US Dollars
Why Choose a Portable Car Lift Over Traditional Jacks?
Traditional floor jacks and jack stands have served DIY mechanics for decades, but they come with significant limitations. QuickJack portable car lifts offer a fundamentally safer and more stable lifting solution. Unlike jack stands that require precise placement and balance, QuickJack systems feature automatic safety locks that engage as the frames rise, eliminating the risk of stands kicking out or settling unevenly. The wide, open-center frame design provides simultaneous support at both the front and rear lift points, distributing weight more effectively than point-loading with individual jacks.
For home enthusiasts and professional technicians alike, the speed advantage is substantial. Most QuickJack models reach full height in approximately 30 seconds, compared to the repetitive pumping and repositioning required with hydraulic floor jacks. The low-profile design—typically around 3 to 3.5 inches when collapsed—means these lifts slide under vehicles that would challenge many floor jacks, including lowered sports cars and vehicles with minimal ground clearance.
Understanding QuickJack Model Designations
QuickJack's current lineup uses a clear naming system to help you identify the right lift for your vehicle. The model number indicates both capacity and frame configuration:
- TL Models (Standard Length): These portable lifts accommodate approximately 90% of passenger vehicles. The 6000TL and 8000TL feature a standard frame length (typically around 70 inches) suitable for most cars, crossovers, and compact SUVs.
- TLX Models (Extended Length): Extended-length frames (generally 76 inches) are designed for vehicles with lift points positioned farther apart, including long-wheelbase sedans, larger SUVs, and light-duty trucks. The 6000TLX and 8000TLX provide the same capacity as their TL counterparts but with greater reach between lift points.
- ELX Models (Super-Long): The 6000ELX represents QuickJack's longest frame configuration, specifically engineered for modern electric vehicles and luxury cars with extremely wide lift point spacing that exceeds what TLX models can accommodate.
- SLX Models: The BL-3500SLX is a lightweight, compact option designed for maximum portability, often used at track events or for vehicles under 3,500 lbs.
ALI Certification: What It Means for Your Safety
Most QuickJack models in the TL, TLX, and ELX series carry ALI (Automotive Lift Institute) certification, a critical third-party validation of lift safety and structural integrity. ALI certification means the lift has been independently tested to meet or exceed ANSI/ALI ALCTV safety standards, which cover load testing, structural analysis, safety device functionality, and manufacturing quality control. When you see "ALI Certified" on a QuickJack model, you're investing in a lift that has passed rigorous independent inspections—not just manufacturer claims.
It's worth noting that the BL-3500SLX, while built to QuickJack's quality standards, does not carry ALI certification. This is common for lower-capacity portable lifts in this class. For professional shop environments or those prioritizing maximum third-party validation, the ALI-certified TL and TLX series models may be preferable.
Choosing the Right Capacity for Your Vehicle
Selecting the appropriate weight capacity is essential for both safety and longevity. As a general guideline, your lift should be rated for at least 20% more than your vehicle's curb weight (not gross vehicle weight). This safety margin accounts for uneven weight distribution, loaded cargo, and the dynamic forces during lifting.
Here's a general framework for matching vehicles to capacity:
- 6,000-lb. capacity models: Suitable for most sedans, coupes, compact SUVs, and crossovers. This includes vehicles like Honda Accord, BMW 3 Series, Toyota Camry, Mazda CX-5, and similar mid-size passenger vehicles.
- 8,000-lb. capacity models: Designed for heavier trucks, full-size SUVs, and vehicles with curb weights exceeding 5,500 lbs. This range covers vehicles like Ford F-150, Chevrolet Tahoe, Toyota Tundra, and heavier electric vehicles with large battery packs.
Modern electric vehicles deserve special consideration. EVs often weigh 800–1,200 lbs more than comparable internal combustion vehicles due to battery packs, and many feature unique lift point configurations. The extended-length TLX and super-long ELX models are particularly well-suited to contemporary EVs from Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, and other manufacturers.
Bundle Packages: Smart Additions for Complete Shop Setup
Several QuickJack models are available as bundles that include essential accessories alongside the base lift system. These packages typically combine the portable lift with wall hangers and pinch-weld blocks, providing both storage solutions and vehicle protection in a single purchase.
Wall Hangers: QuickJack's vertical storage system allows you to mount the lift frames on your garage wall when not in use, freeing up valuable floor space. This is especially beneficial in home garages where square footage is at a premium. The powder-coated steel construction is built to support the full weight of the frames safely.
Pinch-Weld Blocks: Modern unibody vehicles often feature factory jack points at the pinch weld seam along the rocker panel. Standard rubber lift blocks can damage or deform these delicate areas over repeated use. Pinch-weld blocks are specially shaped adapters that distribute lifting force across the pinch weld without causing damage, making them essential for safely lifting cars with this body construction.
Real-World Applications: From Home Garage to Track Day
QuickJack portable lifts excel across multiple automotive environments. In home garages, they provide professional-grade lifting capability without the permanent installation, ceiling height requirements, or foundation work that traditional two-post or four-post lifts demand. This makes them ideal for rental properties, shared garage spaces, or anyone who may relocate in the future.
For track day enthusiasts and motorsports competitors, the portability factor becomes paramount. The BL-3500SLX, in particular, is light enough to transport in a vehicle and can be powered by a 12V DC power source, making it functional in parking lot paddock areas without access to 110V outlets. Racers use QuickJack systems for quick suspension adjustments, brake pad changes, and tire swaps between sessions—tasks that would be impractical with floor jacks in a busy paddock environment.
Professional detailers and mobile mechanics also benefit from QuickJack's design. The open-center frame configuration provides unobstructed access to the entire undercarriage, making it ideal for thorough cleaning, undercoating application, exhaust work, and underbody inspections. Mobile technicians appreciate that the lift can be transported between job sites and set up in a customer's driveway in minutes.
Hydraulic System Design and Maintenance Considerations
QuickJack's newer TL and TLX series feature a redesigned electric/hydraulic power unit with a pressure-compensated flow divider system. This technology ensures both lift frames rise and lower in perfect synchronization, even if one frame encounters slightly more resistance than the other. The result is more stable lifting and reduced stress on the vehicle's chassis during operation.
The hydraulic systems are designed to be low-maintenance but not maintenance-free. Periodic inspection of hydraulic fluid levels, hose condition, and fitting tightness is recommended according to the manufacturer's guidelines. The zero-leak fittings found on many QuickJack models minimize the risk of hydraulic fluid drips, but visual inspection before each use remains a best practice. As with any hydraulic lifting equipment, annual professional inspection is advisable for commercial applications or high-frequency use.
Working Height and Adapter Options
Standard QuickJack models typically provide a maximum lift height ranging from approximately 21 to 24.5 inches, depending on the specific model. This height is sufficient for most maintenance tasks including oil changes, brake service, exhaust work, and suspension inspection. However, vehicles with high ground clearance—such as trucks, SUVs, and off-road vehicles—may benefit from additional lifting height.
QuickJack offers optional Truck & SUV Adapter Kits that can add several inches of additional height, bringing the total working height to approximately 27 inches or more on compatible models. These adapters also help accommodate vehicles with lift points positioned higher off the ground than typical passenger cars. If you regularly work on trucks, body-on-frame SUVs, or vehicles with lift kits, adapter kits can significantly improve accessibility and comfort during service work.
Important: Specifications vary by model. Always check individual product listings and manufacturer documentation for exact details on weight capacity, lift height, frame dimensions, and compatibility before making your purchase decision.
Quickjack Car Lifts
You deserve a faster, smarter, safer alternative to floor jacks and stands: say hello to Quickjack car lifts. Quickjack has transformed home auto care into the dream hobby it should be. They make products that are for everyone, no matter your age, income bracket, or square footage of available workspace. Built by the same people who make the world's best-selling car lifts, Quickjack car lifts are much safer and easier to use than floor jacks and stands. Car repair is in the company's blood; these lifts were developed by BendPak, a company with over 50 years of experience in the trade. The brilliant minds who've developed Quickjack car lifts design, test, and modify their products daily, ensuring portability, safety, and convenience in your garage.
Our Quickjack Portable Car Lifting Systems come in three weight capacities: 3,500, 5,000, and 7,000 pounds. Get ready to say goodbye to unsafe ramps, flimsy jacks, and untrustworthy stands. The BL-3500SLX is perfect for the track, its 12V DC power option making it the world's first-ever true track lift. Some of its other features include extended block trays, zero-leak fittings, and an open-center design so that you have total access to your vehicle's wheels and undercarriage. The BL-5000SLX features dual-position automatic safety locks, which glide securely into place as the frames rise. It also has a reduced overall length, improved lift point access, and one-handed operation. The BL-7000SLX is Quickjack's most powerful portable truck lift. It's the same length as the Quickjack car lift with a 5,000 lb capacity, but the frames are reinforced to safely hold light trucks and SUVs up to 7,000 lbs. It'll lift a Ford Raptor without a problem, but it will also comfortably lift a Mini Cooper. That should give you a sense of how versatile these frames truly are.
Our #1 concern at Best Buy Auto Equipment is taking care of you, the customer. If you have any questions or service-related issues, we are fully staffed with a technical support team to assist you in any way you need. If we don't know the answer, we'll find it for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How high does a QuickJack lift?A: A QuickJack can lift a vehicle about 21 inches from the ground. It doesn’t give you quite as much room as a standard 2 or 4 post lift, but it offers a bit more room than a floor jack or jack stand. Depending on which model you choose, you can also buy adapters that can add up to another six inches.
Q: Is QuickJack safe?A: Yes, especially when compared to regular floor jacks and jack stands. The brand’s number one priority is safety, and each QuickJack is rigorously tested for safety before it’s given to the distributor. Some of the specific safety features that QuickJack offers include automatic locks and side-to-side stability.
Q: How much does a QuickJack cost?A: The answer to this question depends on the model you want and the distributor that you buy from. According to the QuickJack website, the least expensive car lift is the 3500SLX, and it costs around 1,500 US dollars. The most expensive model is the 6000ELX, which costs around 1,995 US dollars.