Garage Lift Buyer's Guide

Why Invest in a Garage Lift?

Whether you're a weekend gearhead, a serious car collector, or running a professional shop, adding a lift to your garage is one of the best investments you can make. A quality lift gives you the access, convenience, and safety to work on vehicles the right way — and it can even double your parking capacity.

At Panther Lifts, we carry two of the most trusted names in the industry: Atlas Automotive Equipment and Challenger Lifts. Both brands deliver professional-grade quality, proven safety features, and the reliability that matters when you're working under a vehicle.

This guide walks you through the three most popular lift categories for home garages and small shops. We'll cover what each type does best, key specs and features, and which models are worth your attention.

4-Post Storage Lifts

Four-post lifts use a drive-on design with two long runways, making them the simplest lifts to operate — just drive your vehicle up and press a button. They're the top choice for vehicle storage because they let you park one car on the platform and a second underneath, effectively doubling your garage capacity.

Who Should Consider a 4-Post Lift?

• Car collectors and enthusiasts who need to store multiple vehicles
• Homeowners looking to double their parking in a standard 2-car garage
• Restoration shops needing long-term project vehicle storage
• Anyone who wants a lift that's easy to use with minimal training

Key Things to Know Before You Buy

• Rise height determines clearance: Look for 68–80 inches of rise to fit most vehicles underneath
• Caster kits and drip trays are valuable add-ons for storage applications — drip trays protect the vehicle parked below from fluid leaks
• Rolling jacks (optional on most models) turn a storage lift into a service lift for tire/brake work
• Capacity: Choose a lift rated above the heaviest vehicle you'll store on the runways, with margin for accessories. The vehicle parked underneath sits on the slab, not on the lift

2-Post Lifts

Two-post lifts are the workhorse of the automotive service world. They lift the vehicle by its frame or designated lift points, leaving the wheels and undercarriage fully accessible. That makes them the go-to choice for everything from oil changes and brake jobs to suspension work and exhaust repairs.

Who Should Consider a 2-Post Lift?

• Home garage owners who want full undercarriage access for maintenance and repairs
• DIY enthusiasts working on multiple vehicles or restoration projects
• Small commercial shops needing efficient, space-saving service bays

Key Things to Know Before You Buy

• Ceiling height matters: Overhead models typically need 11–12 ft minimum; low-ceiling baseplate models can work with ceilings as low as 9 ft 6 in
• Concrete thickness: A minimum of 4 inches of reinforced concrete is common, but always confirm the exact slab requirements in the manufacturer's install manual — thickness, PSI, reinforcement, and cure time can vary by model
• Symmetric vs. asymmetric arms: Asymmetric arms rotate the vehicle slightly for easier door access; symmetric arms are better for trucks and wider vehicles
• Capacity: Match lift capacity to the heaviest vehicle you plan to service, with margin for accessories

Home Mid-Rise Lifts

Mid-rise lifts are the most garage-friendly option. They sit flat on the floor when lowered, require no overhead structure, and plug into a standard 110V outlet. Most mid-rise lifts are free-standing — confirm anchoring requirements per model. They're portable, compact, and provide enough lift height (typically 48–54 inches) for comfortable brake, tire, exhaust, and suspension work.

Who Should Consider a Mid-Rise Lift?

• Homeowners with standard 8–10 ft ceilings who can't fit a 2-post or 4-post lift
• DIYers who want a portable solution they can roll out of the way when not in use
• Shops that need supplemental lift capacity without dedicating a permanent bay
• Anyone who works on brakes, tires, and suspension regularly

Key Things to Know Before You Buy

• Portability: Most mid-rise lifts come with a tow dolly or caster system so you can move them easily
• No special installation: They're free-standing and run on standard 110V power
• Limited access: Mid-rise lifts don't provide full standing-height access like a 2-post — you'll work sitting or kneeling
• Drive-over clearance: Check the collapsed height to make sure your vehicle can clear it

Side-by-Side: Choosing the Right Lift Type

Not sure which lift category is right for your garage? Here's a quick comparison:

*4-post lifts offer full undercarriage access when equipped with optional rolling jacks. Prices shown are equipment-only starting prices and may vary — contact us for current delivered and installed pricing.

Before You Buy: Garage Checklist

Before selecting a lift, measure your space and verify these critical dimensions:

1. Ceiling Height: Measure from the finished floor to the lowest ceiling obstruction (garage door track, lights, joists). You'll need at least 9 ft 6 in for a low-ceiling 2-post, 10+ ft for 4-post, or 8 ft for mid-rise.
2. Floor Space: A 2-post lift needs roughly a 12 ft × 12 ft footprint. A 4-post requires about 9 ft × 18 ft. Mid-rise lifts need a 10 ft × 22 ft bay.
3. Concrete Thickness: Most 2-post and 4-post lifts require a minimum of 4 inches of reinforced concrete. Always confirm the exact slab requirements in the manufacturer's install manual — thickness, PSI, reinforcement, and cure time can vary by model and site conditions.
4. Electrical: Confirm whether you have 110V or 220V available. Mid-rise lifts run on standard 110V; most 2-post lifts require 220V.
5. Garage Door: A high-lift garage door conversion may be necessary if your lift columns or a raised vehicle would interfere with door operation.

Not sure about your setup? Contact us for a free estimate — we'll assess your space and recommend the right lift for your needs.