Single Post Lifts

Single-post lifts (sometimes called single-column lifts) elevate a vehicle from a single central column. They are most commonly used in car wash facilities, detail bays, and specialty service applications where a single-side approach is acceptable and a 2-post configuration is excessive or impractical.

A 2-post lift grabs the vehicle frame from both sides at four contact points. A single-post lift typically uses a central swing arm or frame contact from a single column. Single-post lifts have a smaller footprint but lower rated capacities and more restrictive vehicle compatibility.

Most single-post lifts are rated for passenger and light-truck capacities — typically 6,000 to 9,000 lbs. They are not designed for heavy-duty truck or commercial vehicle service.

Yes, but the use case is narrower than a 2-post. Single-post lifts are suitable for vehicles that don't require full-frame access from both sides (e.g., detail work, undercarriage wash, light maintenance). For full-service work — brake jobs, suspension repair, exhaust work — a 2-post or scissor lift is the standard choice.

Floor-mount single-post lifts bolt to the concrete surface with a visible column base. In-ground single-post lifts have the cylinder installed below the floor in an engineered pit, leaving a clean, flush appearance when lowered. In-ground installation costs significantly more but is preferred for showroom and detail-bay aesthetics.

Standard single-post lifts typically require 10 to 12 feet of ceiling clearance for full rise. Always check the specific model's specification sheet — lift height plus 12 inches of working clearance is the minimum planning guideline.

Yes. Floor-mounted single-post lifts require a minimum of 4 inches of 3,000-PSI concrete in good condition. In-ground installation requires concrete cutting, pit excavation, and properly engineered foundation work. Confirm site requirements with the manufacturer's installation specification.

Many models in this collection are ALI Gold Label certified. Filter for certified models in the ALI Certified Lifts collection or look for the ALI badge on each product page.

Two-post lifts grab the vehicle frame and lift the wheels free of the ground — ideal for undercarriage service. Four-post lifts use runways that the vehicle drives onto, keeping the wheels on the runway — ideal for alignment work, long-term storage, and any service where you need the wheels loaded. 2-post lifts have a smaller footprint; 4-post lifts have higher rated capacities.