Forward Lift

The Dover/VSG Advantage

Being part of VSG/Dover (NYSE: DOV, a Fortune 500 company) provides Forward Lift with advantages that independent lift manufacturers cannot match:

• World-class manufacturing: Forward lifts are built in the same Madison, Indiana facility as Rotary Lift, using the same ISO 9001 quality management systems. The manufacturing equipment, welding standards, paint systems, and quality control inspections are identical.
• Engineering depth: Access to VSG’s engineering team — the same engineers who design Rotary’s premium lifts. Forward benefits from the research and development investment that Dover makes across the entire VSG portfolio.
• Parts infrastructure: The REMSTAR computerized parts system that supports Rotary also supports Forward Lift, ensuring fast parts availability. This system, valued at over $7 million, houses the industry’s largest lift parts inventory in 7 automated storage towers.
• Financial stability: Dover Corporation’s Fortune 500 backing ensures Forward will be here in 10, 20, or 30 years — your lift investment is protected. When you buy a Forward Lift, you are buying from a company with billions in annual revenue and decades of operational history.
• Dealer network: VSG’s extensive dealer and support network covers Forward Lift products. The same technicians and service organizations that support Rotary installations also support Forward equipment.

Manufacturing in Madison, Indiana

Forward Lift is manufactured in Madison, Indiana, in the same facility complex where Rotary Lift is produced. This is not a coincidence — it is a strategic advantage. The Madison facility is an ISO 9001-certified manufacturing operation that handles steel fabrication, welding, machining, powder coat painting, assembly, and quality testing under one roof. Every Forward Lift that ships from Madison goes through the same quality control process that Rotary products undergo.

Madison, Indiana sits along the Ohio River in southeastern Indiana. The community has a deep manufacturing heritage, and the VSG facility employs hundreds of skilled workers who build lifts for both the Forward and Rotary brands. When you buy a Forward Lift, you are buying American-made equipment built by the same experienced workforce that produces the world’s most respected lift brand.

Certifications and Quality Standards

Every Forward Lift model is ALI/ETL Certified, manufactured in an ISO 9001-certified facility. Forward lifts meet ANSI/ALI ALCTV standards for safety and performance. ALI (Automotive Lift Institute) certification means each lift model has been independently tested by a third party to verify it meets the load capacity, structural integrity, and safety requirements established by the ANSI/ALI ALCTV standard. ETL certification provides additional third-party testing verification. These are not self-certifications — they are independently validated through rigorous testing protocols.

The importance of ALI certification cannot be overstated. A certified lift has been tested to failure loads well beyond its rated capacity. The certification process includes cyclic load testing, structural integrity verification, and safety system validation. When a lift carries the ALI Gold label, you know it has been proven through independent testing to meet the highest safety standards in the industry.

ISO 9001 certification of the manufacturing facility means the entire production process — from design and engineering through material procurement, fabrication, assembly, testing, and shipping — follows a documented quality management system. This is not just a one-time certification; it requires ongoing audits and continuous improvement to maintain. The Madison, Indiana facility has maintained ISO 9001 certification for years, demonstrating a sustained commitment to quality processes.

For shops that need to demonstrate compliance with safety standards — particularly fleet operations, government facilities, and operations subject to OSHA inspections — Forward Lift’s dual ALI/ETL certification provides documented proof that the equipment meets or exceeds all applicable safety requirements.

Forward Two-Post Lift Product Line — Direct-Pull Technology at a Value Price

Forward’s two-post lineup features direct-pull hydraulic cylinders — the same proven technology used in Rotary’s premium lifts. Direct-pull (also called direct-drive) cylinders connect directly to the carriage without chains, eliminating chain stretch, chain adjustment, and chain replacement. It is the most reliable lifting system available, and Forward delivers it at a price point that many chain-drive competitors cannot beat.

The Forward two-post line spans from 10,000 to 18,000 lbs capacity, with multiple height configurations for each model. Whether you are fitting a lift into a standard 12-foot ceiling or taking advantage of a tall service bay, Forward has a configuration that works.

Forward CR14 — 14,000 lb Four-Post Service Lift

The CR14 is Forward’s four-post service lift, carrying the same DNA as the Rotary SM14 that shares its Madison, Indiana manufacturing home. The CR14 provides 14,000 lbs of capacity with features designed for general service, alignment (with conversion), and vehicle storage.

• Capacity: 14,000 lbs
• Rise Height: 78 3/4″
• Max Wheelbase (Standard): 182″
• Max Wheelbase (Extended/EL): 215″
• Between Posts (Extended/EL): 228 1/4″
• Features: Multi-position lock components keep lift level at any lock position; full-length runways
• Certification: ALI Certified

The CR14 is available in standard and extended-length (EL) configurations. The EL version accommodates wheelbases up to 215″, handling long-wheelbase trucks and commercial vehicles that exceed the standard model’s 182″ limit. This flexibility makes the CR14 suitable for shops that service a wide range of vehicles, from standard sedans to long-wheelbase crew cab trucks.

Key Features of the CR14:

• Multi-Position Lock System: Components keep the lift level at any locking position. This addresses one of the most common complaints about four-post lifts — uneven runway heights at different lock positions. The CR14’s system ensures the runways remain flat and level regardless of which lock position is selected.
• Full-Length Runways: Single-piece runway construction provides maximum structural integrity. The runways are wide enough to accommodate the full range of passenger and light truck tire widths.
• Drive-Through Capability: The CR14 can be configured for drive-through operation, allowing vehicles to enter from either end. This is valuable in shops where bay layout restricts vehicle access from one direction.
• Alignment Conversion Available: The CR14 can be converted to an alignment lift with the addition of the alignment conversion kit, transforming a general service four-post into a full alignment platform.
• 78 3/4″ Rise: One of the highest rise heights in the 14,000 lb four-post category, providing excellent working clearance under the vehicle.

Forward CRA14 — 14,000 lb Four-Post Alignment Lift

The CRA14 is the alignment-ready version of the CR14. It comes equipped with the hardware needed for four-wheel alignment service, making it a complete turnkey alignment solution.

• Capacity: 14,000 lbs
• Max Wheelbase: 182.5″
• Included: 2 rolling jacks (RRJ70G), internal air line kit, radius gauges, rear slip plates
• Configuration: Alignment-ready
• Certification: ALI Certified

The CRA14 package saves shops the cost and hassle of separately purchasing and configuring alignment accessories. Everything you need to perform four-wheel alignments is included in the box:

• 2 Rolling Jacks (RRJ70G): Positioned between the runways to lift the vehicle off the runway surface for suspension unloading during alignment procedures.
• Internal Air Line Kit: Pre-plumbed air lines for the rolling jacks and other pneumatic accessories.
• Radius Gauges: Essential for measuring turning radius during alignment.
• Rear Slip Plates: Allow the rear axle to float freely during alignment, ensuring accurate readings.

For shops adding alignment services, the CRA14 eliminates the guesswork of assembling a compatible alignment platform from separate components. The rolling jacks, air lines, gauges, and slip plates are all designed to work together as an integrated system. The CRA14 is compatible with major alignment system manufacturers, so you can pair it with the alignment heads and software package of your choice. Many shops start with the CRA14 platform and add their preferred alignment equipment on top, creating a professional alignment bay at a fraction of the cost of a dedicated alignment rack.

The economic case for the CRA14 is compelling. A dedicated alignment lift from a premium manufacturer can cost significantly more than the CRA14, while the CRA14 serves double duty as both a general service lift and an alignment platform. When the alignment bay is not performing alignments, it functions as a standard 14,000 lb four-post service lift — no bay sits idle waiting for alignment customers.

Four-Post Lift Applications

Forward’s four-post lifts serve multiple roles in a professional shop:

• General Service: The drive-on design makes four-post lifts fast and efficient for oil changes, inspections, exhaust work, and other undercar service. No arm positioning required — just drive on and lift.
• Wheel Alignment: With the CRA14 configuration (or CR14 with alignment conversion), Forward four-posts become full alignment platforms compatible with major alignment system manufacturers.
• Vehicle Storage: Four-post lifts are commonly used for vehicle storage in dealerships, collectors’ garages, and storage facilities. The 78 3/4″ rise provides enough clearance to park a vehicle underneath while another sits on the runways above.
• Brake and Suspension Work: When equipped with rolling jacks, four-post lifts provide excellent access for brake and suspension service. The vehicle sits securely on the runways while the rolling jacks lift individual wheels for service.

Direct-Pull Hydraulic Cylinders

Forward Lift uses direct-pull hydraulic cylinders — the same technology that Rotary Lift uses in their premium models. This is not a coincidence; both brands are manufactured by VSG in the same facility. Direct-pull means the hydraulic cylinder is connected directly to the lifting carriage. There are no chains, no pulleys, and no cable systems involved in the primary lifting mechanism.

The advantages of direct-pull are significant and compound over the life of the lift:

• No chains to stretch: Chain-driven lifts require periodic chain adjustment as the chains stretch over time — typically every 6-12 months in a busy shop. Direct-pull eliminates this maintenance task entirely, saving both time and service costs.
• No chains to replace: Chains are a wear item that eventually needs replacement, typically every 5-7 years depending on usage. A chain set for a two-post lift can cost several hundred dollars plus labor. Direct-pull cylinders last for the life of the lift with minimal maintenance.
• Smoother operation: Direct connection between the cylinder and carriage provides smoother, more consistent lifting motion. There is no “jerkiness” that can occur with chain systems as the chain engages and disengages with the sheaves.
• Fewer moving parts: Simpler systems are more reliable systems. A direct-pull lift has significantly fewer components in the lifting path compared to a chain-over-roller system, which means fewer potential failure points.
• Lower total cost of ownership: When you factor in chain adjustments, chain replacements, sheave replacements, and the associated labor over a 15-20 year lift lifespan, direct-pull lifts typically cost less to own despite potentially higher initial purchase prices.

It is worth emphasizing what a remarkable value proposition this represents. Forward Lift delivers direct-pull technology — the gold standard in lift drive systems — at a mid-range price point. Most direct-pull lifts in the market carry premium pricing. Forward makes this technology accessible to shops that are budget-conscious but quality-focused.

Spot-Rite 3-Stage Front Arms

Forward’s Spot-Rite arm system features offset 3-stage front arms that provide 5 3/4″ of additional retraction compared to standard arms. This extra retraction allows the same lift to work effectively in both symmetric and asymmetric configurations.

In asymmetric mode, the vehicle is positioned so that the front doors clear the columns for easy entry and exit — ideal for passenger car service where technicians need to access the interior, turn the steering wheel, or check dash controls while the vehicle is lifted. In symmetric mode, the arms are positioned evenly under the vehicle for balanced lifting of heavier trucks and SUVs where weight distribution is more important than door clearance.

The 3-stage front arm telescopes to reach lifting points on a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars with narrow wheelbases to full-size trucks with wide body-on-frame construction. The 2-stage rear arms complement the front arms with sufficient range for most vehicle configurations. Together, they provide a lifting envelope that covers virtually every passenger vehicle and light truck on the road.

Adjustable Column Width

The i10’s adjustable overhead beam provides 6 inches of width adjustment. The standard setting places the outside overall width at 137″, while the narrow setting reduces it to 131″. This adjustability allows the i10 to fit into service bays that are slightly narrower than standard, without requiring a completely different lift model.

For multi-bay installations, this means you can use the same i10 model across all bays even if the bays are not identical widths. Set each lift to the width that optimizes the specific bay it occupies. This simplifies ordering, parts inventory, and technician familiarity.

Low Pad Height Engineering

The i10’s minimum pad height of 3 5/8″ is among the lowest in the industry. Achieving this low contact point without compromising arm strength or carriage integrity requires careful engineering of the arm geometry and carriage design. The low pad height means the i10 can pick up vehicles with very low rocker panels and frame rails — vehicles that taller-pad lifts simply cannot reach.

This matters increasingly as vehicles trend toward lower ride heights, wider body panels, and aerodynamic underbody treatments that reduce ground clearance. Modern EVs in particular often have very low profiles due to the battery pack mounted under the floor. A lift with a low minimum pad height is better prepared for the vehicles of today and tomorrow.

Closed-Loop Hydraulic System

Forward lifts use a closed-loop hydraulic system that prevents contamination of the hydraulic fluid. In open-loop systems, the reservoir is exposed to the shop environment, allowing dust, moisture, and debris to enter the hydraulic fluid over time. Contaminated fluid accelerates wear on seals, valves, and cylinders, leading to premature failure and costly repairs. The closed-loop design on Forward lifts isolates the hydraulic system from environmental contaminants, extending the life of hydraulic components and reducing maintenance requirements.

Dover Quality at a Mid-Range Price

This is the fundamental reason to choose Forward Lift. You get a lift that is manufactured in the same facility, by the same company, using the same quality systems as the most respected lift brand in the world (Rotary). But you pay significantly less. Forward is how Dover serves the price-conscious professional market without compromising on quality or certification.

Think about what that means in practical terms. The steel that goes into a Forward Lift is cut, bent, and welded in the same shop as Rotary steel. The powder coat is applied in the same paint system. The quality inspectors who check Rotary lifts check Forward lifts. The engineers who design Rotary products contribute to Forward design. The same REMSTAR parts system that stocks Rotary components stocks Forward components. You are buying the same manufacturing DNA at a lower price point.

Direct-Pull Without the Premium

Direct-pull hydraulic cylinders are a genuinely superior technology. They reduce maintenance, increase reliability, and provide smoother operation than chain-driven systems. Most direct-pull lifts carry premium pricing — this technology is typically found on lifts that cost $3,000-$5,000 more than comparable chain-drive models. Forward delivers direct-pull at a mid-range price point — this is one of the strongest value propositions in the lift market.

Warranty with Labor Coverage

Forward’s warranty includes:

• 5-year structural coverage: Covers columns, carriages, arms, crossbeam, and other structural components.
• 18-month parts coverage: Covers operating and functional parts including hydraulic cylinders, power units, controls, and locks.
• 6-month labor warranty with freight-paid parts: If something goes wrong in the first 6 months, Forward covers not just the replacement part but the shipping cost and the labor cost to install it.
• 18-month shipping coverage: Parts shipped under warranty are covered for shipping costs for 18 months.
• 1-year accessories warranty: Covers adapter pads, extensions, and other included accessories.

The labor and freight coverage in the first 6 months sets Forward apart from budget brands that offer parts-only warranties. If something goes wrong early in ownership, Forward covers the repair cost, not just the replacement part. For a commercial shop where downtime costs money, that labor warranty has real value.

Compared to Other Brands

Against Rotary Lift (its sibling brand), Forward costs less while sharing the same manufacturing facility and direct-pull technology. Rotary offers a longer labor warranty (1 year vs. 6 months), Shockwave fast-rise technology, Spotline laser guidance, and the prestige of the industry’s leading brand. Forward gives you the core quality at a more accessible price. If your budget allows Rotary, buy Rotary. If you want 90% of the Rotary experience at 70% of the price, buy Forward.

Against Atlas, Forward offers American manufacturing (Madison, Indiana vs. overseas), direct-pull cylinders (vs. chain-over-roller), and the Dover/VSG backing. Atlas offers lower prices and a wider range of models. The choice depends on whether American manufacturing and direct-pull technology are worth the price difference to you. For many shops, they absolutely are.

Against Challenger, Forward competes on a similar level. Both are American-made, ALI-certified, and competitively priced. Challenger offers Versymmetric technology and QuickCycle speed. Forward offers direct-pull cylinders and the Dover support infrastructure. Challenger uses chain/cable drive systems on most models, while Forward uses direct-pull across the lineup. Both are excellent choices for professional shops.

Against BendPak, Forward offers the Dover manufacturing pedigree and direct-pull technology. BendPak is a well-known brand with strong distribution, but they do not have the Fortune 500 backing that ensures long-term parts availability and support infrastructure.

1. Forward i10 — The Value Champion

The i10 is the model that defines Forward Lift. 10,000 lbs of ALI-certified capacity, direct-pull cylinders, Spot-Rite 3-stage arms, adjustable column width, and a 3 5/8″ minimum pad height — all manufactured in Madison, Indiana by VSG/Dover. The 5-year structural / 18-month parts / 6-month labor warranty provides comprehensive coverage. This lift represents the best price-to-quality ratio in the professional lift market.

Key Specs: 10,000 lbs, 77″ max lift, 3 5/8″ min pad height, 50-second rise, direct-pull cylinders, adjustable width (131″/137″), ALI/ETL Certified, 1,750 lbs shipping weight

Best for: Independent repair shops, small dealerships, home garages that want commercial-grade equipment, any shop that values Dover quality at a competitive price. The i10 is the lift we recommend most often to shops buying their first professional two-post lift.

2. Forward DP10A — The Premium Two-Post

The DP10A adds enhanced Spot-Rite 3-stage front arms with offset design for true symmetric and asymmetric flexibility. For shops that want the maximum versatility from Forward’s product line, the DP10A delivers every feature of the i10 plus the enhanced arm design and additional adapter extensions (3.5″ and 5″).

Key Specs: 10,000 lbs, 76 1/4″ max rise, 3 3/4″ min adapter height, direct-pull cylinders, 131″/137″ adjustable width, ALI/ETL Certified

Best for: Shops servicing a diverse vehicle mix that need both symmetric and asymmetric capability. Dealerships with multiple vehicle brands where technicians encounter everything from low sports cars to tall SUVs.

3. Forward DP15 — The Heavy-Duty Workhorse

The DP15 provides 15,000 lbs of heavy-duty lifting capacity with three height configurations (low ceiling, standard, and extended). Direct-pull technology, 83 1/4″ rise height, heavy-duty two-stage arms with reinforced gusseting, and eight aircraft-grade aluminum truck adapters make this lift ready for serious commercial vehicle work.

Key Specs: 15,000 lbs, 83 1/4″ rise, 5 1/2″ min adapter height, direct-pull cylinders, three height options (155″/175″/199″), ALI Certified, 3,698 lbs shipping weight

Best for: Shops servicing work trucks, vans, small buses, and commercial vehicles. Fleet maintenance facilities. Any operation that needs heavy-duty capacity with the reliability of direct-pull technology.

4. Forward CR14 — The Versatile Four-Post

The CR14 provides 14,000 lbs of four-post lifting capacity with a 78 3/4″ rise. Available in standard (182″ wheelbase) and extended (215″ wheelbase) configurations, with an alignment conversion option (CRA14). The multi-position lock system keeps the lift level at any lock position.

Key Specs: 14,000 lbs, 78 3/4″ rise, standard or extended length, alignment conversion available, ALI Certified

Best for: General service shops, dealerships, vehicle storage, alignment bays (with CRA14 configuration).

5. Forward CRA14 — The Alignment-Ready Four-Post

The CRA14 comes complete with rolling jacks, internal air line kit, radius gauges, and rear slip plates. Everything needed for four-wheel alignment service is included, making this a turnkey alignment solution that saves the time and cost of sourcing individual components.

Key Specs: 14,000 lbs, 182.5″ max wheelbase, complete alignment package included, ALI Certified

Best for: Shops adding alignment services, tire shops expanding capabilities, any operation that needs a combined service/alignment platform.

The Dover Quality Question

The single most important thing to understand about Forward Lift is the Dover/VSG connection. When you buy a Forward Lift, you are buying a product from the same company that makes Rotary Lift — the world’s number one lift brand. Forward exists because Dover recognized that not every shop can or should pay Rotary prices. Forward delivers Dover quality to the professional market at a more accessible price point.

If you are deciding between a Forward Lift and an imported brand at a similar or lower price, ask yourself this question: would you rather have a lift made in the same factory as the world’s best-selling lift brand, or a lift made overseas by a company you know nothing about? The answer usually makes the decision easy.

Model Selection Guide

• Standard two-post service (cars and light trucks up to 10,000 lbs): i10 — the value champion with direct-pull, 3 5/8″ low pad height, and adjustable width.
• Enhanced two-post (diverse vehicle mix, need sym/asym flexibility): DP10A — adds Spot-Rite offset arms for true versatile positioning.
• Medium heavy-duty two-post (vehicles up to 12,000 lbs): I12 — steps up capacity for heavier trucks and SUVs.
• Heavy-duty two-post (work trucks, vans, commercial vehicles up to 15,000 lbs): DP15 — three height options, heavy-duty arms, truck adapters included.
• Maximum heavy-duty two-post (medium-duty commercial vehicles up to 18,000 lbs): Forward 18K model for the heaviest two-post applications.
• Four-post service: CR14 — 14,000 lbs, standard or extended length, alignment conversion available.
• Four-post alignment: CRA14 — 14,000 lbs with complete alignment package (rolling jacks, air lines, gauges, slip plates).

Installation Requirements

Before ordering any Forward Lift, verify these installation requirements:

Ceiling Height

The i10 and DP10A require a minimum 12-foot ceiling in standard configuration. The DP15 is available in three heights: the low-ceiling version needs approximately 13′ of clearance, the standard version needs approximately 14′ 8″, and the extended version needs approximately 16′ 8″. Measure your actual ceiling height — not the listed height of the building, but the actual clearance from floor to the lowest overhead obstruction (sprinkler heads, ductwork, lighting, etc.).

Concrete Requirements

Two-post lifts require a minimum 4″ concrete slab at 3,000 PSI compressive strength for proper anchor bolt performance. If you are unsure about your slab specifications, have a concrete contractor evaluate it before ordering. Installing a lift on inadequate concrete is dangerous and will void the warranty.

Electrical Requirements

Forward Lift equipment runs on 208/230V single-phase power — standard for professional service equipment. The i10 and DP10A draw 17 amps on a 20-amp circuit. The DP15 also requires 20 amps. Ensure adequate electrical service is available at each bay location. Three-phase and 600V options are available by special order for the DP15.

Bay Size

Two-post lifts require adequate bay width and length to accommodate the lift footprint, vehicle overhang, and technician working space. The i10 requires approximately 11′ x 24′ of bay space. The DP15, with its wider column spacing, requires more. Always check the specific model’s bay size requirements against your available space.

Financing and Budget Considerations

Forward Lift represents one of the best values in the automotive lift market. For shops on a tight budget, the i10 delivers Dover/VSG quality at a price that competes with imported chain-drive lifts. For shops with more capacity needs, the DP15 provides heavy-duty capability at a fraction of the cost of comparable heavy-duty lifts from premium brands.

When evaluating lift costs, consider the total cost of ownership over 15-20 years, not just the purchase price. Forward’s direct-pull technology eliminates chain maintenance and replacement costs. The robust construction minimizes repairs. The 5-year structural warranty provides long-term coverage. And the Dover/VSG parts infrastructure ensures replacement components will be available for the entire life of the lift.

Many shop owners focus on the sticker price when comparing lifts, but the real cost comparison should include:

• Purchase price: Forward typically falls between budget imports and premium brands — the mid-range sweet spot.
• Installation cost: Similar across brands for equivalent lift types. Professional installation is strongly recommended.
• Maintenance costs over 15 years: Direct-pull lifts save hundreds to thousands of dollars in chain adjustments and replacements compared to chain-drive lifts.
• Downtime costs: A lift that breaks down in a busy shop costs money every hour it is out of service. Dover/VSG parts availability minimizes repair downtime.
• Resale value: Forward lifts, backed by the Dover name, hold their resale value better than unknown import brands.
• Warranty labor savings: The 6-month labor warranty means Forward covers repair labor costs early in ownership — a benefit that budget brands with parts-only warranties do not offer.

When you add up these factors over a 15-20 year ownership period, Forward Lift often comes out as the lowest total cost of ownership for a professional-grade lift. The initial premium over budget imports is typically recovered within the first few years through lower maintenance costs and avoided downtime.

Multi-Bay and Fleet Outfitting

For shops outfitting multiple bays, Forward Lift provides distinct advantages. The adjustable width on the i10 and DP10A allows the same model to be configured differently for each bay, simplifying procurement while optimizing each bay. The DP15’s three height configurations provide similar flexibility for heavy-duty installations. Ordering multiple units of the same model simplifies parts inventory and technician training.

We regularly help shops plan multi-bay installations with Forward Lift equipment. Whether you are building a new facility from scratch or replacing aging lifts one at a time, we can help you develop a phased plan that fits your budget and operational needs. Contact us for multi-unit pricing on Forward Lift packages.

Forward Lift for Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Modern Vehicle Service

The automotive industry is in the middle of a fundamental transition to electric vehicles, and this transition has real implications for lift equipment. EVs present unique challenges for service shops: they are typically heavier than equivalent ICE vehicles due to the battery pack, they have lower ground clearance in many cases, and the battery pack creates a large, flat surface under the vehicle that requires careful lift point selection.

Forward Lift is well-positioned for the EV era for several reasons:

• Low Minimum Pad Height: The i10’s 3 5/8″ minimum pad height can reach the designated lift points on most EVs, which often have limited ground clearance due to the floor-mounted battery pack. Many EVs specify lift points on reinforced sections of the body or subframe that sit close to the ground — a lift with a high minimum pad height simply cannot reach these points.
• Adequate Capacity: EVs are heavy. A Tesla Model 3 weighs approximately 4,000 lbs. A Tesla Model X can exceed 5,500 lbs. A Ford F-150 Lightning approaches 6,500 lbs. The Hummer EV tops 9,000 lbs. Forward’s 10,000 lb lifts handle all current passenger EVs with adequate safety margin, and the DP15 at 15,000 lbs is ready for the heavy electric trucks that are entering the market.
• Adapter Versatility: The stackable adapter system (multiple heights included with every Forward two-post lift) provides the precise height adjustment needed to match the specific lift points on different EV models. Each manufacturer specifies different lift point locations and heights — having multiple adapter options ensures correct engagement.
• Smooth, Controlled Lifting: The direct-pull hydraulic system provides smooth, even lifting without the jerky motion that can occur with chain-drive systems. This is important when lifting EVs because the battery pack is sensitive to impact and uneven forces. Smooth hydraulic operation minimizes stress on the vehicle structure during lifting.

As more EVs enter the service pipeline, having a lift that can safely and correctly accommodate them is not optional — it is essential. Forward’s combination of low pad height, adequate capacity, adapter versatility, and smooth direct-pull operation makes their lifts EV-ready out of the box.