ATLAS AUTOMOTIVE LIFTS
Professional-grade two-post, four-post, scissor, and alignment lifts built for shops that demand reliability without breaking the budget.
Atlas Automotive Equipment has earned a reputation as one of the best values in the lift industry. Their lifts are engineered for professional shops and serious home garages — delivering robust construction, smooth hydraulic operation, and long-lasting performance at price points that won’t drain your budget.
As an experienced Atlas reseller, TruckAndCarLifts.com offers the full line of Atlas two-post, four-post, scissor, and alignment lifts. We combine competitive pricing with real technical support — our team knows these lifts inside and out, and we’re here before, during, and after the sale.

If you spend any time shopping for car lifts, you run into Atlas Automotive Equipment pretty quickly. There is a good reason for that. For over four decades, Atlas has built a reputation as the brand that delivers legitimate, professional-grade lifting equipment without the premium price tag that comes with some of the bigger names. Founded in the early 1980s by Indiana equipment dealer Greg Smith, Atlas started with a simple idea: independent shops and serious home mechanics deserve heavy-duty gear that does not wreck the budget.
That idea turned into one of the most recognized brands in the automotive equipment industry. Today, Atlas produces a full range of two-post lifts, four-post lifts, scissor lifts, alignment lifts, motorcycle and ATV lifts, tire changers, wheel balancers, and a wide assortment of shop accessories. Their product catalog covers everything from a hobbyist putting together a dream garage to a high-volume commercial service center running lifts all day long.
What sets Atlas apart from the competition is straightforward: they give you more lift for less money. That sounds like marketing talk, but the numbers back it up. An Atlas 9,000 lb two-post lift runs several hundred dollars less than comparable models from the big-name brands, and the build quality holds up under daily commercial use. Thousands of shops across North America have put Atlas lifts through years of hard work and the equipment keeps performing.
Atlas Automotive Equipment traces its roots back to the early 1980s when Greg Smith, an equipment dealer based in Indiana, saw an opportunity in the automotive lift market. At the time, independent repair shops and smaller garages were largely stuck choosing between expensive premium lifts and cheap knockoffs that nobody trusted. Smith set out to build a brand that occupied the middle ground — equipment that could stand up to commercial use at a price point that smaller operations could actually afford.
The company started small, focusing on two-post lifts and building relationships with shop owners who needed reliable, affordable equipment. Word spread quickly. Mechanics talk to each other, and when one shop started getting solid performance out of an Atlas lift that cost significantly less than the competition, neighboring shops took notice. Throughout the late 1980s and into the 1990s, Atlas expanded its product line and distribution network steadily.
Today, Atlas Automotive Equipment operates from headquarters at 6278 W 300 N in Greenfield, Indiana. The company is privately owned — not a division of a conglomerate, not a subsidiary of a foreign manufacturer. That independence gives Atlas the ability to make decisions based on what is best for the product and the customer rather than what looks good on a quarterly earnings report.
Atlas designs all of its equipment in-house in the United States. The engineering team specifies materials, dimensions, hydraulic components, and safety features for every model. Fabrication takes place in modern factories in Asia that operate under ISO 9001 quality management systems. Some specialty models, including their heavy-duty scissor lifts, were co-engineered with European firms, combining Western design expertise with cost-efficient production.
This manufacturing approach is worth understanding because it comes up in conversations about Atlas regularly. Yes, the lifts are manufactured overseas. No, they are not cheap imports with a sticker slapped on them. Atlas controls the design, specifies the steel grades, and supervises quality control. Every production run undergoes inspection and testing before it ships. The company has been doing this for over forty years, and tens of thousands of lifts in the field speak to the effectiveness of their quality control process.
Atlas lifts are CE tested and approved through CCQS UK Ltd., meaning the structures and hydraulics meet European Economic Area safety requirements. For lifts sold in the United States and Canada, different power unit configurations are used, but the core structural and hydraulic components meet the same standards.
Certifications matter in the lift industry, and Atlas takes them seriously. Many of their core models carry the ALI (Automotive Lift Institute) Gold Label, meaning they have been independently tested and certified to meet ANSI/ALI ALCTV standards. The ALI certification process is rigorous — lifts are load-tested to 150% of their rated capacity, and every aspect of the mechanical locks, hydraulic integrity, and overload protection is evaluated.
Atlas models that carry the ALI Gold Label include the Platinum PVL10 two-post lift, the Platinum PVL9BP baseplate two-post lift, the Apex 8 four-post lift, and the Platinum PVL14 four-post lift, among others. These are the models you want if your municipality, insurance carrier, or fleet contract requires ALI certification.
Some of Atlas’s budget and hobby models do not carry official ALI certification. Atlas omits the certification on these models to keep the entry price as low as possible for home garage users. The structure and safety gear are still built to the same engineering specifications — multiple mechanical locks, flow-control valves, arm restraints, slack-cable devices — but the cost of the voluntary third-party certification process is not folded into the price.
Atlas maintains thirteen warehouses across North America, with locations in Indiana, Georgia, Texas, Arizona, New Jersey, and additional regional hubs. This network ensures that new lifts ship quickly and — just as importantly — replacement parts are available without waiting for an overseas shipment. Cylinders, cables, power units, seals, and wear items are stocked domestically for fast turnaround.
The company also maintains a dedicated tech support line staffed by knowledgeable people who can walk you through troubleshooting and help identify parts. After forty-plus years in business, Atlas has built a parts inventory that covers even older model lifts.
The backbone of any professional shop. Choose your capacity.
9,000 lbs
Capacity
✓ Overhead design
✓ Symmetric/Asymmetric arms
✓ Clear floor design
✓ Dual hydraulic cylinders
✓ Adjustable height: 11’6″ or 11’10”
Most Popular
10,000 lbs
Capacity
✓ Overhead design
✓ Symmetric/Asymmetric arms
✓ Clear floor design
✓ Dual hydraulic cylinders
✓ Great for cars, trucks & SUVs
12,000 lbs
Capacity
✓ Overhead design
✓ Heavy-duty columns
✓ Clear floor design
✓ Trucks, vans & fleet vehicles
✓ Extended height available
14,000 lbs
Capacity
✓ Overhead design
✓ Commercial-grade
✓ Heavy trucks & large vehicles
✓ Reinforced carriage
✓ Professional duty cycle
15,000 lbs
Capacity
✓ Overhead design
✓ Maximum capacity two-post
✓ Heavy-duty everything
✓ Fleet & commercial shops
✓ Built for high-volume use
In-depth specs for every Atlas overhead and baseplate two-post model
Overhead two-post lifts use a crossbeam connecting the tops of the two columns. This design provides excellent stability and leaves the floor area between the columns completely open, making it easy to roll a transmission jack, tool box, or creeper under the vehicle.
The Atlas 9KOHX is one of the most popular lifts in the entire Atlas lineup, and for good reason. It delivers 9,000 lbs of lifting capacity at a price point that makes it accessible to both home garage builders and commercial shops on a budget.
The adjustable height is a huge selling point. The overhead beam can be set to either 11′ 6″ or 11′ 10″, which means this lift fits in most standard garages without requiring unusually high ceilings. The symmetric columns with specially designed EZ-metric arms give you the flexibility to run in either symmetric or asymmetric configuration. Symmetric is better for lifting fully loaded pickup trucks and SUVs where you need the wider column spacing. Asymmetric positions the vehicle slightly rearward, making it easier to open the front doors — a nice convenience for daily service work.
The chain-over-roller hydraulic system uses dual cylinders for smooth, even lifting. The Secondary Lock System (SLS) is an important safety feature — it is spring-loaded and engages automatically if a chain goes slack or breaks, preventing the carriage from dropping. Combined with the dual-point lock release (both columns must be released to lower the lift) and automatic arm restraints, the 9KOHX provides multiple layers of safety.
The automatic padded shut-off bar mounted below the crossbeam is a thoughtful touch. If the top of the vehicle contacts this bar during lifting, the motor shuts off automatically, preventing damage to the vehicle roof.
The Platinum PVL10 represents Atlas’s commercial-grade offering in the overhead two-post category. This lift carries the ALI Gold Label and is built for shops that need certified equipment for insurance compliance, municipal requirements, or simply the peace of mind that comes with independent third-party testing.
The PVL10 features the Double S column design, which has become something of a legend in the lift industry. The special double “S” bends in the column increase structural strength significantly. This design was patented when it first appeared, and tens of thousands of lifts using this column configuration have been sold worldwide over the past two decades.
The 3-stage front arms and 2-stage rear arms provide excellent reach and adjustability. The single-point lock release is a step up from the dual-point system on the standard models — more convenient for high-volume shops. Padded carriages protect vehicle underbodies from scuffing.
The PVL10 comes standard with the ALLY Hydraulic AL2850 power unit, which is certified by MET Laboratories for electrical compliance in the United States and Canada. The ALLY power unit uses extra heavy-duty armatures and increased motor windings that generate less heat, maintaining constant torque through the entire lifting process.
Baseplate two-post lifts eliminate the overhead crossbeam entirely. The two columns stand independently, connected only at the floor by a baseplate. This open-top design makes baseplate lifts the go-to choice for garages with low ceilings where an overhead beam would restrict headroom or make it impossible to lift taller vehicles.
The PVL9BP is Atlas’s ALI-certified solution for low-ceiling installations. With a total column height of just 111 1/8″ (9′ 3 1/8″), this lift works in garages where overhead models simply will not fit.
The baseplate design uses the chain-over-roller cylinder configuration exclusively. This is the only hydraulic cylinder system possible in a baseplate lift because a direct-drive cylinder would extend above the column at full height. The chain-over-roller system is proven and reliable, and Atlas has been refining it for decades.
The PVL9BP comes with the ALLY AL2300 power unit. This unit solves a common problem in the lift industry: many power units are rated for 220 volts only, which means they struggle or fail in buildings wired for the newer 208-volt standard. The ALLY AL2300 is rated for 208-230 volts, so it works properly in both older and newer electrical systems. The 2.1 GPM flow rate is higher than many competitors, translating to faster lift cycles.
Beyond two-post, Atlas offers a complete range of shop lifting solutions.
Atlas splits their four-post lift lineup into two clear categories: hobbyist lifts for home garages and car storage, and commercial-grade lifts for professional service centers.
The Apex 8 is Atlas’s flagship home garage lift and one of the few hobbyist-class four-post lifts on the market that carries ALI certification.
The caster kit included with the Apex 8 means this lift can be repositioned within a garage — a practical feature for home mechanics who might need to reconfigure their workspace. The drip trays catch any fluid that drips from a stored vehicle, keeping the garage floor clean. Most Apex 8 customers install the lift themselves, with average installation time of about four hours with two people.
The PVL14 is built for commercial service centers that need to lift cars, vans, SUVs, full-size trucks, and light to medium duty commercial vehicles.
The PVL14 uses a high-strength cable system with an under-runway oversized hydraulic cylinder. This is a significant design advantage over competitors that still use exposed chain lifting systems with visible hydraulic cylinders. Exposed cylinder designs are more difficult to level properly and are responsible for door dings when positioning vehicles on the lift. Atlas solved both problems with the under-runway cylinder design.
The power unit on the PVL14 is the ALLY Hydraulic AL2650, the same MET Laboratories certified unit used across the Platinum series. It is built for the duty cycle of a commercial shop — constant torque, minimal heat generation, and certified electrical compliance for both U.S. and Canadian installations.
Beyond the standard two-post and four-post configurations, Atlas offers a wide range of specialty lifting equipment. Their scissor lift lineup alone covers portable low-rise, mid-rise, full-rise, in-ground, and alignment configurations from 6,000 to 16,000 lbs capacity.
Designed for quick-service — tire rotations, brake jobs, underside inspections. Plugs into a standard outlet.
Portable mid-rise scissor for shops needing more working height without a full-rise installation.
Open-center design for easier underside access — great as a dedicated tire-and-brake bay lift.
The 12ASL is a serious alignment lift. It features built-in slip plates, alignment turntables and covers, air-operated single-point lock release, and welded rails on the inside of the runways. This lift can be surface mounted or flush mounted, and it handles everything from compact cars to heavy dually trucks.
The wheels-free variant adds 17″ of additional height above the runway for wheel-off alignment work. All other specifications match the standard 12ASL. This is the model you want if your alignment workflow requires removing wheels during the alignment process.
The PX16A is Atlas’s heavy-duty alignment solution for shops that service larger trucks and commercial vehicles. At 16,000 lbs, it handles medium-duty trucks that would exceed the capacity of most alignment lifts.
Atlas may be known as the value brand, but their engineering is more sophisticated than the price tag suggests.
The Double S column design is Atlas’s signature engineering feature on the Platinum series. The columns incorporate special double “S” bends that dramatically increase structural rigidity. When a vehicle is lifted on a two-post lift, the columns experience significant lateral forces. Standard box-section columns resist these forces through sheer material thickness. The Double S design uses geometry to provide superior resistance with less material, resulting in a stronger column that weighs less. The PVL10 uses 6mm thick steel in a 7″ x 10 1/4″ column section — substantial dimensions for a 10,000 lb rated lift.
Atlas equips their Platinum series lifts with ALLY Hydraulic power units, which are a step above the generic power units found on many competing lifts. Key differences include:
Atlas uses two different hydraulic cylinder configurations depending on the lift model. Overhead two-post lifts may use either direct-drive cylinders or chain-over-roller systems. Baseplate two-post lifts exclusively use chain-over-roller because the direct-drive cylinder would extend above the column at full height. On the four-post PVL14, Atlas uses a high-strength cable system with an under-runway oversized hydraulic cylinder, keeping the hydraulic components hidden under the runways.
Every Atlas lift incorporates multiple independent safety systems:
This is where Atlas wins, period. An Atlas PVL10 with ALI certification, 10,000 lb capacity, and a 5-year structural warranty costs several hundred to over a thousand dollars less than comparable ALI-certified lifts from premium brands. For a shop outfitting multiple bays, the savings add up fast. If you are buying four or five lifts for a new shop buildout, choosing Atlas over a premium brand can save you thousands of dollars.
Atlas’s Platinum series carries a 5-year structural / 2-year hydraulic / 2-year power unit warranty. This rivals the warranty coverage offered by brands that cost significantly more. Standard and hobby models carry 3-year structural / 1-year hydraulic coverage. With thirteen U.S. warehouses stocking a comprehensive inventory, replacement parts ship quickly.
Most Atlas lift customers install their own equipment. Atlas designs their lifts with DIY installation in mind, providing detailed instructions and video walkthroughs. A typical two-post lift installation takes 4-6 hours with two people. Four-post lifts are even simpler since they do not require concrete anchoring in the same way.
Every Atlas lift runs on 220 volt single-phase power. This is a significant practical advantage because single-phase 220V is available in virtually every residential garage and commercial shop in North America. Some competing lifts, particularly at higher capacities, require three-phase power that is not available in most residential settings.
Against Rotary Lift, Atlas is the value alternative. Rotary is the oldest name in the business and commands premium pricing. If you want comparable lifting performance for less money, Atlas delivers.
Against Challenger Lifts, Atlas competes on price while Challenger competes on heavy-duty specialization. For standard car and light truck service, Atlas gives you everything you need at a lower cost.
Against Forward Lift, the comparison is closer. Both brands target the mid-range market. Atlas tends to win on price, while Forward Lift offers certain features and configurations that Atlas does not carry.
The bottom line: Atlas is not the cheapest lift on the market, and it is not the most expensive. It occupies the sweet spot where quality meets affordability, and it has been doing so successfully for over four decades.
The 9KOHX is the workhorse of the Atlas lineup. It hits the perfect balance of capacity, features, and price that makes it the go-to choice for home garages and budget-conscious shops. The adjustable height (11′ 6″ or 11′ 10″) means it fits in garages that other overhead lifts cannot accommodate. The symmetric/asymmetric arm flexibility lets you optimize the lift for whatever vehicle you are working on.
Best for: Home garages, small independent shops, anyone looking for maximum value in a two-post overhead lift.
The PVL10 is what you put in a bay that is going to see heavy use every day. ALI certified, 10,000 lb capacity, Double S column design, ALLY power unit, 5-year structural warranty. This lift goes head-to-head with lifts from premium brands that cost considerably more. The 3-stage front arms offer reach and adjustability that cheaper lifts lack. The single-point lock release speeds up operation in high-volume shops.
Best for: Professional service centers, dealerships, fleet shops, any commercial operation that needs certified equipment.
Got a garage with a 10-foot ceiling? The PVL9BP is your answer. At 9′ 3 1/8″ column height, it fits where overhead models cannot. ALI certified, 9,000 lb capacity, and the same quality engineering as the rest of the Platinum line. The ALLY AL2300 power unit’s 208-230V compatibility is particularly valuable in buildings with newer electrical systems.
Best for: Shops and garages with ceiling heights under 12 feet, older buildings with limited overhead clearance.
The Apex 8 is the lift that turns a regular garage into a car enthusiast’s paradise. At 8,000 lbs with ALI certification, it safely stores one vehicle above while you work on another below. ALI certification on a hobbyist four-post lift is relatively rare. Most home garage lifts skip the certification to save cost. Atlas chose to certify the Apex 8, giving home users the same safety validation that commercial shops get.
Best for: Home garages, car collectors, restoration shops, anyone who needs to double their parking or storage capacity.
At 12,000 lbs with built-in turntables, slip plates, and rolling jack rails, the 12ASL is a complete alignment station. It handles everything from compacts to heavy dually trucks, and it can be surface mounted or flush mounted depending on your shop configuration. The combination of high capacity, integrated alignment features, and the ability to surface mount without cutting your shop floor makes this lift extremely versatile.
Best for: Alignment shops, tire shops adding alignment services, fleet maintenance facilities.
Find the right capacity for your shop
| Model | Capacity | Rise | Overall Height | Best For | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlas 9KOH | 9,000 lbs | 69″ | 11’6″ / 11’10” | Home & light commercial | Quote |
| Atlas 10KOH | 10,000 lbs | 72″ | 12′ | Most popular — all-around | Quote |
| Atlas 12KOH | 12,000 lbs | 72″ | 12’2″ | Trucks, vans & fleet | Quote |
| Atlas 14KOH | 14,000 lbs | 75″ | 12’6″ | Heavy commercial | Quote |
| Atlas 15KOH | 15,000 lbs | 75″ | 12’8″ | Max capacity — heavy fleet | Quote |
Most Atlas overhead two-post lifts require a minimum ceiling height of 12 feet. The 9KOH model has adjustable height options starting at 11’6″, making it ideal for standard-height garages. We recommend measuring your ceiling height before ordering and contacting us at 866-217-0063 if you have any questions.
Yes. Atlas lifts carry ALI (Automotive Lift Institute) certification, which is the gold standard for lift safety in the automotive industry. This means every lift has been independently tested and verified to meet ANSI/ALI safety standards.
Atlas lifts ship complete with columns, arms, hydraulic power unit, mounting hardware, and installation instructions. Some models include truck adapters. Shipping is typically via freight carrier to your location. Contact us for details on installation services in your area.
Most Atlas lifts ship within 3-5 business days from the warehouse. Freight delivery typically takes an additional 5-10 business days depending on your location. We’ll provide tracking information once your lift ships.
Absolutely! We offer financing options to help you get your lift installed sooner. Whether you’re a shop owner or a serious home mechanic, we can work with you on affordable monthly payments. Call us at 866-217-0063 to discuss options.
While many experienced mechanics and shop owners do install their own lifts, we always recommend professional installation to ensure proper anchoring and safety. The concrete floor must meet minimum thickness and PSI requirements. Contact us and we can help you find an installer in your area or walk you through the process.
Choosing the right Atlas lift comes down to a few key factors. Get these right and you will be happy with your purchase for years.
This is the first thing to check. Overhead two-post lifts like the 9KOHX need a minimum ceiling height of about 12 feet for comfortable operation. If your ceiling is under 12 feet, look at the PVL9BP baseplate model (9′ 3 1/8″ column height) or a four-post lift (PVL14 overall height is 7′ 8 1/2″). Scissor lifts have the lowest profile of all, with some models starting at just 4″ lowered height.
Two-post lifts must be anchored to concrete. Atlas specifies a minimum of 4 inches of concrete at 3,000 PSI for most two-post models. Alignment scissor lifts like the 12ASL require 6 inches at 3,000 PSI. If your garage has a thin slab or a slab of unknown quality, get it tested before buying a lift. Anchoring a lift to inadequate concrete is dangerous and will void your warranty.
Four-post lifts are less demanding because the vehicle weight is distributed across four columns and two long runways. Portable four-post lifts like the Apex 8 can even be used on flat, level surfaces without anchoring in some configurations, though anchoring is always recommended.
All Atlas lifts run on single-phase power. Most models require 220 volt with a 30 amp breaker and 10 gauge wire from the panel. Some smaller scissor lifts (the LR06, 6MR, 6PL) run on 110 volt standard household current. Check your electrical panel before ordering — if you need a 220V circuit run to your garage, factor that electrician cost into your budget.
Some Atlas lifts require compressed air — particularly the scissor lifts with air-operated lock release systems (90-120 PSI typical) and the mid-rise 7K-KWIK. If your shop does not have a compressor, budget for one, or look at models with electric-only operation.
Do not overbuy capacity you will never use, but do not underbuy either. For a home garage working mostly on cars and light trucks, a 9,000 lb two-post or 8,000 lb four-post handles everything with margin to spare. For a commercial shop servicing full-size trucks, SUVs, and vans, step up to 10,000 lb or higher. If you are servicing medium-duty commercial vehicles, the 14,000 lb PVL14 is the right choice.
Two-post lifts provide full underside access and take up less floor space when not in use. They are the standard for most service work — oil changes, brakes, exhaust, suspension, transmission. Four-post lifts are better for vehicle storage, alignment (when equipped with turntables), and situations where you want to drive on and off quickly. Many shops use both types in different bays.
At TruckAndCarLifts.com, we have been selling and supporting Atlas Automotive Equipment for years. We know these lifts because we work with them. When you call us, you are talking to people who understand the product line, know the specs, and can help you make the right choice for your specific situation.
As an experienced reseller, we offer competitive pricing on the full Atlas lineup — two-post lifts, four-post lifts, scissor lifts, alignment lifts, wheel service equipment, and combo packages. We provide expert guidance on model selection, ceiling and floor requirements, electrical planning, and installation considerations. We also carry a full range of Atlas replacement parts and accessories.
Financing options are available for shops that want to spread the cost of a major equipment purchase. Whether you are outfitting a single bay or building out a complete multi-bay facility, we can put together a package that works for your budget and your needs.
Also explore our other top brands: Rotary Lift | Challenger Lifts | Forward Lift | MAHLE Service Solutions | COATS | Norco Professional Lifting
“We switched our shop to Atlas lifts two years ago and haven’t looked back. They perform like lifts costing twice as much. TruckAndCarLifts.com made the buying process easy and their support has been excellent.”
— Professional Shop Owner
Talk to a lift expert today. We’ll help you find the right Atlas lift for your space, your vehicles, and your budget.