US Dollars
Why Choose Atlas® Automotive Equipment Lifts?
When investing in a vehicle lift for your garage or shop, Atlas® stands out for its commitment to delivering professional-grade equipment at competitive price points. The brand has built its reputation on combining robust engineering with practical features that matter to both automotive enthusiasts and professional technicians. Atlas® lifts are engineered to meet the demands of diverse lifting applications, from simple vehicle storage to complex alignment and service operations.
One of the key advantages of Atlas® equipment is the breadth of their product line. Whether you're working with compact cars, full-size trucks, or SUVs, Atlas® offers lift configurations designed to handle different vehicle types and weight classes. Their portfolio includes solutions for nearly every shop layout and ceiling height constraint, making them particularly valuable when space is at a premium.
Understanding ALI Certification
The Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) certification is a critical safety standard in the lift industry. ALI certification means that a lift has been independently tested and verified to meet rigorous safety and performance standards. When browsing Atlas® lifts, you'll notice that some models carry ALI certification while others do not. This distinction is important to understand based on your specific needs and local regulations.
For commercial shops, ALI certification may be required by insurance providers or local building codes. Many professional facilities prioritize ALI-certified equipment as part of their commitment to workplace safety standards. For home garage applications, the decision may be more flexible, though certified lifts provide additional peace of mind regarding safety engineering and testing protocols.
Choosing Between Lift Types
Two-Post Lifts: Atlas® two-post lifts, including base-plate models, are popular for service work because they provide unobstructed access to the vehicle's undercarriage. Base-plate designs are particularly advantageous for low-ceiling garages, as they eliminate the need for deep anchor footers. These lifts typically require careful attention to proper anchor installation and regular cable or chain inspection as part of routine maintenance.
Four-Post Lifts: Atlas® offers four-post lifts in both parking and alignment configurations. Four-post designs are generally easier to drive onto and can often be more stable for long-term vehicle storage. Models with integrated turntables and slip plates enable alignment work, while standard parking models excel at maximizing garage space through vehicle stacking. Many four-post models include provisions for rolling jacks, allowing undercarriage access when needed.
Scissor Lifts: The Atlas® scissor lift lineup includes alignment-ready models that provide a low profile when fully lowered. Scissor lifts can be surface-mounted or recessed into the floor depending on your facility requirements. They offer excellent stability and can accommodate alignment equipment, making them versatile choices for full-service operations. The compact footprint when lowered makes them ideal for shops seeking a clean, uncluttered appearance.
Commercial vs. Hobbyist Applications
Atlas® clearly differentiates between lifts designed for commercial use and those intended for home garage or light restoration work. This distinction matters significantly when selecting equipment. Commercial-grade Atlas® lifts are engineered for frequent daily cycling—raising and lowering vehicles multiple times per day under demanding shop conditions. They typically feature heavier-duty components, more robust lifting mechanisms, and construction designed to withstand continuous professional use.
Hobbyist and home garage models, while still built to quality standards, are optimized for occasional use by car enthusiasts and restoration shops that don't require the same duty cycle. These lifts often include features like portability (caster kits for four-post models) and may have design elements focused on residential installation requirements. Understanding your usage pattern helps ensure you select a lift properly matched to your operational demands.
Critical Installation Considerations
Before purchasing any Atlas® lift, carefully evaluate your installation site. Ceiling height is often the most limiting factor—measure not just to the lowest point, but account for any ductwork, lighting, or garage door mechanisms that may limit vertical clearance. Two-post lifts generally require the most overhead space, while base-plate models and scissor lifts are designed specifically for height-restricted environments.
Floor quality and thickness are equally important. Most lifts require concrete slabs of specific thickness and compressive strength to safely anchor the equipment. Floor-mounted lifts need adequate concrete depth for anchor installation, while base-plate models distribute weight differently. If you're considering a recessed scissor lift, excavation and specialized installation work will be required. Always consult with a qualified installer to assess your specific site conditions before ordering.
Electrical requirements vary by model—some Atlas® lifts operate on 110V single-phase power suitable for residential garages, while others require 220V single-phase or even three-phase commercial power. Verify your available electrical service matches the lift's requirements, and factor in the cost of any necessary electrical upgrades when budgeting for your purchase.
Weight Capacity Guidance
Atlas® lifts are available in multiple weight capacity ranges to accommodate different vehicle types. When selecting capacity, consider not just the vehicles you work on today, but potential future needs. A lift rated at 8,000 to 9,000 lbs typically handles most passenger cars, crossovers, and light trucks. For larger trucks, SUVs, or commercial vehicles, models with 12,000 to 14,000 lb capacities provide appropriate margins.
Always operate lifts well within their rated capacity and account for any additional weight from tools, equipment, or fuel in the vehicle. Weight distribution also matters—verify that the lift's design accommodates your vehicle's specific wheelbase and weight distribution characteristics. Consulting the manufacturer's vehicle compatibility guidelines helps ensure safe operation.
Maintenance and Safety Practices
Proper maintenance is essential for safe, long-term lift operation. Atlas® lifts typically require regular inspection of cables or chains, hydraulic fluid levels, and locking mechanisms. Many Atlas® two-post lifts feature safety systems that engage automatically in the event of component failure, but these systems must be regularly inspected to ensure proper function.
For four-post lifts, the cylinder bleeding procedure (referenced in several Atlas® product manuals) is a critical post-installation step that should not be skipped. This process ensures proper hydraulic system function and should be performed immediately after installation. Keep detailed maintenance records and follow the manufacturer's recommended service intervals. If you're operating in a commercial environment, develop and follow a documented safety and inspection protocol that meets or exceeds industry standards.
Important: Specifications vary by model. Always check individual product listings and manufacturer documentation for exact details on dimensions, weight capacities, electrical requirements, and installation specifications before making a purchase decision.
Atlas Lifts
Atlas® Automotive Equipment has been a significant name in the automotive industry for years, specializing in high-quality vehicle lifts for home garages and bustling commercial shops. They have the unique ability to cater to a large variety of people, from hobbyists to auto professionals. Atlas® is dedicated to building the most reliable and functional car lifts on the market, having already developed an impressive inventory of a variety of models. Some of these include 2 post, 4 post, and scissor lifts, all of which we offer here at Best Buy Automotive Equipment. No matter what your shop's dimensions or your lift requirements are, Atlas® is designed to exceed expectations.
In our inventory, you'll find a number of Atlas® lifts that keep functional space at the heart of their designs. Choosing the right lift for you really comes down to the amount of space in your garage, the typical weight of the vehicles you work on, and whether or not you own a commercial business. Once these factors are nailed down, you can quickly determine the perfect lift to order. Mostly work on smaller vehicles as an auto hobbyist? The Atlas® Garage Apex 8 is a great choice for you with a weight capacity of 8,000 lbs. It'll also allow you to store another vehicle beneath the runway thanks to its generous clearance area. Do you have low ceilings in your garage that affect the kind of lift you can use? See Atlas®'s the Floor-Base Plate lifts, which aim to eliminate issues caused by low ceilings. If you would like to have a lift that really saves space, try the scissor lifts! These can be surface or flush mounted and allow the technician to use the minimum amount of space. With Atlas®, you simply can't go wrong. Still unsure of which vehicle lift to choose? Give us a call and we'll help make sure you get exactly what you need.
The Atlas® car lifts can be financed with low monthly fees so you can get them in your home garage or commercial shop right away. If you have questions about our inventory of Atlas® car lifts or would like to speak with one of our customer service experts about another question, please contact us by email or call our toll-free number 800-647-7883.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Atlas lifts made in the USA?
A: No. A lot of the highest quality steel in the world is bought by China, so Atlas has a few factories in Asia in order to produce the highest quality car lifts. These lifts are then distributed throughout the USA and Canada. You can check whether any lift on our website is made in the USA by looking for the red, white, and blue "Made in the USA" icon in the bottom left of the product description.
Q: Are Atlas lifts ALI certified?
A: Some of them are, and there are some that are not. You can check to see which Atlas lifts are ALI certified by looking for the red and white "ALI Certified" icon in the bottom right of the product description.
Q: Who owns Atlas lifts?
A: Atlas lifts are owned by Atlas Automotive Equipment. In other words, no one! They own themselves.