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

Everything you need to know

"Model A" Questions Answered

How long does Model A actually take to set up?

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20-25 minutes with two people, first time. After you've done it 2-3 times, you'll get it down to 15 minutes. We provide step-by-step video instructions, and most customers say it's easier than expected. Teardown is even faster—10-15 minutes to fold and load back into your truck.

Can I operate Model A by myself, or do I need help?



This is where portable lifts shine. Fixed lifts have $0 resale value (buyers don't want your used equipment bolted to their floor). Portable Car Hoists retain 60-80% resale value because they're transferable, American-made quality holds value, and there's a growing market of buyers.

Plus: Take it with you to your new location. We've had customers move 3 times with the same hoist.

How far can I go on a single battery charge?



8-12 full lift cycles (ground to 8 feet and back down). For context: Light work (1-2 lifts per job): 4-6 jobs per charge. Heavy use (3-4 lifts per job): 2-3 jobs per charge. Recharge time: 4-6 hours on a standard 110V outlet (charge overnight).

What if the battery dies while a vehicle is lifted?



Impossible for the vehicle to drop. Model A has (1) Automatic mechanical locks that engage at every 3 inches and (2) Redundant hydraulic hold system as 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.

Can I finance Model A



Yes. We partner with triocapital and Clicklease for qualified buyers.

Typical terms:
- $12,000 Model A: ~$250/month (60 months, approved credit)
- $14,000 Model C: ~$290/month
- $18,000 PCH 76: ~$375/month

For shop owners: Equipment financing often has better terms than business credit cards (4-7% APR vs 18-24%).

Apply with Trio Capital → Trio Capital
Apply with Clicklease→ Clicklease

What's the difference between Model A and Model C?



Model A: Electric or battery powered. Best for mobile mechanics and shops needing maximum portability.

Model C: Hydraulic system with automatic top brace. Best for shops using it daily in one primary location but wanting flexibility. Both: Same capacity (15,000 lbs), same height (6-8 ft), same American-made quality.

What vehicles CAN'T Model A lift?



Model A is rated for 15,000 lbs. Too heavy: Dual-wheel diesel trucks (F-350/3500, often 8,000-10,000 lbs empty), commercial trucks over 1.5 tons, semi trucks. For these, see Model C or PCH 76. What Model A DOES lift: All cars, light trucks (F-150, Silverado 1500, RAM 1500), SUVs (Tahoe, Suburban, Wrangler), vans (Sprinter, Transit, minivans).

Why not just rent a lift when I need it?



Let's do the math:
Shop Lift Rental: Daily rate: $50-$100/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)
‍
Bottom line: Renting makes sense for 1-2 jobs per year. Beyond that, ownership is cheaper AND more convenient.

Everything you need to know

"Model C" Questions Answered

How much time does the automatic top brace actually save?



2-3 minutes per lift cycle. Manual systems require your tech to climb up, position the brace, climb down, then raise the vehicle. Model C's brace engages automatically as the lift rises—zero operator input. For a shop doing 20 lifts/day, that's 40-60 minutes saved daily, which adds up to 167-250 hours per year.

Can I really use this on my shop floor without drilling anchors?



Yes. Model C uses wide base plates (24" × 36") that distribute 15,600 lbs of total weight across safe PSI limits. Your shop floor already supports parked cars (which exert similar pressure). Works on poured concrete, epoxy-coated floors, even well-compacted asphalt. The only floor types that DON'T work: dirt, gravel, or surfaces with >1 inch variation in levelness.

Plus: Take it with you to your new location. We've had customers move 3 times with the same hoist.

Is this safe enough for daily professional shop use?



Absolutely. Model C has the same safety systems as fixed commercial lifts: automatic mechanical locks every 3 inches, a redundant hydraulic hold system, and automatic top brace engagement. Every unit is safety-tested at 2× rated capacity (30,000 lbs) before shipping. Zero documented safety incidents across 100+ installations over 3+ years. This isn't DIY equipment—it's built to the same standards as anchored shop lifts.

What if the battery dies while a vehicle is lifted?

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Can I finance Model C

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What's the difference between Model A and Model C?

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What maintenance does the hydraulic system require?

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Minimal. Check hydraulic fluid levels annually (5-minute task), inspect hoses and connections for wear (part of normal shop routine), keep moving parts clean. Unlike electric systems, there are no batteries to replace, no motors to burn out, no complex electronics. Most shops report zero maintenance issues in the first 3-5 years (15,000+ lift cycles). Hydraulic components are designed for 20+ year lifespan.

Why not just rent a lift when I need it?



Everything you need to know

"Model T" Questions Answered

How long does Model A actually take to set up?

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Can I operate Model A by myself, or do I need help?

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How far can I go on a single battery charge?

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What if the battery dies while a vehicle is lifted?



Can I finance Model A



What's the difference between Model A and Model C?

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What vehicles CAN'T Model A lift?

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Why not just rent a lift when I need it?



Everything you need to know

"Model P" Questions Answered

How much weight can the lift handle?

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The system is rated for 11,000 lbs, allowing it to lift most cars, SUVs, and light trucks.

Can the lift move around the shop?

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Yes. The system includes a pallet-style transport design, allowing you to pull and reposition the lift anywhere inside the shop.

Does it require floor anchors?

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No. The hoist is designed to work without permanent installation.

What power does it require?



The lift runs on 220V electrical power.

Can I finance Model P



Yes. We partner with triocapital and Clicklease for qualified buyers.

Typical terms:
- $12,000 Model P: ~$250/month (60 months, approved credit)

For shop owners: Equipment financing often has better terms than business credit cards (4-7% APR vs. 18-24%).

Apply with Trio Capital → Trio Capital
Apply with Clicklease → Clicklease

What's the difference between Model A and Model C?



What maintenance does the hydraulic system require?



Why not just rent a lift when I need it?



Everything you need to know

Questions From Shop Owners

My shop was built in 1995. Can I use a portable lift on my floor?

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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 a portable lift as stable as a fixed lift bolted into concrete?



Yes. The physics: Our 600 lb lift + your 15,000 lb vehicle = 15,600 lbs total weight distributed across four base plates (24" × 36" each). This creates approximately 120 PSI on your floor—less than a parked vehicle exerts. Modern portable engineering uses wide footprints and low centers of gravity to achieve rock-solid stability without anchors.

Safety testing: Every unit is tested at 2× rated capacity (30,000 lbs) before shipping. We've had 100+ shop installations with zero stability incidents over 3+ years.

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



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 20 minutes, load into a truck or trailer, 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.

What if the battery dies while a vehicle is lifted?

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Can I finance Model A

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What's the difference between Model A and Model C?

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Do you install fixed two-post lifts

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We sell ready-to-run portable hoists. No anchors or concrete needed. We guide selection, power, delivery, and safe use.

Why not just rent a lift when I need it?



Everything you need to know

Mobile Mechanic Questions

How many jobs can I do on one battery charge?

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8-12 full lift cycles (ground to 8 feet and back). Typical: 1-2 lifts per transmission job = 4-6 jobs per charge. Recharge overnight (4-6 hours on 110V).

What if the battery dies mid-lift?

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Vehicle stays locked. Automatic mechanical locks engage every 3 inches. Even with zero power, the vehicle cannot drop. Plug into customer's outlet or swap the battery to finish.

Will this work on customer driveways (asphalt/concrete)?

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Yes on level surfaces. Concrete: perfect. Asphalt: works if well-compacted and level. Doesn't work on: dirt, gravel, sloped driveways (>1° angle). You'll assess on arrival—takes 30 seconds.

What if the battery dies while a vehicle is lifted?

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Can I finance Model A



What is the Difference between Model A and Model C



What vehicles CAN'T Model A lift?



What's maintenance like for battery-powered lifts?

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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).

Everything you need to know

Car Collectors Questions

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.

Why does it take 6 weeks to build?

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Answer: Because we don't mass-produce. Every lift is custom-built to your specs in our Menifee, California facility. Weeks 1-2: Engineering review. Weeks 3-5: American welding, hydraulic integration, quality checks. Week 6: Safety testing at 2× capacity, packaging, shipping. You're buying a tool built to last 20+ years, not a Chinese import off a container ship.

What is the Difference between Model A and Model C



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).

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

Car Racing Event Questions

Is it safe for public events

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Answer: Yes. The lift is built with strong arms, wide points, and stable height control. It is made for eyes on it.

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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Everything you need to know

Commercial Fleet Questions

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 provide installation support for multi-location deployments?

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Answer: Installation is not required (that's the whole point). Setup is 5-20 minutes per unit with two people following our video guide. For large deployments (20+ locations), we can coordinate with regional installation partners if you prefer hands-on support.

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 for 50+ locations nationwide?

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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 for heavy fleet vehicles?

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Mobile column lifts (Stertil-Koni, etc.): 12,000-20,000 lbs per column, need 4-6 columns for semi trucks, $60K-$100K+ per set. Our PCH 76: 76,000 lbs combined capacity (two units), $18K per unit = $36K total for semi-truck capability. Trade-off: Column lifts offer more flexibility for oversized vehicles; our system costs 60% less for standard Class 7-8 trucks.

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

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This is the core value proposition. Process:
(1) Lower vehicle,
(2) Fold/disassemble unit (5-20 minutes),
(3) Load in truck or trailer (600-800 lbs, two people),
(4) Transport to new location,
(5) Setup in 5-30 minutes. Most fleet operators keep a "redeployment schedule" and move units between locations as needed. This is impossible with fixed lifts (they're abandoned when locations close).

FAQ Page

"Model A" Questions Answered

"Model C" Questions Answered

"Model T" Questions Answered

"Model P" Questions Answered

Questions From Shop Owners

Mobile Mechanic Questions

Car Collectors Questions

Car Racing Event Questions

Commercial Fleet Questions