US Dollars
Why Choose LAUNCH Lifts for Your Automotive Shop?
When investing in automotive service equipment, choosing a lift from a globally recognized manufacturer ensures you're getting tested reliability and proven performance. LAUNCH Tech USA brings decades of engineering expertise to every lift design, offering professional-grade equipment that meets the demanding standards of dealerships, independent repair shops, and quick lube facilities across North America.
With production facilities exceeding 750,000 square feet and annual distribution of approximately 50,000 lifts worldwide, LAUNCH has established itself as a major player in the automotive lift industry. Their commitment to meeting multiple international safety standards means you're purchasing equipment that has undergone rigorous testing and quality assurance processes.
Understanding ALI Certification for Car Lifts
The Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) is North America's independent certification organization responsible for testing and certifying automotive lifts for safety compliance. When you see "ALI Certified" on a LAUNCH lift, it means the equipment has passed comprehensive third-party testing to verify it meets established safety and performance standards.
Best Buy Auto Equipment carries both ALI-certified and non-certified LAUNCH models, allowing you to choose based on your specific requirements and budget. ALI certification is often required by insurance companies, and many municipalities mandate certified lifts for commercial automotive service operations. Check your local regulations and insurance requirements before making your purchase decision.
Installation Considerations for Two-Post Lifts
Before purchasing a LAUNCH two-post lift, evaluate your service bay to ensure proper fit and functionality:
- Ceiling Height: Two-post lifts typically require overhead clearance ranging from 11 to 14 feet, depending on the model. Measure your ceiling height and account for vehicles lifted to maximum height, plus clearance for technicians working underneath.
- Floor Requirements: Clear-floor models require concrete with adequate thickness and strength to support anchor bolts. Most manufacturers recommend a minimum of 4 to 6 inches of reinforced concrete, though requirements vary by lift capacity and model.
- Column Spacing: Width-adjustable LAUNCH lifts offer flexibility, but verify that your bay dimensions can accommodate both the minimum and maximum width settings while allowing for safe vehicle entry and door clearance.
- Electrical Requirements: Most two-post lifts operate on standard electrical systems, but confirm voltage and amperage specifications with your electrician before installation.
Note: Professional installation is strongly recommended and may be required to maintain warranty coverage. Consult the installation manual and local building codes before beginning any lift installation project.
Choosing the Right Lift Capacity for Your Shop
Selecting the appropriate weight capacity ensures safe operation and longevity of your investment. LAUNCH offers two-post lifts in multiple capacity ranges to match different service applications:
9,000 lb Capacity: Ideal for shops primarily servicing passenger cars, compact SUVs, and light-duty trucks. This capacity handles the majority of consumer vehicles on the road today and provides an economical entry point for general automotive service.
10,000 lb Capacity: The versatile middle-ground option that accommodates most passenger vehicles plus heavier SUVs and full-size pickups. This capacity is commonly chosen by shops with diverse customer bases that occasionally service larger vehicles.
11,000 lb Capacity: Designed for shops regularly working on heavy-duty trucks, diesel pickups, and commercial vehicles. The additional capacity provides a safety margin when lifting vehicles near the 10,000 lb threshold.
Important Safety Note: Always verify the actual vehicle weight before lifting. Vehicle curb weights can vary significantly based on trim level, options, and modifications. As a general safety practice, choose a lift with capacity that exceeds your typical maximum vehicle weight by at least 20%.
Standard vs. Rotated Column Configuration
LAUNCH clear-floor asymmetric lifts offer the flexibility of installation in either standard or rotated column configuration, giving you control over how the lift functions in your specific workspace. Understanding the difference helps you optimize your service bay layout:
Standard Column Configuration: The columns face each other directly across the bay, similar to a traditional symmetric lift arrangement. This configuration may be preferred when you want consistent vehicle positioning or when bay width is limited.
Rotated Column Configuration: The columns are rotated to create the asymmetric offset, positioning the vehicle further rearward on the lift. This setup maximizes door clearance and provides better access to the vehicle's center of gravity. Rotated configurations are particularly useful for servicing vehicles where full door opening access is frequently needed.
The width-adjustable feature on select LAUNCH models adds another layer of customization, allowing installation in bays of varying dimensions without compromising functionality. This adaptability makes LAUNCH lifts suitable for both new shop construction and retrofit applications in existing facilities.
Key Safety Features in LAUNCH Lift Design
LAUNCH incorporates multiple safety systems into their two-post lift designs to protect technicians and vehicles during operation:
- Dual Point Lock Release: Requires deliberate action at two separate points to release the lift locks, preventing accidental lowering.
- High-Strength Equalization Cables: Maintain synchronized lifting between both columns, ensuring level operation even under uneven load distribution.
- Heavy-Duty Arm Restraint System: Oversize steel gears, pins, and springs keep lift arms securely positioned during vehicle loading and lifting operations.
- Hydraulic Hose Guards: Protective covers shield hydraulic lines from damage due to impact or wear, reducing the risk of fluid leaks and system failure.
- Rubber Door Guides: Provide cushioning and guidance to prevent vehicle doors from contacting lift columns during entry or while elevated.
- Double Telescoping Screw Pads: Adjustable contact points ensure stable engagement with vehicle lift points across various frame designs and heights.
Regular maintenance and inspection of these safety systems is essential for continued safe operation. Always follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule and never bypass or disable safety features.
⚠ Safety Reminder: Even with advanced safety features, proper training is essential. Ensure all technicians are thoroughly trained in lift operation, load balancing, and emergency procedures before operating any automotive lift equipment. Consult OSHA guidelines and manufacturer training materials for comprehensive safety protocols.
Maximizing Productivity with the Right Lift Accessories
While LAUNCH lifts come equipped with standard adapters and arm configurations, optional accessories can enhance versatility and expand your service capabilities:
Frame Cradle Pads: Spin-up style frame cradle pads may be available as accessories for certain models, providing additional stability when lifting vehicles with unibody construction or specific frame designs. These adapters help distribute lifting force across a wider surface area, reducing stress on vehicle contact points.
Stackable Foot Pad Extensions: Select higher-capacity LAUNCH models feature stackable extensions that accommodate extra-tall vehicle applications such as lifted trucks or vehicles with modified suspensions. This adjustability helps you capture more service opportunities without investing in specialty equipment.
When selecting accessories, verify compatibility with your specific LAUNCH model number. Best Buy Auto Equipment can help identify the right accessories for your lift and application needs.
Specifications Disclaimer: Lift capacities, dimensions, ceiling requirements, and features vary by model. The information provided represents general guidelines across the LAUNCH product line. Always consult individual product listings, specification sheets, and manufacturer documentation for exact details on specific models before making your purchase decision.
LAUNCH Car Lifts
LAUNCH Tech USA is known for superior products that can bring any dealership, garage, or lube shop up to date. In addition to diagnostic equipment, Launch is a worldwide leader in the automotive lift market. Since 2003, they have produced some of the most versatile lifts in the industry that meet multiple sets of required standards through North America, China, Europe, Australia, and Japan. Their lifts stand the test of time in reliability, durability, and customer satisfaction. Best Buy Auto Equipment proudly offers a selection of LAUNCH car lifts in several configurations. Our selection includes symmetric and asymmetric two-post lifts, all affordably priced to suit any budget or need.
Check out our In-Depth Lift Comparison and Car Lift Safety Features articles.
Our selection of LAUNCH car lifts includes a variety of economical solutions that offer 9,000 pounds of lifting power. The clear-floor, floor-plate symmetric lifts come with dual point lock release, steel pulleys, equalization cables, and double telescoping screw pads that are configured to accommodate anything from small cars to heavy trucks. This clear-floor lift allows you to adjust the width and install in either a standard or rotated column configuration. We also sell the asymmetric counterpart. Asymmetric automotive lifts provide the convenience of wide or narrow installation.
If you routinely service medium to heavy vehicles, we have just the solution for you. LAUNCH Tech USA provides a clear-floor asymmetric two-post car lift that can safely handle loads up to 10,000 pounds and is adjustable by height and width. Would you like the freedom to expand your service offering to heavy diesel pickups? Invest in an 11,000-pound asymmetric lift. This model allows you to increase productivity and maximize service bay efficiency. These premium automotive lifts feature stackable foot pad extensions for extra-tall applications.
All LAUNCH car lifts come with rubber door guides for extra security, hydraulic hose guards to prevent damage, and a heavy-duty arm restraint system with oversize steel gears, pins, and springs for trouble-free operation. Our optional accessories include spin-up frame cradle pads, which offer the extra stability you need to complete car lifting projects of every size. We offer interest-free financing for up to six months on select models. Please contact us today with any questions or concerns. One of our experienced sales representatives will be happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where are Launch Tech lifts made?
A: According to the company website, LAUNCH headquarters is located in Shanghai, China, near the Shanghai Volkswagen Automotive Company and the Shanghai F1 International Racing Circuit. Their production facility is over 753,000 square feet large, and they’re internationally recognized for their quality standards. Every year, the facility sends out around 50,000 car lifts worldwide.
Q: What is the difference between asymmetrical and symmetrical car lifts?
A: Symmetrical car lifts always put cars directly in the center of the lift, while asymmetrical car lifts can be adjusted in order to lift a vehicle further to the back or front of the lift. Asymmetrical lifts are helpful when you need to open a vehicle door while the vehicle is on the lift; on a symmetrical lift, if you try and open a door, the door will bump against one of the lift posts. Asymmetrical LAUNCH lifts can be installed with either standard columns, so that the columns face each other the way that they do on a symmetrical lift, or with rotated columns.
Q: How much does a single post car lift cost?
A: The cost of a single post car lift is going to mostly depend on its manufacturer. For example, a single post car lift from AMGO Hydraulics costs around 2,998 US dollars while a lift from Auto Lift costs around 2,616 US dollars. In general, expect to pay between 2,000 and 3,000 US dollars for a single post car lift.