Challenger 44018 18,000 lb 4-Post Lift

Challenger Lifts

Challenger 44018 Series 18,000 lb Heavy-Duty 4-Post Lift

SKU: 44018

Ships from manufacturer

Heavy-duty 18,000 lb 4-post lift with leaf chain drive, 22 in. adjustable diamond plate runways, sealed roller bearings, and 3 configurations: standard, extended length, and alignment rack.

Heavy-Duty Chain-Driven 4-Post Lift for Commercial Service

The Challenger 44018 Series is an 18,000 lb capacity heavy-duty 4-post lift engineered for commercial service facilities that demand durability, precision, and versatility. Powered by a leaf chain drive system with sealed roller bearings, the 44018 delivers smoother operation, longer service life, and lower maintenance than cable-driven alternatives. Available in three configurations — the standard 44018, the extended-length 44018E for long-wheelbase vehicles, and the 44018AR alignment rack — this series covers everything from routine general service to full four-wheel alignment work.

Built for High-Volume Commercial Environments

Every 44018 Series lift features 22-inch diamond plate anti-skid runways with adjustable width spacing from 36 to 54 inches, accommodating everything from compact cars to wide-body trucks. The 3HP power unit raises the full 18,000 lb capacity to working height in approximately 60 seconds, while 10-level twin ladder lock positions (17 levels on the AR model) provide secure height selection across the full range of rise. A heavy-duty hydraulic cylinder and continuously engaged mechanical locks ensure safe, reliable positioning at every height.

Three Configurations for Every Service Need

The base 44018 handles wheelbases up to 194 inches with a 78¾-inch rise height, making it ideal for pickups, SUVs, and fleet vehicles. The 44018E extends runway length to accommodate wheelbases up to 230 inches — perfect for full-size vans, extended cab trucks, and commercial vehicles. The 44018AR adds a complete alignment package including double turn plate cutouts, dual built-in rear slip plates, work steps, internal airline kit, and single point air actuated lock release with 17 height positions for precise alignment setups from 98 to 206 inches (four-wheel) or up to 220 inches (two-wheel).

Construction, Colors & Installation

Built with high tensile strength steel and finished in your choice of Red or Blue, the 44018 Series is designed for years of heavy commercial use. The built-in runway rail system simplifies accessory integration, and rolling jacks, ramp kits, airline kits, and drain pans are all available to customize your setup. Installation requires a minimum 4-inch reinforced concrete slab rated to 3,000 PSI, a dedicated 30-amp circuit (208-230V single phase), and compressed air supply (90-120 PSI) for air-operated components.

Features & Benefits

Leaf Chain Drive with Sealed Roller Bearings

High tensile strength leaf chain and sealed roller bearings deliver smoother lifting, longer service life, and lower maintenance than cable-driven systems.

  • Leaf chain rated for 18,000 lb continuous duty with minimal stretch over time
  • Sealed roller bearings eliminate daily lubrication and reduce friction-related wear
  • Chain drive provides more consistent platform leveling than cable systems

18,000 lb Heavy-Duty Capacity

ALI/ETL certified 18,000 lb capacity handles pickups, SUVs, fleet vans, and commercial vehicles with generous safety margins for fully loaded service scenarios.

  • Full 18,000 lb rated capacity with ALI/ETL third-party certification
  • Handles loaded fleet vehicles including F-250/350, Transit vans, and Sprinters
  • Heavy-duty hydraulic cylinder provides smooth, consistent lifting across the full capacity range

Adjustable Diamond Plate Runways

22-inch wide diamond plate anti-skid runways with adjustable width spacing from 36 to 54 inches accommodate a wide range of vehicle tread widths.

  • Diamond plate surface provides superior traction for wet, oily, or muddy tires
  • Adjustable runway spacing from 36 to 54 inches fits narrow cars to wide-body trucks
  • Built-in runway rail system allows easy repositioning and accessory mounting

Multi-Level Mechanical Lock System

Continuously engaged mechanical locks with twin ladder lock positions provide secure height selection — 10 levels on standard models, 17 levels on the AR alignment rack.

  • Single point lock release operates all four locks simultaneously from one location
  • Continuously engaged design means locks are always active during lifting
  • AR model upgrades to air actuated release with 17 precision alignment heights

Three Configuration Options

Choose the right fit for your shop — standard length for general service, extended length for long-wheelbase vehicles, or the full alignment rack package.

  • 44018 base model handles wheelbases up to 194 inches for most trucks and SUVs
  • 44018E extends capacity to 230-inch wheelbases for full-size vans and commercial vehicles
  • 44018AR adds turn plates, slip plates, work steps, and airline kit for complete alignment service

Commercial-Grade Construction

Heavy-gauge steel construction with high tensile strength components and available Red or Blue finish delivers long-term durability in demanding commercial environments.

  • 3HP power unit raises full capacity to working height in approximately 60 seconds
  • 78¾-inch rise height (83⅜ inches on AR) provides comfortable undercarriage access
  • Available accessories include rolling jacks, ramp kits, airline kits, and drain pans

Specifications

Model4401844018AR44018E
Price
$23,057.69$36,027.64
Save 36% ($12,969.95)
$42,659.55$66,655.56
Save 36% ($23,996.01)
$24,369.00$38,076.58
Save 36% ($13,707.58)
Height of Runways7.25 in11.875 in7.25 in
Width Between Runways36-54 in36-54 in36-54 in
Width of Runways22 in22 in22 in
Between Columns204 in204 in240 in
Overall Length259 in311.5 in292 in
Max Wheelbase194 in236 in230 in
Amps303030
Max 2 Wheel Alignment—220 in—
Min-Max 4 Wheel Alignment—98-206 in—
Product Type4 Post Lifts4 Post Lifts4 Post Lifts
Lifting Capacity18,000 lb lbs18,000 lb lbs18,000 lb lbs
Lift Configuration4-Post Chain-Driven4-Post Chain-Driven Alignment Rack4-Post Chain-Driven
Rise Height78.75" "83.375" "78.75" "
Overall Height102.5 in102.5 in102.5 in
Overall Width138.125141.5138.125
Speed of Rise60s sec60s sec60s sec
Inside Columns121122121
Motor3HP, 208-230v, 60Hz, 1Ph HP3HP, 208-230v, 60Hz, 1Ph HP3HP HP
Voltage208-230V Single Phase208-230V Single Phase208-230V Single Phase
ALI/ETL CertifiedYesYesYes
Colors AvailableRed, BlueBlackRed, Blue

Before You Buy

Concrete Slab Requirements

Requires minimum 4-inch reinforced concrete rated to 3,000 PSI. Verify your slab thickness and strength before purchasing — retrofitting concrete is expensive and disruptive to shop operations.

Compressed Air Required

The 44018AR alignment rack requires 90-120 PSI compressed air for its air actuated lock release and airline kit. Base and E models use mechanical release but still benefit from compressed air for accessories and shop tools.

Choose Your Configuration Carefully

The base 44018, extended 44018E, and alignment 44018AR have different physical dimensions and capabilities. Alignment features cannot be retrofitted to base models. Consider your current and future service needs before selecting a configuration.

Electrical Requirements

Requires a dedicated 30-amp circuit on 208-230V single phase power. Have a licensed electrician verify your electrical service and install the dedicated circuit before your lift arrives.

Ceiling Height Clearance

The 44018 stands 102½ inches (8'6½") tall at the columns. You will need additional clearance above this for lighting, sprinklers, and overhead obstructions. Measure your available ceiling height before ordering.

Professional Installation Recommended

While the 44018 ships with a complete IOM manual, professional installation by a qualified lift technician is strongly recommended. Proper anchor bolt torque, hydraulic connections, and lock system calibration are critical for safe operation.

Free Freight Shipping

Ships free via freight carrier to commercial addresses in the continental United States (48 states). Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Guam are excluded from free freight — contact us for a shipping quote to those locations.

Unloading Requirements

This is a heavy-duty 18,000 lb capacity 4-post lift and ships on a full-size freight truck. You are responsible for offloading at your location. A forklift, tractor with forks, or loading dock must be available on-site at the time of delivery. The carrier will not unload the freight.

Frequently Asked Questions

The 44018 Series handles any vehicle up to 18,000 lbs. The base 44018 accommodates wheelbases up to 194 inches — fitting most full-size pickups (F-150, Silverado 1500), SUVs (Tahoe, Expedition), and standard vans. The 44018E extends to 230-inch wheelbases for vehicles like Transit vans, extended cab F-350s, and box trucks. The 44018AR alignment rack supports wheelbases up to 236 inches with four-wheel alignment capability from 98 to 206 inches.
The base 44018 is a general service lift with standard-length runways (204 inches between columns) and a mechanical lock release. The 44018E adds extended runways (240 inches between columns) for long-wheelbase vehicles while keeping the same general service configuration. The 44018AR is a complete alignment rack that adds double turn plate cutouts, dual built-in rear slip plates, built-in work steps, an internal airline kit, and a single point air actuated lock release with 17 height positions for precise alignment work.
The 44018's leaf chain drive with sealed roller bearings offers several advantages over cable systems. Leaf chains stretch less over time, maintain more consistent platform leveling, and require less frequent adjustment. Sealed roller bearings eliminate daily lubrication requirements and reduce friction. Cable-driven lifts like the 4018XFX are typically less expensive upfront, but chain-driven lifts generally deliver lower long-term maintenance costs and longer service life in high-volume commercial settings.
The 44018 Series requires a minimum 4-inch thick reinforced concrete slab with a compressive strength of at least 3,000 PSI. The slab must be level, free of cracks, and properly cured. Anchor bolt locations must avoid existing rebar, conduit, or in-floor utilities. If your slab does not meet these specifications, you will need to consult a structural engineer before installation. A thicker slab (6+ inches) is recommended for high-traffic commercial environments.
Installation requires a level concrete floor meeting the slab specifications above, a dedicated 30-amp electrical circuit (208-230V, single phase, 60Hz), and compressed air supply of 90-120 PSI for the air-operated lock release (AR model) and optional airline kit. The overall footprint is approximately 21'7" long by 11'6" wide by 8'6" tall for the base model. Extended and AR models require additional length — plan for at least 26 feet of clear length for the 44018AR. Professional installation by a qualified technician is strongly recommended.
Regular maintenance includes monthly inspection of the leaf chain for wear and proper tension, lubrication of chain and pivot points per the IOM schedule, hydraulic fluid level checks, and visual inspection of all mechanical lock components. The sealed roller bearings require no routine lubrication. Check the single point lock release mechanism for smooth operation and inspect the runways for damage or excessive wear. Annual professional inspection is recommended, and the IOM provides a complete maintenance schedule and checklist.
No. The 44018AR alignment rack has different physical dimensions (11'9½" wide vs 11'6⅛", different runway height, 17 lock positions vs 10) and includes built-in structural features like turn plate cutouts and rear slip plate pockets that cannot be retrofitted to a base 44018 or 44018E. If alignment work is part of your business plan, purchase the 44018AR from the start. You can, however, add rolling jacks, ramp kits, and airline kits to any 44018 model as accessories.
Available accessories include the RJ9S and RJ9A rolling jacks (air/hydraulic) for undercarriage work, 44RK18 and 44RKE18 ramp kits (standard and extended) for drive-on convenience, the 44AK18 airline kit for routing compressed air to working positions, model 10267 rolling oil drain pan, and model 10500/10500SS turn plates (standard and stainless steel). The AR model includes RJ9A rolling jacks, stainless steel turning radius gauges, and internal airline kit as standard equipment.
The 3HP power unit raises the full 18,000 lb rated capacity to maximum height in approximately 60 seconds. Descent is controlled by a hydraulic flow valve for smooth, consistent lowering speed. Lighter vehicles will generally reach full height slightly faster. The lift requires a 30-amp dedicated circuit on 208-230V single phase power.
The 44018 Series features 22-inch wide diamond plate anti-skid runways. The spacing between runways is adjustable from 36 to 54 inches to accommodate different vehicle tread widths. This adjustability makes the 44018 versatile enough to handle narrow passenger cars and wide-body trucks without compromise. The built-in runway rail system makes width adjustment straightforward.
The 44018 Series is available in Red and Blue as standard finish options. Both colors use a durable powder coat finish designed for commercial environments. Contact us for current color availability and lead times.
Yes. The 44018 Series is ALI/ETL certified, meaning it has been independently tested and verified to meet the safety and performance standards established by the Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) and certified by ETL (Intertek). This certification is important for insurance compliance, OSHA requirements, and overall shop safety standards.

Downloads & Resources

Certifications

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