Parking lifts

The configurations in this category, and what changes between them

Four-post drive-on lifts (park, store and service)

The largest group. The vehicle drives up ramps onto two runways carried by four columns, and multi-position mechanical locks hold it at height. The open center lets them double as service lifts. The BendPak HD-9 family (HD-9, HD-9ST, HD-9STX, HD-9XL, HD-9XW, HD-9SW, HD-9SWX), the HD-7 family (HD-7P, HD-7W), the HD-7500BLX and the AMGO 407-P all work this way. Shared hardware across the HD-9 and HD-7 families includes a single hydraulic cylinder under the runway, 3/8 in. aircraft cable, 1.25 in. roller axles, internal anti-sway slider blocks and a push-button pneumatic safety release, plus adjustable lock ladders on every model in these families except the HD-9XW, whose listing does not mention them; the HD-7500BLX shares all of these, listing its roller axles as 1-1/4 in..

Fully collapsible scissor stackers

The Autostacker A6S and A6W are fully collapsible scissor lifts with a low collapsed height and no fixed overhead structure. A full-width, gradually sloping platform keeps entry ramp height to 2 in., with a forward platform height of 13 in. when lowered. Dual direct-drive cylinders raise the deck, and automatic locks engage at five parking heights. The OPT2 (fore control kit) and OPT3 (aft control kit) versions let one Master Power Unit, sold separately, control up to 12 lifts; the OPT1 versions include their own console and power unit.

Single-post storage lifts

The Tuxedo SP-6K-SS uses one column on a 52 in. x 39 in. base plate, with 80.8 in. of drive-on clearance between the runways. It carries 6,000 lb. on runways 152 in. long and 18-7/8 in. wide, with 19 lock positions, 31 in. ramps for low-profile vehicles and a single-point manual lock release, and can be set to lift from either side.

Double-wide and tandem systems (four vehicles, two-car footprint)

The BendPak HD-9SW (dual-platform layout) and HD-9SWX (four runways, double-wide configuration) both use a 202 in. wide structure to park up to four vehicles where two normally fit. The AMGO 409-DP and 409-DPX place two parking positions side by side on one 198-7/16 in. wide structure, with each parking unit 74-7/16 in. wide and 21-5/8 in. between them, driven by a single 2.0 HP power unit. The PL-12000DP and PL-12000DPS use two 6,000 lb. platforms on dual electric-hydraulic power units, 12,000 lb. total.

Tri-level stackers (three vehicles, one space)

The BendPak HD-973P and its galvanized versions (HD-973P-G, HD-973PX-G) hold three vehicles in one space using two independent platforms plus the ground: 7,000 lb. upper, 9,000 lb. lower. A padded trip bar with a limit switch stops the lower vehicle contacting the upper platform. The PL-6KT extends the idea sideways, with three independent 6,000 lb. platforms on one 308 in. wide structure that BendPak describes as turning a three-car garage into a six-car one.

Shared-column commercial systems

The BendPak PL6000DC is a two-post parking lift built to be ganged: the first unit needs two posts, each additional unit only one more, ordered as the PL6000DC-ADD-ON (one column, one platform, one power unit). Every lift keeps its own power unit, supply and control, and the platforms operate independently.

Italian-built stackers, quoted to order

Omer Lifts' Bipark is a compact double-car stacker and the Tripark is the three-level version, both made in Italy by O.ME.R. S.p.A. and both using an electrically actuated mechanical locking device with lock positions at 1 in. intervals. The four configurations (Bipark 26, Bipark 26 H 21, Bipark 32 and Tripark 25) are variants of one listing, and its standard dimensions can be customized per application. This listing is quoted rather than priced online; call for pricing, availability and lead time, and note that its images are for reference only.

Capacity: read the wheelbase derating, not just the headline number

Rated capacity assumes a long wheelbase. As the wheels move toward the middle of the runways, where there is less structural support, allowable weight drops sharply. The HD-9XW states it plainly: 9,000 lb. needs a minimum 135 in. wheelbase, falling to 115 in. at 75 percent capacity, 95 in. at 50 percent and 80 in. at 25 percent. The HD-7500BLX derates the same way: 7,500 lb. needs a minimum 130 in. wheelbase, falling to 110 in. at 75 percent capacity, 95 in. at 50 percent and 75 in. at 25 percent.

Axle limits matter too: the HD-7500BLX allows up to 3,750 lb. per axle, front and rear; the HD-9XW listing does not publish a per-axle figure, so confirm it against the manual before loading near capacity. Omer platforms range from 5,510 lb. (Tripark 25) to 7,048 lb. (Bipark 32).

On the AMGO double units, read the per-vehicle ceiling carefully: the 409-DP and 409-DPX are rated 9,000 lb. total, and their listings state you can raise either one car of up to 6,000 lb. on one side, or two cars of up to 4,500 lb. each. Two 5,000 lb. vehicles at once is outside what these pages state.

Ceiling height is usually the deciding spec

Measure from finished floor to the lowest obstruction, including garage door tracks and light fixtures. Overall structure heights here span a wide range:

• 82-7/8 in. - AMGO 407-P and 409-DP, the lowest here; 96-5/8 in. - 409-DPX
• 88 in. - BendPak HD-9 and HD-9XL; 90 in. - HD-9SW
• 100 in. - HD-7P, HD-7W, HD-9STX and HD-7500BLX; 100.25 in. - HD-9XW (on the HD-7500BLX the safety ladder adjustment adds up to 3.25 in. to the post height)
• 102 in. - HD-9SWX; 110-1/4 in. - Tuxedo SP-6K-SS
• 118.5 in. to 131 in. - PL-12000DPS, PL-6KT (123.75 in.), PL-12000DP and PL6000DC
• 161 in. and 173.25 in. - HD-973P and HD-973PX-G post heights, each plus up to 3.25 in. for safety ladder adjustment

The Autostacker A6S and A6W have no fixed structure height, which is why they suit low-ceiling garages: you park at whichever of the five locks fits. Under-platform clearance runs 52.5 in., 60.75 in., 68.5 in., 75 in. and 81.25 in. (That sheet separately lists maximum under clearance as 80 in.; confirm against the model documentation.)

Width, length and the footprint the lift really needs

A standard-width BendPak four-post such as the HD-9 measures 110.25 in. wide, with 100.25 in. between the inside of the columns and 86.5 in. of drive-thru clearance. The narrow HD-7P drops to 100.25 in. wide and 76.5 in. drive-thru. Runway width is 19 in. across the BendPak range. Spacing is adjustable from 35 in. to 41 in. on the HD-9, HD-7W and HD-9XL, from 34.25 in. to 41 in. on the HD-9SW and HD-9SWX, and from 35 in. to 41 in. on the HD-9XW. Two models are fixed: the HD-7P at 34.5 in. and the HD-9STX at 37.5 in.

Runway length separates otherwise similar models: 158.25 in. on the HD-9 and HD-7P, 182.25 in. on the HD-9XL and HD-9XW, 188 in. on the HD-9STX and HD-9SWX. The HD-7500BLX widens the stance instead, with runway spacing adjustable from 46.5 in. to 66.5 in. for boats and trailers on a 133.76 in. overall width. Among the collapsible stackers, the A6S is 103 in. wide with an 83.75 in. platform; the A6W adds 8 in. of width for the vehicles, at 111 in. wide with a 91.75 in. platform. On both models, the patented asymmetric scissor arms are what provide the underside door clearance.

One layout note: the HD-7500BLX manual requires 0.75 in. of extra clearance around all four posts for the safety ladder fasteners.

Power, air and site conditions

Confirm available service before ordering; this is the most common late surprise.

• 110-115V single phase: Tuxedo SP-6K-SS (115V, 20 amp), AMGO 407-P (1.0 HP, 110V/60 Hz), and the Autostacker A6S-OPT1-110 and A6W-OPT1-110. The AMGO 409-DP and 409-DPX list a 110V power unit as an option you must specify when ordering, at a slower lifting time, and the PL6000DC accepts 110 or 220 VAC.
• 208-240V single phase: most BendPak four-posts (2 HP, 208-230V, 60 Hz), the Autostacker OPT1 units other than the -110 versions, the AMGO 409-DP and 409-DPX (2.0 HP, 220V as standard), the Omer Bipark 26, Bipark 26 H 21 and Bipark 32 (220V, 1 Ph, 50-60 Hz), and the HD-973P, PL-6KT, PL-12000DP and PL-12000DPS (220 VAC). Special voltages are available on request for the PL-12000DP.
• Three phase: the Omer Tripark 25 is listed at 230V-460V, 3 Ph, 50-60 Hz in its spec table, while the same page also offers that supply as a non-standard option; confirm when ordering.
• Compressed air: the HD-7500BLX specifies 3 to 25 cfm at 50 to 150 psi maximum; Autostacker lists a minimum of 30 psi / 3 CFM to disengage the locks, supplied by the end user.

Environment matters too. The PL6000DC is rated for +41 to +104 degrees F at 50 percent relative humidity. For outdoor installs, choose galvanized: the HD-973P-G and HD-973PX-G use galvanized steel with a powder-coated finish, the Autostacker platform is 100 percent hot-dipped galvanized on every version with fully galvanized -G variants available, the PL6000DC uses a galvanized anti-slip platform, and Omer lists hot-dipped galvanization, a waterproof control-unit cover and an IP 54 push-button board as optional accessories sold separately.

Five listings here state a freestanding design outright - the BendPak HD-9ST, HD-9, HD-9STX, HD-9SWX and HD-9XW - and the PL6000DC states it is freestanding when ganged two or wide. Beyond that, concrete thickness and anchoring requirements are not published on these listings; check the model's installation manual before you commit to a slab.

Certifications declared on these products

Only what each listing states: the BendPak HD-9ST, HD-9, HD-9STX, HD-9XL and HD-9XW are listed as CE Approved and Certified, meeting or exceeding European Standard EN-1493, and as ETL Approved. The AMGO 407-P ships with an ETL certified power unit as standard. The Autostacker models list UL Listed electrical components meeting National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements. Most listings here also carry a California Proposition 65 warning. Where a page states no certification, request the documentation.

Model comparison

Three data conflicts worth knowing

• The spec tables on the BendPak HD-9 and HD-9ST pages show a "Lifting Capacity" row reading 6,000 lb., while the model designation and feature list on both state 9,000 lb. The 9,000 lb. rating is correct. The rest of the HD-9ST table also carries values that do not belong to a four-post lift; use its flyer and manual for dimensions.
• The HD-973PX-G description claims an additional 84 in. of overall height versus the HD-973P. The spec tables show post heights of 173.25 in. versus 161 in., a 12.25 in. difference, with upper-platform rise of 151.5 in. versus 139.5 in. Plan around the table figures.
• The HD-7500BLX spec table lists 110 in. as the minimum wheelbase for 75 percent of rated capacity, while a footnote on the same page gives a worked example at 110 in. of 50 percent, or 3,750 lb. That footnote also names a different model, the HD-75BXT. Plan around the table and confirm with the manual before loading near capacity.

Frequently asked questions

How much ceiling height do I need to stack two cars?

Add the lower vehicle, the platform thickness and the upper vehicle. The HD-973P lists a lower-platform runway thickness of 4.75 in. and an upper-platform thickness of 5.5 in.; BendPak four-post runways sit 5 in. off the floor when lowered on most HD models, 7 in. on the HD-9SW and HD-9SWX, and 8 in. on the PL-6KT. If the ceiling is tight, the Autostacker A6S and A6W are built for it: stop at the 52.5 in. or 60.75 in. lock.

Can I service a car on a parking lift, or only store it?

It depends on the design. The BendPak four-post models with open-center runways are described as suitable for parking, storage and service, and most accept optional 4,500 lb. air/hydraulic rolling jacks (Model RJ-45). A sliding jack platform is listed on the HD-9XL, HD-9XW, HD-7W and HD-9SW; check the individual page for the rest. The Tuxedo SP-6K-SS is listed as useful for inspections and minor service. The dedicated stackers with full-width solid platforms, such as the PL-6KT and PL-12000 series, are built to protect the bottom vehicle rather than to open up underbody access.

Do I need a compressor?

For lifts with a pneumatic safety release, yes. The HD-7500BLX specifies 3 to 25 cfm at 50 to 150 psi maximum, and Autostacker notes a minimum of 30 psi / 3 CFM may be required to disengage the locks. Not every unit here uses one: the AMGO models and the Tuxedo SP-6K-SS use single-point manual lock release instead.

Which model fits a long-wheelbase truck?

Two numbers matter, and they pull in opposite directions. Runway length has to hold the truck: 158.25 in. on the HD-9 and HD-7P, 182.25 in. on the HD-9XL and HD-9XW, 188 in. on the HD-9STX and HD-9SWX. Rated wheelbase capacity is a minimum, not a maximum: the HD-9 delivers its full 9,000 lb. from a 115 in. wheelbase up, while the HD-9XL and HD-9XW require at least 135 in. for theirs. A long-wheelbase truck clears both minimums, so size on runway length; a short-wheelbase vehicle is the one that gets derated. On the tri-level units, the HD-973P upper deck needs 130 in. of wheelbase for its full 7,000 lb. and the lower deck 120 in. for its 9,000 lb.; the HD-973PX-G raises those to 135 in. and 125 in.

What about freight and unloading?

33 of the 38 products here are flagged for free shipping, including the full BendPak and Autostacker ranges; the Autostacker listings specify free shipping to direct points within the 48 contiguous states. The Tuxedo SP-6K-SS quotes freight at $965 per unit to the contiguous 48, excluding Alaska, Hawaii and remote locations. Unloading at delivery is the buyer's responsibility, and offload requirements are stated per model: the HD-9, HD-9STX, HD-9XL, HD-7P, HD-7W, HD-9SW and HD-9SWX ship flatbed and require a forklift. Confirm the method for the HD-9ST before scheduling delivery, since the shipping rows on its page belong to the same table flagged above.

Three models here are listed as special order - the PL6000DC, the PL6000DC-ADD-ON and the PL-12000DP - so confirm lead time with a specialist before you plan the install date.

All models here are new equipment. Call 800-562-4791 and a specialist will work through bay dimensions, vehicle weights and electrical service before you order.