Challenger 20,000 lb Symmetric 2-Post Lift #CL20

Challenger 20,000 lb Symmetric 2-Post Lift #CL20

Medium-duty trucks are where 10K and 12K two-post lifts quietly become unsafe and 30K four-post racks waste a whole bay on one vehicle. The CL20 splits that gap: a 20,000 lb symmetric two-post lift with 2-stage front and rear arms and single-point air-actuated lock release, built for medium-duty trucks and heavy commercial vehicles.

At the standard 174 in. column height with adjustable installed width, it keeps cycle times fast in a shop where the vehicle mix runs heavier than a passenger-car lift should carry — 5,000 lbs per arm across a 38.5" - 62" arm reach.

Who the CL20 Is Built For

• Municipal and fleet shops servicing medium-duty trucks — the 20,000 lb symmetric rating is the right class for dump-body and box trucks that a passenger-car lift should never carry.
• Shops upgrading from a 12K lift that runs at its ceiling every cycle — the CL20 carries the same trucks with 5,000 lbs per arm of margin instead of none.
• Truck bays with 13'8" - 14'8" of verified clearance — the standard 174 in. columns fit the bays most truck shops already have, no ceiling work required.
• High-cycle truck shops — the single-point air-actuated lock release turns lock release from a two-column walk into one control, on every single cycle.
• Shops weighing the standard CL20 against the CL20-2 — if tall walk-in bodies are in the mix, the extended version exists for exactly that reason.

What the CL20 Is NOT Built For

This is not the right choice when your vehicle weights exceed 20,000 lbs, your tall-body trucks need more than 174 in. of column height, or your slab has not been verified for a 20K two-post. If you are close on any spec, compare it with Challenger 20,000 lb Symmetric 2-Post Lift #CL20-2 or call Alamo.

Important sizing note: The CL20 publishes 20,000 lbs capacity, 174 in. column height, and 154.75" - 166.75" installed width options. Measure the bay and confirm the exact vehicle mix before purchase.

What Makes the CL20 Different

20,000 lb Symmetric Capacity

The symmetric configuration at 20,000 lbs with 5,000 lbs per arm is sized for medium-duty trucks — dump-body work trucks, box trucks, and heavy vans that passenger-car lifts should never see. That matters because pushing a 12K lift to its limit every cycle is how shops end up with a failure instead of a lift.

• Use the published capacity and per-arm rating as the first decision filter.
• Confirm the lift points on your heaviest daily vehicles.
• Ask Alamo to compare the CL16 cargo series if cargo vans dominate the mix.
• Keep the install team involved before the bay is committed.

2-Stage Arm Geometry

The 2-stage front and rear arms keep the spotting geometry simple and rigid at heavy capacities, with a 38.5" - 62" arm reach and 6.2" - 7.6" screw pad adjustment — fewer joints under a 5,000 lb per-arm load than a 3-stage design.

Single-Point Air-Actuated Lock Release

One air-actuated control releases both column locks at once, powered by 90 - 120 psi shop air. On a busy truck bay, the seconds saved every cycle add up — no walking between columns to release locks.

Bay Planning Numbers

The key measurements are a 13'8" - 14'8" ceiling requirement (by column setting), 154.75" - 166.75" installed width options, and 104.25" - 116.25" drive-through clearance. Check these against doors, lights, air lines, drains, and any overhead obstruction.

Electrical and Install Coordination

The published electrical line is 3HP, 208/230v, 1 Phase, 60Hz. Have a licensed electrician confirm the circuit and final local requirements before installation day.

Service After the Sale

Alamo installs and services the lifts we sell, so the same team that helps size the CL20 can support the equipment after it is in the bay.

Best For

• Medium-duty trucks within the 20,000 lbs rating
• Bays with 13'8" - 14'8" verified ceiling clearance
• Shops that want fast lock-release cycles via shop air
• Buyers who want Alamo installation and service support

Not Ideal For

• Tall-body trucks needing more than 174 in. of column height
• Vehicles above the rated capacity
• Shops without verified concrete for a 20K two-post
• Shops without 90 - 120 psi shop air

CL20 vs. CL20-2 - Which Lift Is Right for Your Shop?

Both configurations stay inside Alamo's catalog. Call Alamo and we will help you decide before ordering.

Full Specifications - CL20

Challenger Lifts Warranty - CL20

Challenger Lifts backs the CL20 series with manufacturer warranty coverage. Challenger's published warranty schedule does not list a model-specific row for the CL20, so Alamo confirms the exact current terms in writing at purchase rather than quoting an unverified number here.

Warranty service is coordinated through Alamo Equipment & Service — call (817) 865-3707 and we help get the issue moving.

Warranty terms can change. Confirm exact coverage at the time of purchase. Warranty can be void if the lift is installed improperly or not anchored per spec.