Quick Navigation
- Introduction
- Brand Snapshot: Katool vs Triumph
- Safety and Certification Basics
- Key Buying Factors to Consider
- Price and Value Discussion
- Use Cases: Which Brand Fits Who?
- Product Highlights
- Additional Resources
- Conclusion
Katool vs Triumph: Budget Lift Brands Head to Head
Choosing between Katool vs Triumph car lifts can feel daunting for budget-conscious buyers. Both brands offer value car lifts that promise solid performance for home garages and light-duty shops. Yet they differ in capacity options, design features, and ideal use cases. This head-to-head comparison breaks down safety, features, installation needs, price/value, and real-world examples so you can confidently pick the best budget car lift for your garage.
Brand Snapshot: Katool vs Triumph
Katool: Budget Friendly, Heavy Build
Katool targets buyers who want robust steel, clean welds, and usable accessories at a wallet friendly price. Fabrication is offshore, support and final assembly are U.S. based, which keeps costs down while preserving responsiveness. Typical shoppers are DIYers and small shops that value straightforward installs and solid safety locks.
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Typical capacities: 2-post to about 12,000 lb, 4-post storage around 8,500 to 11,000 lb
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Common bundle: caster kit, drip trays, jack tray, many models include accessories in box
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Warranty snapshot: about 1 year parts, about 3 years structural
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Best fit: value focused buyers who want beefy posts, simple setup, and U.S. parts support
Triumph: Value Veteran, Broad Ownership Base
Triumph, under National Auto Tools, has decades of budget lift experience for home garages and light commercial use. Models are widely sold, so setup tips and real owner feedback are easy to find. The focus is basic reliability, easy ownership, and complete kits that arrive ready to work.
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Typical capacities: 2-post about 9,000 to 10,000 lb, 4-post about 8,000 lb
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Common bundle: caster kits, jack trays, drip pans included on many units
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Warranty snapshot: about 1 year parts with responsive customer service
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Best fit: home enthusiasts and small shops that want everyday lifts without premium pricing
How To Choose Quickly
If you want the beefiest steel feel and generous accessory bundles at similar money, Katool usually wins. If you want a long running value brand with tons of owner reviews and simple ownership, Triumph is a safe pick.
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Prioritize capacity needs, ceiling height, and slab specs before brand
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Ask about local parts availability and service response times
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Match lift type to bay role, 2-post for wheels off work, 4-post for alignment or storage
Bottom Line
Both brands deliver strong value for non premium budgets. Katool leans into heavy construction and U.S. backed support, Triumph leans into proven affordability and an easy ownership curve. Pick the one that best complements your bay mix and workload, then confirm install requirements before you buy. If you would like a quick second opinion on fitment, you can always email support@pitstop-pro.com and we will help you compare Katool and Triumph options for your bay.
Safety & Certification Basics (for Both Brands)
Core Safety Fundamentals
Both Katool and Triumph deliver the essentials that actually keep you safe in daily use. Respect rated capacity, center the vehicle at the manufacturer’s lift points, and always lower onto the mechanical locks rather than hanging on hydraulics. A budget lift that is installed to spec and operated correctly can be just as safe as a premium unit.
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Treat the rated load as a hard ceiling, never exceed it
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Verify both locks engage evenly, listen for clicks at each position
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Anchor to a qualified slab and recheck torque per the manual
Certification Context: ALI vs Value Lifts
ALI certification is the gold standard for commercial environments and includes third party testing plus factory audits. Most value brands skip ALI to control cost, which shifts more responsibility to installation quality and operator discipline. For home garages and many light duty settings, correct install and use matter more than the logo on the decal.
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ALI is ideal if your insurer or local code requires it
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Non ALI does not mean unsafe, it means follow the manual exactly
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Look for documented safety margins and clear operating procedures in the guide
Install and Use Checklist
Get the basics right and your lift will deliver years of safe service. Confirm slab, power, and anchoring before first use, then build simple habits around locks, inspections, and pad condition.
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Slab: meet thickness and PSI spec, level, free of major cracks
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Power: dedicated circuit, correct voltage, no extension cords
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Daily: quick rise, lower to locks, inspect for leaks or slack
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Monthly: re torque anchors, lube callouts, inspect pads, cables chains
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Annual: schedule a professional inspection and replace tired wear parts
Bottom Line
Focus on fundamentals, proper install, mechanical locks, and staying under capacity. Whether you choose Katool or Triumph, consistent checks and documented maintenance are what keep technicians safe and lifts reliable. If you are ever unsure about safety or certification details for your shop, you can call (470) 208-2754 and talk through your setup with a Pitstop Pro lift specialist.
Key Buying Factors to Consider
Capacity & Vehicle Fit
Choose for the heaviest thing you actually lift, then add margin for cargo and tool weight. Verify arm reach and inside column width so long wheelbases and short sports cars both land on factory lift points without weird pad extensions. If you see even an occasional half ton truck, lean 10K and up for peace of mind.
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Typical ranges: 8K to 12K cover most home and light shop needs
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Check wheelbase limits, arm reach, and post spacing against your longest truck
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Confirm pad height range clears low splitters and lifted suspensions
Symmetric vs Asymmetric Arms (2-Post)
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Mostly trucks and vans → symmetric keeps weight centered and stable
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Mostly cars in tight bays → asymmetric improves door clearance and cabin access
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Mixed fleet → bi-symmetric or 3-stage fronts adapt either way
Pick the geometry that matches your work. Stability and door swing are the trade, so let your vehicle mix decide.
Ceiling Height & Garage Space
Measure floor to the lowest obstruction, not just to the deck. Two posts often want about 12 feet clear at full rise, while many four posts can live lower but still need room for door tracks, open hoods, and tall stands. Center the lift to the bay door so drive-ins line up fast.
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Target 2 to 3 feet of working room around the vehicle
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Verify door width and height for your tallest rigs
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Map cart lanes so techs do not squeeze past posts
Concrete & Anchoring Requirements
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Meet thickness and PSI at post centers, re-pour pads if needed
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Use the specified anchors, torque to spec, and record values
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Re-torque after the break-in period and during monthly checks
The slab is the foundation of safety. Level, crack-free concrete makes setup true, keeps posts in plane, and prevents anchors from walking.
Power Supply
Give each lift a dedicated circuit that matches the nameplate. Many two posts use 208 to 240 volt single phase around 20 to 25 amps, while some four posts offer 110 volt options. Do not share circuits or use extension cords, voltage drop hurts motors and uptime.
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Install a local disconnect within line of sight
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Confirm panel capacity with compressor and lights running
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Follow wire gauge and breaker size in the manual
Warranty, Parts, and Support
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Look for one year parts and multi year structural coverage
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Confirm U.S. stock on pads, cables, cylinders, pumps, switches
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Ask how warranty parts ship and typical lead times
Good support matters more than a fancy badge. Ready spares and quick tech help keep a bay from going dark over a five dollar spring.
Total Cost of Ownership
Sticker price is only the start. Budget for hydraulic oil, anchors or epoxy if specified, offload gear, and a bit of install help. Maintenance is light, mostly re-torque, lube points, and periodic inspections, which you can do in house.
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Accessory bundles can save real money, caster kits, jack trays, drip trays
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Keep a small spares kit on hand, pads, lock springs, fuses, hydraulic oil
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Electricity per cycle is minimal on electric hydraulic systems
Quick Fit Worksheet
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Max vehicle weight and wheelbase: ______ lb, ______ in
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Ceiling clear height to lowest obstruction: ______ ft
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Slab at post centers: thickness ______ in, PSI ______
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Circuit available: voltage ______, amps ______, phase ______
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Side clearance each side: ______ in, door width and height: ______ in
Use the factors above to match the lift to your actual workload and space. Get capacity and slab right first, then pick arm geometry, power, and accessories that speed setups and keep the bay flowing. If you want help filling out the worksheet or checking a model against your numbers, reach out through our contact page and we can walk through it with you.
Price & Value Discussion
Why These Brands Feel So Affordable
Budget lifts keep prices low by focusing on essentials, efficient overseas fabrication, and lean U.S. distribution. You are not paying for flashy branding or expensive certification programs, so more dollars go to steel, hydraulics, and basic safety systems. For light duty use, that tradeoff makes economic sense.
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No-frills designs that meet fundamental standards
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Direct or discount-dealer sales reduce middleman markup
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Accessory bundles often included, boosting out-of-box value
Real-World Performance: What Owners Report
Users running weekend wrenching or part-time shops find these lifts do the job nearly as well as mid-tier brands for typical workloads. Triumph models have years of field use in home garages, while Katool is earning praise for stout posts and clean welds at its price point. Expect solid reliability if you install to spec and stay within rated capacity.
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10K-class two-posts handle common SUVs, half ton trucks, and daily drivers
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Routine services, brakes, and even drivetrain pulls are feasible in hobby use
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You give up some cosmetic polish and long-haul margins, not core function
When It Makes Sense to Spend More
If you service heavy trucks all day, need ALI certification for insurance or local rules, or demand maximum uptime under commercial loads, step up to a premium brand. You will pay more, but you get thicker sections, faster cycle times under load, broader certifications, and longer structural warranties.
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Daily commercial duty or fleet work
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Formal ALI requirements from insurers or AHJs
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Lowest possible downtime and longest fatigue life
Value-Tier Sweet Spot: ROI You Can Feel
For home garages and many small shops, the math is simple. A safe, properly installed 2-post or 4-post saves you labor bills, shortens projects, and is ready on your schedule, not a shop’s. Even choosing a slightly higher capacity model still lands at a few thousand dollars total, often with helpful accessories in the box.
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Upfront cost is a fraction of commercial units, operating cost is minimal
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Parts and support are readily available, so downtime stays short
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Payback arrives quickly once you stop farming out routine jobs
Bottom line: Affordable does not have to mean flimsy. Used within design limits and maintained on schedule, Katool and Triumph deliver the speed, safety, and convenience most value buyers expect, without draining the budget.
Use Cases: Which Brand Fits Who?
Katool
A value focused choice for DIYers and light duty shops that want storage plus light service without overspending. Katool’s 4-posts are popular for adding parking while still handling oil changes and inspections, and many models include helpful accessories in the box.
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Ideal for: Home enthusiasts adding storage and routine maintenance
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Best when: You want included extras like caster wheels, drip trays, and jack trays
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Typical pick: 8,500–11,000 lb 4-post for storage and basic service
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Why choose: Strong price to performance, straightforward setup, U.S. based parts support
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Not ideal if: You need ALI certification or heavy commercial duty every day
Triumph
A proven option for frequent wheels off work on mixed vehicles in a busier garage. Triumph’s 2-posts give clear undercar access and stable lifting for full size trucks and daily drivers.
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Ideal for: First time 2-post buyers who want reliable, affordable capacity
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Best when: You lift trucks and family cars regularly and favor overhead symmetric designs
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Typical pick: 10,000 lb 2-post for routine brakes, tires, and suspension
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Why choose: Long track record, large owner community, easy setup and support
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Not ideal if: Storage stacking is the priority or you require alignment capability in the same bay
Quick chooser
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Storage plus light maintenance most weeks → Katool 4-post
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Routine brakes, tires, suspension on mixed vehicles → Triumph 2-post
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Tight budget, want accessories in-box → Katool
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Want a widely vetted 10K-class 2-post with lots of owner feedback → Triumph
Product Highlights (Pitstop-Pro Picks)
Katool 11,000 lb Two-Post Clear Floor Lift (M110)
Everyday-capable 11K symmetric 2-post that speeds real repair work on trucks, SUVs, and daily drivers. Clear-floor layout keeps the bay open for carts and tall stands, so setups stay quick.
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Capacity: 11,000 lb
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Design: Symmetric, clear-floor, overhead shutoff bar
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Key features: Dual hydraulic chain cylinders, manual dual-side lock releases
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Footprint & power: Standard 2-post footprint, 220V single phase
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Included: Adapter set, installation hardware
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Why pick it: Strong value for a primary repair bay that handles mixed vehicles
Triumph 10,000 lb Two-Post Overhead Auto Lift (NTO-10A)
Proven 10K overhead 2-post with three-stage arms for flexible reach across small cars to full-size trucks. Clear-floor design and a fast lift time keep the day moving.
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Capacity: 10,000 lb
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Design: Overhead, clear-floor, single-point lock release
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Key features: Three-stage front arms, about 40 second rise time
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Footprint & power: About 11 ft 9 in tall, about 11 ft 1 in inside width, 220V single phase
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Included: Adapter set, hardware
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Why pick it: Widely vetted choice for a busy home garage or budget shop bay
Katool 8,500 lb Four-Post Car Lift (KT-4H850)
Versatile 8.5K 4-post that doubles parking while handling oil changes and light service. Runs on standard household power for easy placement in residential garages.
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Capacity: 8,500 lb
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Design: 4-post storage and service, non-skid diamond-plate runways
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Key features: Single-point release for four mechanical locks, secondary lock pawls
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Footprint & power: Residential friendly, 110V motor
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Included: Caster kit, jack tray, drip trays
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Why pick it: Storage plus DIY maintenance with a complete accessory bundle
Triumph 8,000 lb Four-Post Lift (Easy Park NSS-8X-1)
Approachable 8K 4-post that is popular for home storage with occasional wrenching. Simple setup, comfortable working height, and no special wiring required.
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Capacity: 8,000 lb
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Design: 4-post storage and service, about 72 in lift height, 10 locking positions
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Key features: Easy operation, home-garage fit
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Footprint & power: 110V motor, residential friendly footprint
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Included: Caster wheels, jack tray, drip pans
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Why pick it: Budget-friendly storage lift that is ready to use out of the box
Additional Resources
Pitstop-Pro Guides & Collections
Get the essentials in one place, from shopping the right lift to installing and using it safely.
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2-Post Car Lift Collection: Compare capacities, arm styles, and bay fit to match your work mix.
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4-Post Car Lift Collection: See service and storage models with runway specs and accessories.
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Car Lift Safety Guide: Daily checks, lock procedures, and training tips for safe operation.
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Lift Installation Requirements: Concrete, power, and clearance checklists for a smooth install.
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Symmetric vs Asymmetric Lifts: Pros and cons of each 2-post geometry with fit guidelines.
External Resources
A quick orientation to industry standards and safe-use expectations.
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Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) Standards: ANSI/ALI certification, testing, and inspection basics.
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OSHA Vehicle Lift Safety Tips: Operator training, maintenance, and inspection practices.
Conclusion
Both Katool and Triumph offer serious value without the premium price tag. If you want a bit more capacity or a well appointed 4 post for storage, Katool is a strong pick with U.S. based support. If you want a time tested 2 post for all around wrenching on mixed vehicles, Triumph’s lineup has the track record and community know how.
Quick next steps
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Compare side by side specs on Pitstop Pro, column height, inside width, arm reach, and wheelbase limits.
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Do a simple ROI check, estimate how many oil changes, brake jobs, or saved storage fees cover the lift.
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Verify fit, ceiling height, slab thickness, and power so installation is smooth.
Talk with a Lift Specialist
Want help matching a model to your garage and vehicles, or checking current promos? Call a Pitstop Pro Lift Specialist at (470) 208-2754 for fast, no pressure guidance on fitment, install planning, and in stock options.
Pick the lift that matches your work and space, install it by the book, and enjoy faster, safer, more enjoyable projects.
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