If you own a small garage, you cannot stock many vehicles. Most of the small garages can accommodate one or two cars at a time. However, sometimes the garage owner needs a little extra space to fit another vehicle. In that case, what is the solution? Obviously, a car lift is.
However, they are big and expensive, I cannot afford one, and they will not fit in my garage. Well, not all car lifts are expensive and big. The manufacturer knows there are many small garages out there that need inexpensive and lower solutions. Thus, they come up with portable car lifts.
A portable car lift is an effective solution for smaller garage owners and DIY people who fix many problems by their own hands. You can keep it on your garage, or you can even store it on the trunk of your car. It is a timesaving tool that can save your ass in critical situations.
The market is full of different portable car lifts from different brands to choose from as like 2 post car lift and 4 post car lift.
If you ponder to get the best portable car lift for home garage, you might not get one without proper knowledge. There is a good chance that you end up with a flawed car lift. To settle this issue, read this article until the end.
Table of Contents
Which Portable Lifts Can be Used in Car
Several types of portable lifts can be used on cars, including:
- Scissor lifts: These lifts use a series of interlocking arms to lift and support the vehicle. They are often used in car repair shops and can be either hydraulic or mechanical.
- Two-post lifts: These lifts use two vertical posts to support the car and can be used to lift the entire vehicle off the ground. They are commonly found in car repair shops and are typically hydraulic in operation.
- Four-post lifts: These lifts use four vertical posts to support the car and can be used to lift the entire vehicle off the ground. They are often used in storage and can also be used for repairs or maintenance.
- Mobile column lifts: These lifts consist of columns that can be rolled into place and used to lift the car. They are often used in commercial settings and can be either hydraulic or mechanical.
- Inflatable lifts: These lifts use air pressure to lift and support the car. They are portable and can be used in various locations but are typically less strong than other lifts.
Top Rated Portable Car Lift Comparison in 2023
Image | Name | Rating | Capacity | Price |
 | BendPak QuickJack BL-5000SLX Portable Lift | 1/2-Ton | ||
 | BL-5000SLX by QuickJack 12-Volt DC Portable Car Lift | 5,000 lbs | ||
 | Dannmar Portable Mid-Rise Car Lift | 6,000 lbs | ||
 | BL-3500SLX by QuickJack Portable Car Lift | 3,500 lbs | ||
 | Ranger BL-7000SLX QuickJack Portable Car Lift | 7,000 lbs |
6 Best Portable Car Lift for Home Garage: Review with Guide
Finding the best portable car lift your garage is not an easy task is it seems. If you do not have decent knowledge about car accessories, you will fail to get the right car lift for the price.
You can go for acquiring knowledge, but it is time-consuming. Because everyone is busy nowadays, I thought why not share my experience with you!
This way, you can get the portable hydraulic car lift in no time and without any hassle. Therefore, I, with my team, have visited several car shops, talked with many garage owners and manufacturers to make a list of portable car lifts.
Finally, we got six products that are fantastic in every way. Let’s dig into the reviews quickly:
1. BendPak QuickJack BL-5000SLX Portable Lift
Lightweight
110V AC Motor
2 1/2-Ton Capacity
Strong & Durable
Many experts have said that BendPak QuickJack BL-5000SLX is an excellent portable car lift at present. It is small and low profile so that you can carry around easily.
Yet the construction is incredible with top quality materials. The lift can handle heavy-duty vehicles without any problem. Also, it will last many years if you maintain it carefully.
The maximum holding capacity of the BL-5000SLX is about 5000 lbs. It can go beyond this capacity. Moreover, the functions of the car lift are straightforward. You can handle it with no hassle. It works with a 110V power outlet. Just plugin and get started, as simple as that.
They have three motors of 12 V, 220V and 240V. You can choose models depending on the voltage of the area you are living in right now.
The body is made of reinforced steel, and the upper frame is also constructed with steel. The jack points of the lift are slip-proof. On the lift, you can hold almost any type of vehicle.
The price of the lift is reasonable too. If you are looking for a heavy-duty yet lightweight car lift that can be carried anywhere, the BendPak QuickJack BL-5000SLX is the right product you need to pick.
2. BL-5000SLX by QuickJack 12-Volt DC Portable Car Lift
Durable
Dual-Position
5,000 Lifting Capacity
Automatic Safety Lock
Selecting a portable car lift is a challenging task because you have to consider two things. The Car lift must be lightweight so that you can transport it easily. Again, it must be strong enough to hold a heavy vehicle.
Matching these two things together is a complicated task. But if you pick the BL-5000SLX by QuickJack, you will get what you need. This car lift is lightweight yet able to carry a maximum of 5000 pounds.
The size of the car lift is smaller. You can easily keep it on the back of your vehicle and use it on your way. Also, if you own a small garage with limited space, this car lift is an excellent choice for you. It doesn’t need much space.
There is a dual-position automatic safety bar included that automatically works when the lift rises. Using the car lift is simple as well.
Just keep the jack frames under the vehicle, push the raise button and the car will raise approximately two minutes within a minute or two. The lift is useful to change the tire, chassis tuning, and much other maintenance work. The price is reasonable too.
3. Dannmar Portable Mid-Rise Car Lift
Versatility
Safety Lock
Adjustable Arm
6000-Lb. Lift Capacity
The Dannmar Portable Mid-Rise Car Lift is another fantastic option you can check out. With this one on your hand, you can maintain your car efficiently and effectively. The built quality of the car lift is excellent with top quality materials.
Therefore, it will serve you many years without any hassle. The machine can carry the right amount of weight, thanks to excellent construction.
This lift features a portable cart that works as a tow handle so that you can move it quickly. It is a multipurpose tool with multi-position safety lock and adjustable arm assemblies.
The maximum capacity of the machine is about 6000lb that is fair enough. You will get a lift weight of 36 inches. Nevertheless, the machine uses 120V power; that is the main issue.
If you need a cost-effective, versatile, and robust machine at a reasonable price, you should consider the Dannmar Portable Mid-Rise Car Lift. The cost is not prohibitive.
4. BL-3500SLX Portable Car Lift
Convenient
Compact Design
3,500 Lifting Capacity
Automatic Safety Lock
Portable car lifts do not give much lifting capacity. That is obvious; they are portable, after all. Nevertheless, good weight capacity is needed, as you have to lift a vehicle.
With decent 3500 lbs. of lifting capacity, BL-3500SLX by QuickJack is fair enough to handle light cars. The built quality of the product is incredible with top quality material. It will last and serve you many years without any issue.
The usability of the car lift is super simple. You do not have to take much hassle operating this machine. It will go to the maximum height range within a minute.
Besides, there are dual-position automatic safety lack bars included on the machine that will support in times of operation. Unexpected fall of the vehicle will never occur, and the car can be brought down safely in power outage.
The overall price of the product is reasonable, too, for such quality. BL-3500SLX by QuickJack is an appropriate choice if you are an avid traveller as it is lightweight; therefore, easy to transport. You should definitely give it a go before the stock expires.
5. Ranger BL-7000SLX QuickJack Portable Car Lift
Safety Lock
Strong & Durable
High Weight Capacity
7,000 LB Lifting Capacity
The universal belief about portable car lift is that they cannot hold much weight. This car lift has broken that belief brutally.
While most of the portable car lifts offer weight capacity ranges from 2500 to 3000lbs, this one provides a maximum of 7000lbs, which is more than enough for even a medium-sized truck!
If someone ever said to you that portable car lift could not lift much weight, throw the Ranger BL-7000SLX on his or her face.
The built quality of the Ranger BL-7000SLX is fantastic with top quality materials. It will surely last many years without providing much hassle. However, you have to maintain the machine properly.
Though it offers enormous lifting capacity and is strong, it does not mean it is less portable. The machine is lightweight. You can transport it easily without any problem.
The machine can raise the vehicle on its full potential within a minute. The operation is simple and straightforward. Moreover, it has dual-position automatic safety lock bars included to take care of the safety of you and your vehicle.
For all this, the price is slightly high compared to other products on this list. However, it is worth to give this one a go. So, click the link below before the stock expires.
6. BendPak Portable Low-Rise Car Lift
Safely Lock
Heavy-duty
Compact Design
6000-Lb Lifting Capacity
The BendPak Portable Low-Rise Car Lift is the last option today, but not the least. Even compared to the above five options, I can say it is better than many of the products there.
The construction quality of the car lift is fantastic with top quality steel. It will surely last many years and offers a weight lifting capacity of 6000 lbs. You can lift smaller and medium-sized vehicles without any hassle.
The BendPak Portable Low-Rise Car Lift features all the safety features. The user, as well as the vehicle, will remain safe, thanks to the Hands-free automatic safety system. It locks in three different heights that offer more convenience.
You can quickly turn your parking space into a service bay with the great BendPak Portable Low-Rise Car Lift. The price of the product is not prohibitive. Overall, it is an excellent option for the price. Give it a shot; I am sure you will never regret it.
Conclusion
These are the reviews of six most appealing portable car lifts of the present time. As you can see, all of them are fantastic in terms of construction, performance, and price. On the go, any of the above products will be the lifesaver you are looking for.
Before you click the buy button, reading the following section is suggested, where I would talk about some essential buying tips. Let’s see:
Best Portable Car Lift Buying Consideration
Buying the best portable car lift requires some consideration. If you are experienced in this sector, you can scan through the section.
If you are a newbie, you need to give intensive reading. Otherwise, you can end up with a flawed product for your needs. Let’s see what to consider:
Capacity:
Usually, portable car lifts are less capable when it comes to weight holding. As they are light, so they do not have much weight lifting capacity like other types of four and two post car lifts. Again some of the portable car lift comes with excellent weight lifting capacity.
The first thing you need to consider before buying a car lift is the weight lifting capacity. You have to select one according to your needs. If you are a mechanic who wants to fix different vehicles in different places, you have to have a portable car lift with decent holding capacity.
If you want one to handle your car at your home garage, 6000lbs or more weight lifting capacity is fair enough. For professional use, the recommended lifting capacity is about 9000lbs.
Height Range:
Like weight capacity, maximum height range is another fundamental issue to know before buying a car lift. The height range will say how high you can lift the vehicle. The higher the range, the more space you will get to work on. So consider this factor seriously before you pick.
Width:
If the car lift is not wider than the vehicle you want to work on, you can understand what is going to happen. If the car lift is wider, you will get more flexibility.
Also, if you want to accommodate large vehicles like trucks and SUVs, your car lift must be wide enough. If you’re going to handle smaller cars on your lift, 100 inches width is fair enough. For heavy vehicles, at least 132 inches width is recommended.
Material:
We all want the top quality and heavy duty portable car lift that will serve us better and will last, right? If so, the primary consideration should be the material, which makes the product. The material determines how many years the product will serve you.
Most of the modern car lifts are made of steel as it is the safest build construction material. Steel is a sturdy material that does not corrode and offers excellent resistance against many harmful substances like car oils. So, it is better to purchase a car lift made of steel.
However, lots of companies made portable car lifts using cheap metal that needs to be ignored. The question is how to know? The safest way to play is to go for a known brand that is a good reputation on the market and read customer reviews on Amazon and other websites.
Safety:
No matter what, user safety is the essential factor when it comes to buying anything. While shopping for a portable car lift, you had better know about the safety features. On a standard portable car lift, you will notice many security types. Such as:
You will get an automatic safety lock mechanism in almost all the usual car lifts. It locks the lift in the right position while it lifts. Therefore, your lift will not fall in an inappropriate situation like a power outage.
Another thing you will get is the lock bar, which makes the operation smooth. It keeps the lift arm inclines smoothly without the need of your hand. Also, this mechanism uses a hydraulic system and doesn’t need electricity. In power outrage, if your car lift has this feature, you do not have to take much hassle to bring your vehicle down.
Usability:
This is another significant factor to consider when it comes to buying a portable car lift. The machine you are purchasing must be simple enough to operate without any complications. It must be something that can be performed by an absolute beginner as well.
Most of the modern car lifts come with a simple push-button that does everything for the user. Go for something like that. Complicated functions can be a reason of your frustration, be aware of that.
5 Tips before installing a car lift in your garage
What is the maximum weight capacity of the portable car lift?
The maximum weight capacity of a portable car lift is 3,000 lbs to 10,000.0 lbs. Some lifts may have a capacity of only a few thousand pounds, while others car lifts that weigh tens of thousands of pounds.
It is important to carefully consider the weight of the vehicles that you will be lifting with the portable car lift and choose a model with a sufficient capacity.
Some portable car lifts may have adjustable or removable arms to accommodate different vehicle sizes, but you should confirm that the lift has a high enough weight capacity to lift your vehicle safely.
How much maintenance is required for the portable car lift, and what is the warranty period?
It is important to carefully read the owner’s manual or maintenance instructions for the lift to understand the specific requirements. Some common maintenance tasks that may be required for a portable car lift include:
- Checking and tightening bolts and fasteners
- Lubricating moving parts
- Cleaning and maintaining the lift platform
- Checking and replacing worn or damaged parts
It is also important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for periodic inspections and maintenance to ensure that the lift is in good working order and to help prevent accidents or injuries.
How easy is it to operate the portable car lift, and is training or certification required?
It is important to carefully read the owner’s manual or operating instructions for the lift to understand the proper use and safety precautions. Some lifts may require the operator to have certain certifications or qualifications, such as a mechanic’s license, in order to use them.
Other lifts may be suitable for use by anyone and may not require any special training or certification. In general, it is a good idea to have someone with experience or knowledge of car lifts demonstrate the proper use of the lift before attempting to operate it on your own.
Are there any special electrical or power requirements for the portable car lift?
Two-post and 4-post portable car lifts required electrical power. If the lift you are considering requires electricity, it is important to understand the specific power requirements and ensure that you have a suitable power source available. Some factors to consider may include:
- Voltage: The lift may require a specific voltage level to operate correctly.
- Amperage: The lift may have a maximum amperage requirement to prevent overheating or damage to the electrical system.
- Plug type: The lift may have a specific type of plug or connector that is required to connect it to the power source.
- Extension cords: If the lift is not located near an electrical outlet, you may need to use an extension cord. It is important to use a cord with a sufficient gauge or thickness to handle the power needs of the lift.
Can the portable car lift be used in a commercial setting, or is it only for personal use?
Many portable car lifts are designed for use in a commercial setting, such as a car repair shop or dealership. These lifts may be larger and more heavy-duty than models intended for personal use and may have a higher weight capacity or more advanced features.
However, some portable car lifts may also be suitable for personal use, such as for hobbyists or collectors who need to lift cars for maintenance or repair in a home garage. It is important to consider the specific needs and intended use of the lift before choosing a model.
You should also consider any applicable codes or regulations that may apply to the use of the lift in a commercial setting, such as safety standards or insurance requirements.
Final Words
Car Lifts are sturdy and heavy-duty tool even if it is portable. Lifting and sorting several vehicles need sufficient strength. Therefore, the car lift you are buying, whether it is a 2-post car lift or a 4-post car lift, the construction quality must be excellent.
Otherwise, the tool will not last. On the other hand, you are buying a portable car lift so that you can transport it easily. That is why it must not be heavyweight. Finding the right combo that is strong yet lightweight is hard and a complicated task.
However, I have made the job simple for you with the above best portable car lift reviews. You can pick any of the above based on your budget. I hope you will get a good one for your needs. Now it’s my time to say goodbye. I hope to see you soon enough with other car-related product reviews, hacks, tips, and so on. Till then:
Smile!