service Equipment has illustrations and specifications for several four-post lifts.