4-Post Car Lift Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Content

Expert guide to buying a 4-post car lift in 2025. Compare models, capacity ratings, and prices. Find the perfect lift for your garage or shop from Pro Series Equipment.

Quick Navigation

  1. What is a 4-Post Car Lift?

  2. Types of 4-Post Lifts

  3. Choosing the Right Capacity

  4. 4-Post vs 2-Post Lifts

  5. Installation Requirements

  6. Pro Series Models & Pricing

  7. FAQs

What is a 4-Post Car Lift?

A 4-post car lift uses four vertical posts to raise vehicles off the ground. Unlike 2-post lifts that require precise arm positioning, 4-post lifts feature drive-on ramps that make lifting simple and safe.

Why Choose a 4-Post Lift?

Easy to use - Just drive on and lift
Extremely stable - Four contact points prevent swaying
Great for storage - Stack vehicles to double garage space
Safer - Less risk of vehicle damage
Versatile - Perfect for maintenance, storage, or display

Types of 4-Post Lifts

1. Portable 4-Post Car Lift

Best for: Home garages, renters, flexible installations

Key features:

  • No floor anchoring required

  • Relocatable when needed

  • 8,000-10,000 lb capacity

  • Quick setup (4-8 hours)

Pro Series Portable Models:

  • PSE4P-CSP165 (8,000 lb): $4,495 $3,995

  • PSE4P-CSP180 (8,800 lb): $4,995 $4,395

  • PSE4P-CSPXLT193 (10,000 lb): $6,195 $5,695

2. Standard Fixed 4-Post Lift

Best for: Professional shops, permanent installations

Key features:

  • Anchored to concrete for maximum stability

  • 12,000-18,000 lb capacity options

  • Heavy-duty construction

  • Long-term reliability

Pro Series Fixed Models:

  • PSE4P-200/200A (12,000 lb): $5,999.95

  • PSE4P-216/216A (14,000 lb alignment): $7,999.95 From $6,395

  • PSE4P-253/253A (18,000 lb): $8,699.95 From $7,995

3. Alignment 4-Post Lift

Best for: Shops offering wheel alignment services

Combines vehicle lifting with alignment capabilities using integrated slip plates and turn plates. Eliminate the need for separate equipment.

4. Car Stacking Lift

Best for: Maximizing garage space, car collectors

Stack one vehicle above another to double your parking capacity. Ideal for collectors, dealerships, or urban garages with limited floor space.

Choosing the Right Capacity

Weight Capacity Guide

Your Vehicle TypeRecommended CapacityPro Series ModelCompact cars, sedans8,000 lbsPSE4P-CSP165Mid-size sedans, crossovers8,800 lbsPSE4P-CSP180Full-size SUVs, light trucks10,000 lbsPSE4P-CSPXLT193Heavy trucks, vans12,000 lbsPSE4P-200/200ALifted trucks, commercial14,000 lbsPSE4P-216/216AHeavy-duty trucks, fleet18,000 lbsPSE4P-253/253A

How to Calculate Your Needs

Simple formula:

  1. Find vehicle curb weight (check door jamb sticker)

  2. Multiply by 1.20 (adds 20% safety margin)

  3. Round up to next lift capacity

Example:

  • Vehicle weighs 5,000 lbs

  • 5,000 × 1.20 = 6,000 lbs

  • Choose: 8,000 lb lift minimum

4-Post vs 2-Post Lifts: Which is Right?

4-Post Lift Advantages

✅ Drive-on simplicity - no positioning needed
✅ Superior stability - four points of contact
✅ Better for tire/brake work
✅ Excellent for vehicle storage
✅ Safer for long-term use
✅ Can double as car stacker

2-Post Lift Advantages

✅ Full undercarriage access
✅ Smaller footprint
✅ Generally lower cost
✅ Better for exhaust/transmission work

Quick Decision Guide

Choose 4-Post if you:

  • Need vehicle storage solutions

  • Work on tires, brakes, suspension

  • Want easy drive-on operation

  • Plan to stack vehicles

  • Work alone frequently

Choose 2-Post if you:

  • Primarily do oil changes and exhaust

  • Need maximum undercarriage access

  • Have very limited floor space

  • Work with a team

Installation Requirements

Concrete Floor

Minimum specs:

  • Thickness: 4-6 inches

  • Strength: 3,000 PSI minimum

  • Condition: No major cracks

  • Level: Within 1/8" across footprint

Electrical

  • Standard lifts: 220V, 20-30 amp dedicated circuit

  • Some portable models: 110V compatible

  • Professional installation: Recommended for safety and code compliance

Space Requirements

Calculate your needs:

  • Ceiling height: 9-10 feet minimum (12+ feet for stacking)

  • Floor space: Lift length + 10-15 feet for approach

  • Side clearance: 3 feet minimum on each side

  • Work area: 4-6 feet behind lift

Example: A 200" (16.6 ft) lift needs at least a 20-foot deep garage for comfortable use.

Pro Series Models & Pricing

Budget-Friendly Portable Options

Perfect for home enthusiasts and renters

PSE4P-CSP165 - 8,000 LB Portable

  • Price: $4,495 $3,995 (SAVE $500)

  • Runway: 165"

  • Best for: Compact cars, sedans, sports cars

  • Installation: No anchoring required

PSE4P-CSP180 - 8,800 LB Portable

  • Price: $4,995 $4,395 (SAVE $600)

  • Runway: 180"

  • Best for: Mid-size vehicles, crossovers

  • Installation: No anchoring required

PSE4P-CSPXLT193 - 10,000 LB Portable

  • Price: $6,195 $5,695 (SAVE $500)

  • Runway: 193"

  • Best for: Full-size SUVs, light trucks

  • Installation: No anchoring required

Professional Heavy-Duty Models

Built for shops and serious enthusiasts

PSE4P-200/200A - 12,000 LB Heavy Duty

  • Price: $5,999.95

  • Runway: 200"

  • Best for: Professional shops, heavy trucks

  • Installation: Permanent anchoring

PSE4P-216/216A - 14,000 LB Alignment

  • Price: $7,999.95 From $6,395 (SAVE $1,600+)

  • Runway: 216"

  • Special feature: Alignment-ready

  • Best for: Shops offering alignment, lifted trucks

PSE4P-253/253A - 18,000 LB Maximum Capacity

  • Price: $8,699.95 From $7,995 (SAVE $700+)

  • Runway: 253"

  • Best for: Heavy-duty trucks, commercial vehicles

  • Options: Standard or alignment models

Essential Accessories

Rolling Bridge Jacks (required for tire/wheel work on 4-post lifts)

  • PSERJ-66A (6,600 lb): $1,895

  • PSERJ-88A (8,800 lb): $2,095

  • PSERJ-10A (10,000 lb): $2,895

  • PSERJ-2020 (20,000 lb): $2,895

Specialty Jacks

  • PSESJ-5H (5-ton hydraulic): $1,495

  • PSES-AH4500 (4,500 lb air/hydraulic): $1,299

  • PSES-MS4500 (4,500 lb manual): $1,099

Key Features to Consider

1. Runway Length

Choose based on your longest vehicle's wheelbase:

  • 165-180": Compact cars, sedans

  • 193-200": SUVs, full-size sedans, trucks

  • 216"+: Extended cab trucks, long wheelbase

Pro tip: Measure your vehicle's wheelbase and add 12" minimum.

2. Maximum Lift Height

Standard lifts: 60-72" (ideal for maintenance)
Extended height: 72-84" (for vehicle stacking)

Check your ceiling: Need 2-3 feet clearance above the lifted vehicle.

3. Portable vs Permanent

Portable (No Anchoring):

  • Can relocate as needed

  • No floor modifications

  • Great for renters

  • Slightly lower capacity

Permanent (Anchored):

  • Maximum stability

  • Higher weight capacity

  • Required for commercial use

  • Best for long-term installations

4. Safety Features

All Pro Series lifts include:

✅ Multiple safety lock positions
✅ Automatic shut-offs
✅ Hydraulic safety valves
✅ Rubber contact pads
✅ Professional-grade components

Total Cost Breakdown

Budget Example - Home Enthusiast

  • Portable lift (PSE4P-CSP165): $3,995

  • DIY installation: $0

  • Electrical (if needed): $300

  • Rolling jack (PSERJ-66A): $1,895

  • Total: ~$6,190

Professional Example - Auto Shop

  • Heavy-duty lift (PSE4P-200/200A): $5,999.95

  • Professional installation: $1,200

  • Electrical work: $500

  • Rolling jack (PSERJ-88A): $2,095

  • Total: ~$9,795

Safety & Maintenance

Pre-Operation Checklist

Before each use:

  1. ✅ Inspect for damage or leaks

  2. ✅ Test safety locks

  3. ✅ Center vehicle on runways

  4. ✅ Verify weight is within capacity

  5. ✅ Check for overhead obstructions

Maintenance Schedule

Monthly:

  • Visual inspection

  • Check fluid levels

  • Test safety systems

Quarterly:

  • Detailed inspection

  • Lubricate moving parts

  • Check all connections

Annually:

  • Professional certification

  • Full system test

  • Replace worn components

FAQs

How much does a 4-post car lift cost?

Quality 4-post lifts range from $3,995 to $9,875 depending on capacity and features. Pro Series portable models start at $3,995, while professional heavy-duty models range from $5,999 to $7,995+.

Do I need to anchor a 4-post lift?

Portable models (PSE4P-CSP series) don't require anchoring. Standard and heavy-duty models should be anchored for maximum stability, especially in commercial settings.

What capacity lift do I need?

Find your vehicle's curb weight and add 20% for safety. Most compact cars and sedans work with 8,000 lb lifts. SUVs and trucks need 10,000-12,000 lb capacity. Heavy-duty trucks require 14,000-18,000 lb.

Can I install a 4-post lift in my home garage?

Yes, if you have:

  • 4-6" concrete floor (3,000 PSI minimum)

  • 9-10 feet ceiling height (12+ for stacking)

  • 220V electrical (or 110V for some models)

  • Adequate floor space

Many homeowners successfully use portable models that don't require anchoring.

How do 4-post lifts work for tire changes?

You need a rolling bridge jack that fits between the runways. The jack lifts one axle at a time, allowing tire removal. Pro Series offers jacks from $1,099-$2,895.

What's the difference between 4-post and 2-post lifts?

4-post lifts offer drive-on simplicity, superior stability, and better storage capability. 2-post lifts provide full undercarriage access and take less floor space. Choose 4-post for storage and tire work; choose 2-post for exhaust and transmission repairs.

How long does installation take?

  • Portable lifts: 4-8 hours DIY

  • Professional installation: 3-6 hours

  • First-time DIY: 8-12 hours

Pro Series offers professional installation services for proper setup and safety.

Can I use a 4-post lift for car storage?

Yes! 4-post lifts are ideal for long-term storage. The four-point stability and safety locks keep vehicles secure for months or years. Many collectors use stacking lifts to double their garage capacity.

What maintenance is required?

Monthly: Check fluid, inspect cables, test locks
Quarterly: Lubricate parts, detailed inspection
Annually: Professional certification

Proper maintenance extends lift life to 20+ years.

Are Pro Series lifts commercial grade?

Yes. All Pro Series lifts meet or exceed industry safety standards (ANSI/ALI) and are suitable for both home and commercial use. They feature commercial-grade hydraulic systems and heavy-duty construction.

Why Choose Pro Series Equipment?

Quality & Value

  • ✅ Commercial-grade construction at direct pricing

  • ✅ Heavy-duty American design standards

  • ✅ 20-40% savings vs major brands

  • ✅ Current sale pricing available

Local Service

Based in Franklin, Indiana

  • Regional delivery and installation

  • Responsive customer support

  • Technical assistance

  • Parts availability

  • Midwest expertise

Complete Solutions

  • Wide range of capacities (8,000-18,000 lbs)

  • Portable and fixed models

  • Alignment options available

  • Full line of accessories

  • Professional installation services

Ready to Buy Your 4-Post Lift?

Get Started in 3 Easy Steps

1. Determine Your Needs

  • What vehicles will you lift?

  • Storage or maintenance use?

  • Portable or permanent installation?

2. Browse Models View all 4-Post Lifts →

3. Contact Pro Series

  • Request a quote online

  • Speak with product specialists

  • Ask about installation services

Contact Pro Series Equipment

Franklin, Indiana

🌐 Website: proseriesequipment.com
📞 Phone: Call or inquire online
📍 Service Area: Midwest and nationwide shipping

View the complete collection: Shop 4-Post Lifts

Elevate your garage today! Contact Pro Series Equipment for expert guidance and competitive pricing on professional-grade 4-post car lifts.

Keywords: 4 post car lift, 4 post lift, 4 post portable car lif

Check us out online!

www.proseriesequipment.com

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