US Dollars
Understanding Alignment Lift Configurations
Alignment lifts come in two primary configurations: four-post runway lifts and scissor lifts. Each design offers distinct advantages depending on your shop layout and workflow preferences.
Four-Post Alignment Lifts
Four-post alignment lifts feature drive-on runways that eliminate the need for precise arm placement. Vehicles simply drive onto the platforms, making them faster for high-volume shops. These lifts typically include built-in turn plates and slip plates integrated into the runway surface. They generally offer excellent stability and can accommodate a wide range of wheelbases. Many models allow for extension runways to service longer trucks and vans.
Scissor Alignment Lifts
Scissor alignment lifts raise vehicles from a center-mounted platform, providing complete undercarriage access from all sides. This design typically offers greater ground clearance when lowered and can be installed flush-mounted or surface-mounted depending on your shop's requirements. Scissor lifts generally provide a more compact footprint while still maintaining full alignment capabilities with integrated turn plates and slip plates.
Installation Considerations
Before purchasing an alignment lift, carefully evaluate your shop space and infrastructure requirements:
- Floor Requirements: Most alignment lifts require concrete floors with minimum thickness specifications, typically ranging from 4 to 6 inches depending on lift capacity. The concrete should be properly cured and free from significant cracks.
- Ceiling Height: Measure your shop's ceiling height to ensure adequate clearance. Alignment lifts may raise vehicles 6 to 7 feet or more off the ground, and you'll need additional clearance for technicians working overhead.
- Electrical and Pneumatic Connections: Verify available power supply matches the lift's voltage requirements. Models with pneumatic lock release systems will need access to your shop's compressed air lines.
- Space for Equipment: Ensure adequate room for your alignment machine, technician movement, and any auxiliary equipment like rolling jacks around the lift perimeter.
Installation Tip: Professional installation is strongly recommended for alignment lifts. Proper leveling and calibration are critical for accurate alignment measurements, and most manufacturers offer installation services or require certified installers to maintain warranty coverage.
ALI Certification and Safety Standards
When selecting an alignment lift, look for units that meet standards established by the Automotive Lift Institute (ALI). ALI certification indicates that a lift has been independently tested and meets rigorous safety and performance standards.
ALI-certified lifts undergo testing for structural integrity, load capacity, safety mechanisms, and operational reliability. While not all quality lifts carry ALI certification, those that do provide additional assurance of meeting North American safety benchmarks.
Safety Note: Regardless of certification status, all alignment lifts should include safety features such as mechanical lock systems, slack cable safety devices (on cable-driven models), and clearly marked load capacity ratings. Always follow manufacturer guidelines for proper operation and routine maintenance.
Capacity Planning for Your Shop
Alignment lifts typically range from 12,000 to 15,000 lb capacity models, with some extending beyond for commercial vehicle work. Selecting the right capacity depends on your customer base and vehicle mix:
12,000 - 14,000 lb Capacity: Generally suitable for passenger cars, SUVs, crossovers, and light trucks. These models handle the majority of consumer vehicles and represent the most popular capacity range for general automotive shops.
15,000+ lb Capacity: Recommended for shops servicing heavy-duty pickups, commercial vans, or specialty vehicles. The additional capacity provides a safety margin and accommodates the growing weight of modern trucks and electric vehicles.
Specifications vary by model. Always check individual product listings and manufacturer documentation for exact details.
Enhancing Your Alignment Lift Setup
Maximize your alignment lift investment with these commonly paired accessories and considerations:
- Rolling Bridge Jacks: Essential for suspension unloading during alignment procedures. Many alignment lift packages include matched rolling jacks designed to work within the lift's framework.
- Wheel Chocks and Stops: Prevent vehicle movement during the alignment process and when driving onto the lift.
- Drip Trays: Protect your shop floor from fluid leaks when vehicles are raised for extended periods.
- Runway Extensions: Some four-post models offer optional extension kits to accommodate longer wheelbases without purchasing an entirely new lift.
- Maintenance Access: Ensure your installation allows access to hydraulic components, cables, and other serviceable parts for routine maintenance.
Alignment Lifts
If your shop performs wheel alignments, a dedicated alignment lift is essential. These lifts are designed to support a vehicle at level height with the features needed for precise adjustments — like turn plates and slip plates.
Why Choose a Dedicated Alignment Lift?
Standard 4-post lifts can raise a vehicle, but alignment lifts are specially designed for accurate suspension geometry work. They include:
- Level lift platforms – Ensures the vehicle stays completely horizontal during alignment
- Turn plates and slip plates – Allow suspension and wheel movement during calibration
- Rolling jack compatibility – Enables brake and undercarriage service while the vehicle is lifted
Brand Tiers for Alignment Lifts
All our alignment lifts are reliable and field-tested. We organize them into tiers to help guide your decision based on price point, precision, and shop profile.
Top Tier Brands
These brands are engineered for high-throughput service bays, dealerships, and specialty alignment shops. They offer unmatched platform leveling, long-term calibration stability, and industry certifications.
- BendPak
- Challenger
- Atlas Platinum
Affordable, but Dependable
These brands provide rock-solid performance and alignment-ready functionality for a fraction of the cost. Perfect for independent shops, general mechanics, or garages expanding into alignment services.
- Atlas
- AMGO
Choosing the Right Alignment Lift
Start with your alignment volume and vehicle size range. Shops servicing trucks or commercial fleets will need longer runways and higher capacities.
Check for compatibility with your alignment machine. Many of our lifts are built to work with systems from Coats, CEMB, and Ranger.
Don’t forget accessories. Rolling jacks, turn plates, and ramp extensions can improve workflow and allow you to perform full-service work without repositioning the vehicle.
Need help choosing the right alignment lift? Contact our lift experts for personalized recommendations based on your alignment system, vehicle mix, and budget.
For more information, check out our In-Depth Lift Comparison.
Make safety your first priority; always look for Lift Certifications.
Click on one of the manufacturer logos below to view our inventory by manufacturer:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
← Back to our Complete Car Lifts Guide
Alignment Lifts Provide A Variety of Specifications For Any Job
Proper positioning and upkeep of components which are important to steering and stability is an important aspect of vehicle maintenance. Even if one understands how to make these adjustments, it is important to be able to work on many different types of vehicles. Our diverse variety of alignment lift racks covers almost every variation of specs on the market. Our website details the capacity and column height of each unit as well as the length and width of both the runway and overall unit. Power requirements and motor information is also listed so you can be exactly sure that the unit in question will fit your needs.
Power, Control and, Versatility in Each Unit
While some units excel more than others in different categories, each has an impressive list of specifications. Even the units designed to hold 27,000 pounds feature adjustable plates to allow an operation to be approached from a variety of angles. These alignment lift racks are made to be versatile and fit any job.
Safe, Storable, and Perfect For Businesses
Made with safety in mind, these units come with features tested to provide stability and sturdiness on even the largest projects. The collapsible and storable parts make for a unit that will provide a large output while taking up minimal space in any garage or busy vehicle business. These alignment lifts are made with high-quality work in mind.
To see Auto Lift Industry Code Enforcement Requirements Click Here
Frequently Asked Questions
How Should a Vehicle Be Put on an Alignment Rack?
Alignment lifts are specially designed vehicle lifts that allow the mechanic, or alignment tech greater accessibility to suspension components to properly align your vehicle’s axles, tires and ensure the steering wheel is straight. Complex wheel alignments can be a bit more difficult on a standard vehicle lift. Many alignment lifts have non-resistant, free-floating front turn plates, rear slip plates, and are guaranteed to maintain and assist in accuracy for exceptional alignment results.
What is the Life Expectancy of an Alignment Lift?
The most noticeable difference between standard and alignment lifts are the included turntables used to help complete alignments with an alignment machine system.
Where are alignment lifts used?
Alignment lifts are found and used in professional, licensed alignment mechanics or technician shops or businesses.
WARNING: This product can contains certain metals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov