Mobile column lifts let a shop raise a bus, fire truck, box truck or semi tractor anywhere there is a floor that meets the manufacturer's requirements - Challenger rates its columns for almost any solid surface, indoors or out, while iDEAL specifies indoor use on concrete of at least 3,000 PSI. No pit, no anchors, no bay given over permanently to one lift. JMC carries 37 lifts in this category from six manufacturers, plus one Challenger fork lift adapter: BendPak, iDEAL, Mahle, Challenger Lifts, Omer Lifts and Tuxedo. Capacity runs from a 2,000 lb. single-column storage lift up to eight-column sets rated 152,000 lb. The range covers wireless battery columns, battery columns with cabled communication, three-phase mains-powered systems, air-powered wheel lifts and two single-post lifts for light work. Everything here is new equipment sold outright.
A mobile column lift is wheel-engaging: each column rolls up to a wheel, adjustable forks slide under the tire, and the columns raise the vehicle together under electronic synchronization. Most lifting jobs use even-numbered groups - two under one axle, four for a two-axle truck, six or eight for three- and four-axle vehicles - though BendPak, Mahle, iDEAL and Omer all publish a single-column control mode without stating what it's used for - on the BendPak PCL-18B in particular, the sheets require a minimum of four columns to lift a vehicle and forbid lifting the front or back alone with two, so single-column operation is not a way to raise part of a vehicle on that line, and Challenger sells the CLHM columns individually. Because nothing is bolted down, the same set can service a fire apparatus in the morning and a transit bus in the afternoon.
▸ Read the full Mobile Column Lifts buying guide — types, capacity, power and space, comparison table and FAQs
The kinds of lift in this category
Wireless battery columns
These are half the category - 19 of the 38 listings. Mahle CML, Challenger Lifts CLHM and CLMM, and Omer MCO columns run on a 24 VDC battery system with an onboard charger and communicate wirelessly. Mahle's CML columns use a tablet-style touch screen and charge on 70-130 VAC at 50-60 Hz. Challenger's CLHM columns charge from a 120 VAC 60 Hz outlet drawing 1.3 amps on the CLHM-140, CLHM-190 and CLHM-190W, or 2.8 amps on the CLHM-125XF. Omer's MCO columns publish an average of 25 lift cycles before recharge. Control detail varies by line: the set can be commanded from any column on the Challenger CLMM-5000, CLHM-125XF, CLHM-190 and CLHM-190W, the iDEAL MSC-18K-X and the BendPak PCL-18B - the CLHM-140 sheet lists only a touch-screen control console without stating any-column operation, while Mahle publishes a touch-screen graphic control system and Omer publishes single, paired or group control modes.
Battery columns with cabled communication
The iDEAL MSC-13K-B and MSC-18K-X run on the same 24 VDC battery system and charge on 100-140 VAC, 60 Hz single phase, but only the MSC-18K-X is confirmed not wireless - its sheets specify a communication cable with retractable cable reels in a U-shape wiring configuration; the MSC-13K-B sheets do not state how its columns communicate: the MSC-18K-X sheets specify a communication cable with retractable cable reels in a U-shape wiring configuration, which keeps the front or back of the vehicle clear for driving in and out. Its master control panel handles individual or paired synchronized operation.
One item to budget for: iDEAL lists the battery as not included on the MSC-13K-B and MSC-18K-X sets, specifying a 12 VDC sealed deep-cycle battery, BCI Group 31, AH-105, per column. The Mahle, Challenger and Omer sheets carry no such exclusion.
Mains-powered three-phase columns
The BendPak PCL-18B is the only system here that runs on building three-phase power instead of batteries. It uses an enclosed electric-hydraulic power unit with 24-volt safety circuitry and a 2 HP motor per column. The low-voltage build is listed at 208-230V (one sheet lists 208-230/190V), 50/60 Hz, 3-phase; the high-voltage build at 460-380V, 50/60 Hz, 3-phase. BendPak notes special voltages are available on request, so confirm the voltage on the exact part number against your building's service. A standard four-column set uses just three 30 ft. cables, leaving the front or back of the vehicle clear.
Air-powered wheel lifts
The Mahle CWL-10, CWL-15 and CWL-20 are a different animal, sold in pairs rated 20,000 lb., 30,000 lb. and 40,000 lb. per set. They start at floor level and stroke 24 in. on the CWL-10 and CWL-15, or 30 in. on the CWL-20. Mahle rates them to lift the entire vehicle with shop air and a built-in support stand for open access underneath, but those strokes mean they work at wheel height, not at the standing height a column set gives you - Mahle positions them for shops with low ceiling heights. They are shop-air powered and require 160 psi, so confirm your compressor holds that.
Single-column shop and storage lifts
Two models here are not multi-column systems. The iDEAL MSC-6KLP is a 6,000 lb. low-profile single-post lift with telescoping swing arms, a 72 in. rise and a 3-15/16 in. drive-over height, on 115V 15 amp single-phase. The Tuxedo SC-2K is a 2,000 lb. single-column platform lift with a 58 in. rise on 115V 20 amp power, built for storing tractors, riding mowers and ATVs. Neither lifts a truck.
Sizing the set: capacity per column, not per system
Every system capacity quoted here is the per-column rating times the number of columns, so check that rating against your heaviest axle first. The per-column ratings listed here are 5,000 lb. (Challenger CLMM-5000), 12,500 lb. (Challenger CLHM-125XF), 13,000 lb. (iDEAL MSC-13K-B), 14,000 lb. (Mahle CML-7, Challenger CLHM-140), 18,000 lb. (BendPak PCL-18B, iDEAL MSC-18K-X) and 19,000 lb. (Mahle CML-9 and CML-9W, Challenger CLHM-190 and CLHM-190W, Omer MCO19B). The Omer MCO14B is titled 14.5K lb. per column, but its part number MCO14B-4-56 prices a four-column set at 56,000 lb., which works out to 14,000 lb. per column, and Omer publishes no capacity row in the spec table - confirm the per-column rating with us before sizing around it.
Factory set configurations are listed at 26,000 lb. to 52,000 lb. (iDEAL MSC-13K-B); 36,000 lb. to 108,000 lb. (iDEAL MSC-18K-X); 36,000 lb. to 144,000 lb. (BendPak PCL-18B); 56,000 lb. to 112,000 lb. (Mahle CML-7); and 76,000 lb. to 152,000 lb. (Mahle CML-9 and CML-9W).
Several listing conflicts are worth knowing. One BendPak listing needs a second look: the low-voltage PCL-18B-4 (BP-5175292) carries a shared feature bullet reading "108,000-lb. maximum system capacity" while its own name and spec table both state 72,000 lb.; the table is right, and the high-voltage PCL-18B-4 (BP-5175296) states 72,000 lb. in both places. The Mahle CML-9Wx6 is titled "57 ton (112,000 lb.)" while six 19,000 lb. columns and the 57-ton figure both give 114,000 lb., as the standard-base CML-9x6 is titled. The Mahle CML-9W pages also carry a shared feature bullet reading 12 in. forks for 5 in. to 24.5 in. wheels, inherited from the standard-base CML-9; the CML-9W spec table states 4 in. with no maximum, and the table is right - the W is the wide-base carriage. Trust the per-column rating and the spec table over the marketing line.
Buying by the column is also possible. Challenger prices the CLHM-140, CLHM-190, CLHM-190W and CLHM-125XF per unit, and the CLHM-125XF sheet states it connects up to eight columns and can be mixed with the CLHM-140 and CLHM-190. Omer supports up to 8 columns on the MCO14B and 10 on the MCO19B.
Wheel and tire fit: the spec that stops a job
Capacity is rarely what defeats a lift - fork fit is. Mahle CML-7 and CML-9 columns take wheel diameters from 5 in. to 24.5 in. on a 12 in. fork, and the Challenger CLHM-140 and CLHM-190 publish the same window. The Challenger CLMM-5000 is narrower at 6 in. to 22 in. For recessed wheels and duals, the CLHM-125XF substitutes 22 in. forks for the standard 11 in. forks to get full tire engagement over the same 5 in. to 24.5 in. range.
Oversized and low-profile wheels go to the wide-base variants: the Mahle CML-9W lists a 4 in. minimum wheel diameter with no maximum, and the Challenger CLHM-190W lists 4 in. with the maximum determined by tire size. Both are wider units - 49 in. across on the CLHM-190W against 44.25 in. on the CLHM-190.
iDEAL and BendPak publish fork opening rather than wheel diameter. The MSC-13K-B adjusts from 6.3 in. to 22 in. on a 14 in. fork; the MSC-18K-X from 12.6 in. to 22 in. on a longer 17.9 in. fork with 10 in. of fork-to-column clearance. BendPak's PCL-18B sheets list an inside fork width of 9.5 in. to 22.7 in. with a 13.6 in. fork, though the two low-voltage listings built from the newer sheet - the PCL-18B-4 (BP-5175292) and the PCL-18B-6 (BP-5175293) - both list a wider 9.5 in. to 35 in. range on an 11.5 in. fork; confirm the figure on the exact part number you order. Omer quotes overall tire size instead - 25.6 in. to 53.1 in. on the MCO14B, 23.6 in. to 53.1 in. on the MCO19B - which is tire diameter, not rim diameter.
The Mahle CWL wheel lifts have the tightest window here. The CWL-10 and CWL-15 take 19.5 in. to 24.5 in. wheels without adapters, or down to 16 in. with the small-wheel adapters; the CWL-20 takes 21 in. to 24.5 in., or down to 14 in. with adapters. Note the adapters are included on the CWL-10 but sold separately on the CWL-15.
Height, ceiling and floor
Working height is consistent across the heavy-duty columns. Mahle CML and Challenger CLHM columns give 69 in. of lift with four or more units, and 32 in. with two units in normal mode - a real limitation if you plan to buy a pair. The CLMM-5000 matches those figures. iDEAL MSC-18K-X columns lift 67.1 in.; the MSC-13K-B-226 listing does not publish a usable lifting height - its spec table has the lifting-height and column-height labels transposed; the MSC-13K-B-452 sheet lists 67.1 in. Confirm the figure before you plan around it., so confirm that figure before you plan around it. BendPak PCL-18B columns lift 71.5 in., and Omer MCO columns have a 69 in. stroke.
Ceiling height is the constraint people miss. Mahle CML columns stand 88.5 in. and reach 157.13 in. at full lift. The Challenger CLHM-140, CLHM-190 and CLHM-190W stand 88.5 in. and reach 157.125 in. at full rise; the CLHM-125XF also stands 88.5 in., but its sheet does not publish a full-rise height - ask for it if ceiling clearance is tight. The CLMM-5000 is 88.5 in. and 157 in. iDEAL MSC columns run 88.6 in. to 155.5 in. BendPak lists a 97.5 in. minimum column height on most PCL-18B part numbers, but the two low-voltage listings written from the newer spec sheet - the PCL-18B-4 (BP-5175292) and the PCL-18B-6 (BP-5175293) - both state 101 in. Measure against the taller figure, or confirm the height on the part number you order. - measure against the taller figure, or confirm the height on the part number you order. Those are the columns alone - the vehicle sits above them. BendPak addresses low buildings with programmable height limit settings that cap the lift below full rise. The iDEAL MSC-6KLP is the only model here publishing a minimum ceiling height, listed as 9 ft. Otherwise, measure to the lowest obstruction in the bay.
Floor requirements are published unevenly. iDEAL is the most explicit: 3,000 PSI minimum concrete surface strength, indoor setup and operation. Challenger publishes ground pressure per column at maximum load - 13.04 psi for the CLMM-5000 over a 450 sq. in. footprint, 19.6 psi for the CLHM-125XF over 719 sq. in., 27.7 psi for the CLHM-140 and 36.6 psi for the CLHM-190 over 560 sq. in., and 34.3 psi for the CLHM-190W over 600 sq. in. Those are the figures an engineer will ask for if your slab is in question.
Certifications
Certification is not uniform here, so check it per model, not per brand. The Mahle CML-7, CML-9 and CML-9W list "ALI Certified." Challenger's CLHM-140, CLHM-190, CLHM-190W and CLHM-125XF list "ALI/ETL Certified: Yes." The iDEAL MSC-18K-X sets are listed as ALI certified with a link to the ALI Directory of Certified Lifts. BendPak states the PCL-18B meets or exceeds ANSI/ALI ALCTV-2011. The iDEAL MSC-13K-B sets, the Challenger CLMM-5000, the Omer MCO columns, the Mahle CWL wheel lifts and the two single-post models carry no certification line - if your facility or insurer requires third-party certification, confirm it in writing first.
Model comparison
| Model | Capacity | Max lift height | Wheel or fork range | Power | Unit weight |
|---|
| Tuxedo SC-2K | 2,000 lb. | 58 in. rise | Platform, 36 in. x 48 in. deck | 115V, 20 amp, 1 PH | 605 lb. ship |
| Challenger CLMM-5000 | 5,000 lb. per column | 69 in. (4 units) / 32 in. (2 units) | 6 in. - 22 in. wheel | 24 VDC, 120-240 VAC charger | 870 lb. |
| iDEAL MSC-6KLP | 6,000 lb. | 72 in. rise | Swing arms, 3-15/16 in. drive-over | 115V, 15 amp, 1 PH | 1,850 lb. ship |
| Challenger CLHM-125XF | 12,500 lb. per column | 69 in. (4+ units) | 5 in. - 24.5 in., 22 in. forks | 24 VDC, 120 VAC charger | 1,557 lb. |
| Mahle CML-7 | 14,000 lb. per column | 69 in. (4 units) / 32 in. (2 units) | 5 in. - 24.5 in. wheel | 24 VDC, 70-130 VAC charger | 1,485 lb. |
| Omer MCO14B-4-56 | 56,000 lb. four-column set (see note above) | 69 in. stroke | Tire 25.6 in. - 53.1 in. | 24V, 110V/220V 1 PH charging | 1,300 lb. |
| BendPak PCL-18B-4 low voltage (BP-5175292, set of 4) | 72,000 lb. | Not published on this sheet | Fork 9.5 in. - 35 in., 11.5 in. fork | 208-230V, 60 Hz, 3-phase, 2 HP | 1,496 lb. ship |
| BendPak PCL-18B-4 high voltage (BP-5175296, set of 4) | 72,000 lb. | 71.5 in. | Fork 9.5 in. - 22.7 in., 13.6 in. fork | 460-380V, 50/60 Hz, 3-phase, 2 HP | 1,450 lb. per column |
| iDEAL MSC-18K-X-472 (set of 4) | 72,000 lb., ALI certified | 67.1 in. | Fork 12.6 in. - 22 in. | 24 VDC, 100-140 VAC charger | 1,584 lb. per column |
| Mahle CML-9W | 19,000 lb. per column | 69 in. (4 units) / 32 in. (2 units) | 4 in. minimum, no maximum | 24 VDC, 70-130 VAC charger | 1,575 lb. |
Adapters and accessories
A wheel-engaging column only reaches a vehicle whose tires sit where the forks are, which is what adapters are for. The Challenger CLHM-FLA is a 15,000 lb. capacity fork lift adapter that raises a fork lift 64 in.; the mobile columns are not included with it. Omer lists separately sold MCO accessories including adjustable wheel stands, chassis lifting beams, a fork lift adapter, a light truck adapter, snow plow wing and street sweeper adapters, and a NEMA-rated waterproof cabinet. iDEAL lists four accessories sold separately for the MSC-18K-X series: the MSC18KX-CRSBM, MSC18KX-LTVAK, MSC-FORKSPACER and MSC-STAND18X.
Frequently asked questions
How many columns do I need?
Count the wheels you must lift, divide the vehicle weight across them and match that to the per-column rating. Two columns lift one axle on the Mahle CML, Challenger CLHM/CLMM and iDEAL MSC lines; four lift a two-axle truck or bus, six suit a three-axle vehicle and eight suit four-axle vehicles. BendPak sells the PCL-18B in all four set sizes, but its own sheets state that a minimum of four columns must be used to lift a vehicle - the 2-column set is sold to expand an existing fleet, not to raise one axle. Remember that Mahle and Challenger columns only reach 69 in. with four or more units; a pair in normal mode tops out at 32 in.
Do I need three-phase power?
Only for the BendPak PCL-18B, which runs on 208-230V three-phase in the low-voltage build or 460-380V in the high-voltage build. Every other multi-column system here is 24 VDC battery powered and charges from a standard outlet: 120 VAC on Challenger CLHM, 70-130 VAC on Mahle CML, 100-140 VAC on iDEAL MSC, and on Omer, 110V or 220V single phase on the MCO14B (8 amps) but 110V only on the MCO19B (2.5 amps).
Do the columns need compressed air?
The battery columns do not. Challenger states "no air required" for the CLMM-5000 and the CLHM-125XF. The exception is the Mahle CWL wheel lifts, which are shop-air powered and require 160 psi.
How fast do they lift?
Mahle and Challenger columns publish 60 in. per minute at maximum load. BendPak lists 85 seconds to full rise on the PCL-18B, and Omer lists 85 seconds to lift and lower on the MCO series. iDEAL is slowest on paper: 100 seconds up and 60 down on the MSC-18K-X, 75 up and 60 down on the MSC-13K-B.
Can I add columns to a set later?
On several lines, yes. The Challenger CLHM-125XF connects up to eight columns in tandem and can be combined with the CLHM-140 and CLHM-190, all priced per unit. Omer supports single, paired or group control up to 8 columns on the MCO14B and 10 on the MCO19B, and BendPak notes the PCL-18B can be expanded with additional columns. Confirm control compatibility against the part numbers you own.
Is freight included?
It depends on the brand. The BendPak, Challenger and Mahle listings are flagged for free shipping on this site. Every iDEAL and Tuxedo listing publishes its freight cost on the product page: $1,850 on the MSC-13K-B-226, $2,110 on the MSC-13K-B-452, $1,890 on the MSC-18K-X-236, $2,180 on the MSC-18K-X-472, $2,480 on the MSC-18K-X-6108, $625 on the MSC-6KLP and $515 on the SC-2K, to any address in the contiguous 48 states. Alaska, Hawaii and remote or limited-access locations are excluded and may cost more. The Omer listings are quote-only. On every BendPak set the buyer is responsible for unloading the freight at their location; the PCL-18B-4 (BP-5175292) and PCL-18B-6 (BP-5175293) sheets also specify flatbed delivery with a forklift required to offload. Confirm the offload requirement on the part number you order.
The two Omer MCO listings are quote-only: they carry no online price and are not set up for checkout. Call 800-562-4791 for availability, pricing and lead time before planning around them, or request a quote and we will confirm capacity, fork fit, ceiling clearance and freight for your building.
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