Buying a lift is one of the biggest investments you’ll make for your shop or garage. It’s not just about picking something strong enough — it’s about choosing something safe, reliable, and built for your workflow. At Olympic Equipment, we understand this. That’s why we put together answers to the questions we hear most often. Here’s what you should know to make a confident decision.
1. What Should I Look for When Choosing an Automotive Lift?
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Weight capacity: Don’t guess — know what you’ll be lifting day in, day out. Overspec’d is always safer than underbuilt.
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Ceiling height & space: Lifts need clearance. Make sure your ceiling height accommodates the lift plus vehicle height.
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Power supply: Many lifts need 220V single-phase power, though some models offer 110V or three-phase. Know your breaker/amperage specs.
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Certifications & Safety Features: Safety locks, wide runways, quality build materials are non-negotiables.
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Warranty & accessories: What’s included? How long? Are there add-ons or accessories? These can drive enormous value or cost.
At Olympic, our lifts come with heavy-duty safety systems, extra-wide runways, and a 10-year warranty so you can buy with peace of mind.
2. Which Type of Lift Should You Get?
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2-post lifts: Excellent for service shops. Full access underneath the vehicle. Great if ceiling clearance is sufficient.
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4-post lifts: More forgiving on ground space usage, excellent for larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs, or if you want to store vehicles.
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Portable & scissor lifts: Less permanent, more flexible. Ideal for garages with limited space or for seasonal/temporary use.
Also, consider if you want clear-floor vs baseplate variants:
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Clear-floor designs keep the floor unobstructed, helpful with creepers and tools flowing freely.
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Baseplate models route cables/hydraulics along plates at floor level — compact, but need planning for workspace flow.
3. Shipping & Delivery Details
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If the lift is in stock, Olympic usually ships within the same week. You’ll get tracking when your order is processed.
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For residential deliveries, a forklift or lift gate is needed for unloading. If you don’t have that, Olympic can arrange freight dock delivery so you can pick up or unload with your trailer. No surprise fees for that service.
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Want to check stock or lead times? Call Olympic’s team anytime; they’ll advise on availability, and whether your order might be delayed.
4. Power & Electrical Considerations
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Most lifts require a 220V single-phase power supply, but some models work with 110V or three-phase.
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Always check the product specs for voltage, amperage, and what size breaker you need.
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If you're uncertain about your electric setup, Olympic’s experts will help you verify before you complete your purchase — avoiding costly upgrades later.
5. Concrete & Installation Requirements
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Proper installation means solid, level concrete. Olympic specifies at least 4 inches of 3,000 PSI concrete as baseline. For heavier units, 5–6 inches is recommended.
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The concrete surface should be free of cracks and flat — any tilt or irregularity can cause safety and performance problems.
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For certain lift types (like portable 4-post lifts), bolting down is optional — concrete thickness matters less in those cases.
6. Support, Warranty & Contact
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At Olympic, you’re getting more than just hardware. Their warranty policies are among the strongest in the industry.
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If you have a question — “Will this lift fit my garage? Can my current electric service support it? What if my floor isn’t ideal?” — contact them. They promise honest answers, no hard sells.
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Use the contact form on the FAQ page to send any specific questions — noting your vehicle types, space, and power setup will help them give precise guidance.
Conclusion
Don’t rush this decision — picking the right automotive lift involves more than just strength. Think through capacity, safety, space, power, and concrete before you buy. With the FAQ section from Olympic Equipment, you’ve got a guide to help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure your lift is a dependable workhorse for years to come.
Have specific questions we didn’t cover? Drop them below or reach out via Olympic’s support — their team is ready to help you get it right.
