Portable Car Hoist FAQ | Fit, Power, Safety, Delivery

Q: How much does a Portable Car Hoist cost?

Model A: $17,300. Pricing varies by model - Model P, Model C, and Model T are also available.

Q: Why does it take about 6 weeks?

Each unit is custom-built to order.

Q: Are your lifts ALI certified?

All units are load-tested to ALI safety standards. Third-party ALI certification is available as an option for customers who require certification.

Q: Will it fit my ceiling?

Lift height is 69–73½ inches. With the vehicle raised, you'll want clearance above that for the structure and the car—most residential and commercial garages with ~10 ft+ ceilings are fine, and many lower ones work depending on the vehicle. Model C's rising top beam needs more overhead room than A or P.

Q: Do you offer financing?

Yes, we partner with Trio Capital, Clicklease, and Approve for financing options. Monthly payments typically range from $300–$375.

Q: How is this different from a MaxJax or QuickJack?

QuickJack is a low-rise lift system, while MaxJax reaches full height but requires ceiling mounting. Portable Car Hoist provides full-height lifting without any installation or mounting requirements.

Everything you need to know

Core Questions Answered

How much does a Portable Car Hoist cost?

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Starting prices:
‍Model P: $12,000 ·
‍Model A: $17,300 ·
‍Model C: $17,600 ·
‍Model T: $34,500 (truck/semi system).

Final price depends on capacity, power option, and whether you need ALI certification. These are professional-grade, American-made lifts built to last 20+ years — not $2,000 import jacks. If that range fits your budget, request a quote and we'll confirm your exact configuration. (Showing price here is deliberate — it saves everyone time.)

Why does it take about 6 weeks?

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Because we don't pull these off a shelf—every unit is custom-built and load-tested in California. Roughly: material sourcing (week 1), fabrication and welding (weeks 2–4), assembly and hydraulic testing (week 5), 150% load test, and freight prep (week 6). If you need a lift in the next two weeks, we're honestly not your fastest option. If you're equipping for the next 20 years, six weeks is a rounding error. (Occasional rush slots open up — ask.)

Are your lifts ALI certified?

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Our hoists are engineered and load-tested to ALI safety standards, and we offer full third-party ALI certification as an option. Most shops and collectors run the standard configuration with any ALI certification. Commercial and fleet buyers who require certification get the ALI-certified two-post configuration built in — we include it in your quote. Tell us your use case and we'll confirm exactly what you need.

Is a portable lift really as stable as one bolted into concrete?

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Yes — it achieves stability differently. Instead of anchors, it uses a wide base-plate footprint that spreads the load across your floor (less pressure than a parked vehicle exerts), plus automatic mechanical locks every 3 inches and a redundant hydraulic hold. Every unit is load-tested to 150% of its rated capacity before it ships. The anchored-lift "feel safer" assumption is the same one that leads shops to drill into post-tension slabs they shouldn't.

Will it work on my floor?

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If you can park a loaded vehicle on it, you can almost certainly lift it—poured concrete, epoxy-coated concrete, and even well-compacted asphalt, as long as it's reasonably level (within ~1–2°). It will even work on dirt and gravel, but use caution on sloped/uneven surfaces. No drilling means no risk to a post-tension slab or a cracked older floor. Not sure? Send photos of your floor and we'll tell you within 24 hours.

Will it fit my ceiling?

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Lift height is 69–73½". With the vehicle raised, you'll want clearance above that for the structure and the car—most residential and commercial garages with ~10 ft+ ceilings are fine, and many lower ones work depending on the vehicle. Model C's rising top beam needs more overhead room than A or P. Send us your ceiling height and the vehicles you lift, and we'll confirm the right model.

Do you deliver, and what does it cost?

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We ship nationwide. Flat delivery fee within 600 miles of ZIP 92585. Beyond that, from $2.20/mile with a $1,000 minimum. You can also arrange your own freight or pick up from our Menifee, CA facility. We'll quote exact delivery once we have your ZIP.

What's the warranty?

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5 years structural (frame, columns, base), 1 year hydraulic (cylinders, pumps, hoses), 1 year electrical (motors, batteries), 1 year labor (manufacturing defects). Fleet accounts can add extended warranties and service contracts.
Tech support: +1 (951) 400-5290.

Do you offer financing?

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Yes—through Trio Capital, Clicklease, and Approve for qualified buyers, typically on 60-month terms. Monthly payment depends on the model price, term, and your credit. (Illustrative only: a $17,300 Model A on approved 60-month terms lands roughly in the $300–$375/month range.) Equipment financing usually beats a business credit card (≈4–9% APR vs. 18–24%). Apply links are on this page.

How is this different from a MaxJax or QuickJack?

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Different class of tool. QuickJack tops out around 47" (you're still crouching) and suits quick oil changes. MaxJax reaches ~72" but caps near 7,000 lb and is imported. Our lifts give you full standing height (69–73½"), 8,000–15,000 lb (76,000 for trucks), and American build quality—made for real shop, fleet, and serious-collector work, not weekend jobs. Many customers switch to us specifically because they outgrew a MaxJax/QuickJack.

Can it be registered with the DMV?

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Yes. Each unit ships with a Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO) and a valid VIN — the document the DMV needs to register it much like a trailer. Think of the MCO as the unit's birth certificate: it's your original proof of ownership and makes titling straightforward.

Can I see one before I buy?

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Yes — visit our Menifee, CA shop to see a lift under load, or book a live video demo and we'll show you one in action. For larger/fleet orders we can also connect you with a reference customer in your region.

Which model is right for me?

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Quick guide:
‍Model P — best value, in-shop use, pallet-style repositioning (220V).
‍Model A — maximum portability; folds and travels; battery option for off-grid/mobile work.
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‍Model C — daily shop use and tall vehicles, thanks to a top beam that rises with the arms (no overhead interference).
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‍Model T — semis, box trucks, and heavy commercial vehicles (two platforms, up to 76,000 lb combined). Tell us your vehicles, your space, and how often you'll use it, and we'll match you in one call.

Why not just rent a lift when I need it?

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Let's do the math:
Shop Lift Rental: Daily rate: $100-$150/day
Weekly rate: $200-$400/week
Annual cost: $1,200-$2,400
5-year cost: $6,000-$12,000 (and you own nothing)

Portable Car Hoist Model A: One-time cost: $16,000
After 5 years: Still worth ~$12,000 resale
Net cost: $4,000 (and you had it EVERY day for 5 years) Plus
Rental hassles: Availability (booked when you need it)
Pickup/return time (2-3 hours lost)
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Bottom line: Renting makes sense for 1-2 jobs per year. Beyond that, ownership is cheaper AND more convenient.

Everything you need to know

Mobile Mechanics
Questions Answered

How many jobs can I do on one battery charge?

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About 8–12 full lift cycles per charge—roughly 4–6 typical jobs (1–2 lifts each). Recharge in 4–6 hours on a standard 110V outlet (charge overnight, work all day). For heavy days, you can top up at a customer's outlet between jobs.

Will it work on a customer's driveway?

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Yes, on level concrete or well-compacted, level asphalt—a 30-second check on arrival. It will not work on dirt, gravel, or driveways with more than a slight slope. When in doubt, level concrete is always your safe bet.

Will it fit in my truck, and how heavy is it?

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Model A and Model C are built to fold and travel—connect and haul with a standard pickup. Setup at the job is 5–15 minutes once you've done it a couple of times; teardown is faster. That's the whole point: your lift goes where the work is.

What's maintenance like on the battery system?

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Battery: 2,000+ charge cycles (5-7 years of daily use). Hydraulic: Annual fluid check. Locks: Self-maintaining. Parts ship same-day from California (not 6 weeks from China).

What if the battery dies while a vehicle is lifted?

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Impossible for the vehicle to drop. All the models have (1) automatic mechanical locks that engage every 3 inches and (2) a redundant hydraulic hold system as a backup. Even if you cut all power, the vehicle stays safely locked at height. You can manually release locks to lower or recharge/swap the battery.

Everything you need to know

Mechanic Shop Owners
Questions Answered

My building is older / has a post-tension slab. Am I stuck?

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Most likely yes. Buildings from the 1990s-2010s often have post-tension concrete that makes traditional lifts impossible (drilling into the cables can cause catastrophic slab failure). Portable Car Hoists solve this—no drilling, no anchors. As long as your floor is reasonably level (within 1-2 degrees) and the surface is solid (concrete, epoxy-coated concrete, or well-compacted asphalt), you're good to go.

Free floor assessment: Send us photos of your shop floor and we'll tell you within 24 hours if it'll work.

Is it really built for daily professional use?

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Yes. Automatic mechanical locks every 3 inches, redundant hydraulic hold, 150% load testing, and hydraulic components engineered for a 20+ year life and tens of thousands of cycles. This isn't DIY gear adapted for shops — it's shop equipment that happens to be portable.

What if I need to move shops in 2-3 years?

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Take it with you. This is the biggest advantage over fixed lifts. Traditional lifts bolted into concrete become part of the building—legally, they belong to your landlord when you leave. Your $10,000 investment stays behind.

Portable lifts: Fold down in 5-15 minutes, haul with your truck, and set up at your new location. No loss. Plus, resale value after 5 years is approximately $7,000-$9,000 (60% retention). Fixed lifts have $0 resale value.

Everything you need to know

Car Collectors
Questions Answered

Will this work on my epoxy-coated show garage floor?

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Answer: Yes. Our wide base plates (24" × 36") distribute weight safely across epoxy floors without damage. No drilling, no anchors, no floor modifications. Epoxy actually helps prevent sliding (better friction coefficient). If you can park cars on it, you can use our lift on it.

Is this safe for my $100K+ classic car?

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Answer:Absolutely. Every Model A and Model C has automatic mechanical locks every 3 inches PLUS a redundant hydraulic hold system. Even with zero power, your car stays locked at height. We safety-test every unit at 2× rated capacity (30,000 lbs) before shipping. This is the same safety standard as fixed commercial lifts, just portable.

Can I really store multiple cars vertically?

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Answer: Yes. Lift one car to 5.75 - 6.16 feet, and park another underneath. Common setup: lift the summer Corvette and park the winter daily driver below it. Rotate seasonally in 15 minutes. Collectors with 2-car garages regularly store 3-4 vehicles this way.

How does this compare to QuickJack or MaxJax?

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Answer:QuickJack: 47-inch max height (you're still crouching). Good for quick oil changes, useless for transmission or suspension work. MaxJax: 72-inch height (better), but 7,000 lb capacity (won't handle heavy classics or trucks) and imported quality. Model A/C: 72-96 inches, 15,000 lbs, American-made. Built for serious collectors, not weekend hobbyists.

Do I need a commercial electrician?

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Answer: No. Model A and Model C plug into standard 110V outlets (same as your garage door opener). No 220V hardwiring, no electrician, no added cost. Model A battery option requires zero electrical charging overnight (like a power tool).

Which model for a home garage?

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Most collectors choose Model A (portability + battery option) or Model P (best value, 220V, in-shop). If you lift tall trucks or want maximum clearance, Model C.

We'll match it to your cars and garage in one call.

Everything you need to know

Car Racing Event
Questions Answered

Is it safe to use around spectators at an event?

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Yes — wide, stable footprint, mechanical locks every 3 inches, and a redundant hold system, built to operate with eyes on it. We'll advise on placement for your specific venue.

How much weight can it lift

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Answer: Capacity up to 15K pounds for most show cars, muscle cars, sports cars, and classic vehicles. Ask for a full chart.

What happens if my venue has post tension cables

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Answer: Your lift avoids that risk because it does not drill. Some venues do not allow anchors at all. This lift works anywhere.

How long does setup take

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Answer: Most teams set it up in minutes. No special tools needed.

Can my crew move it easily

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Answer: Yes. It was made to move fast during event setup and breakdown.

What if the floor is not perfect

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Answer: Your lift adjusts for normal floor changes. Ask our team if your venue has odd slopes.

Do I need a commercial electrician?

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What vehicles CAN'T this lift?

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Answer: Model A/C (15,000 lbs capacity): Won't lift dual-wheel diesel trucks (F-350, RAM 3500), semis, or commercial vehicles over 1.5 tons. For these, see PCH 76 (76,000 lbs combined). Everything else works: sports cars, muscle cars, classic trucks, vintage cars, modern performance vehicles, and SUVs.

Everything you need to know

Commercial Fleet
Questions Answered

What's the lead time for large fleet orders?

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1-10 units: 6-week standard build time. 11-25 units: 8-10 weeks (staggered delivery available). 26-50 units: 12-14 weeks. 51+ units: Custom production schedule, typically 16-20 weeks. We can coordinate multi-location delivery to match your rollout timeline.

Do you certify for fleets that require ALI?

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Yes — for commercial and fleet orders we build the ALI-certified configuration and include it in your quote. If certification is a procurement requirement on your end, flag it up front and we'll scope it from the start.

Can we customize units with our company branding?

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Yes. Options include custom powder coat colors (match your brand), logo placement on columns or base plates, and co-branded nameplates. Minimum order: 10 units for custom branding. Lead time adds 2 weeks for custom finishes. Popular for franchise networks wanting standardized branded equipment.

What's the warranty for commercial high-cycle use?

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Same warranty as consumer units: [X] years structural, [Y] years mechanical/hydraulic. Our lifts are engineered for 50+ cycles per day (commercial use). Warranty covers normal commercial operation. Extended warranties and service contracts are available for fleet accounts (annual inspections, priority parts, and dedicated support).

How does parts availability work across many locations?

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We stock common wear parts in our California facility. Same-day shipping for orders placed before 2pm PST. Next-day delivery to most US locations. For large fleets, we can pre-position parts inventory at your central warehouse. 20-year parts availability guarantee (we maintain manufacturing tooling and component relationships long-term).

Can we get a demo unit before committing to a large order?

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Yes. For orders of 20+ units, we can provide a demo unit at your primary location for 30-day evaluation. Purchase price applies if you proceed with the fleet order. Alternative: We'll connect you with existing fleet customers in your region for reference visits (with their permission).

How do these compare to mobile column lifts (Stertil-Koni, etc.)?

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Column lifts offer more flexibility on oversized vehicles but run $60K–$100K+ per set. For standard Class 7–8 trucks, a Model T pair handles up to 76,000 lb combined at a fraction of that cost. We'll model the comparison against your actual vehicle mix.

What if a location closes and we need to redeploy equipment?

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You redeploy the equipment instead of abandoning it: lower, fold/disassemble (5–20 min), haul it with your truck, move it, and set it up at the new site in 5–15 minutes. Fleet operators routinely shuttle units between locations—impossible with fixed lifts.

FAQ Page

Core Questions Answered

Mobile MechanicsQuestions Answered

Mechanic Shop OwnersQuestions Answered

Car Collectors Questions Answered

Car Racing Event Questions Answered

Commercial Fleet Questions Answered

Mobile Mechanics
Questions Answered

Mechanic Shop Owners
Questions Answered

Car Collectors
Questions Answered

Car Racing Event
Questions Answered

Commercial Fleet
Questions Answered