About Alignment Scissor Lifts

A scissor lift raises a vehicle. An alignment scissor lift raises it and then lets the wheels move the way the alignment procedure needs them to, which is what separates a lift you can align on from one you cannot.

What Makes a Lift an Alignment Lift

Two fittings do the work. Turntables under the steered wheels let those wheels rotate through their steering arc so caster and camber can be read and adjusted. Slip plates let the other wheels slide sideways instead of gripping the runway, so the axle relaxes into the position it will actually sit in on the road instead of staying loaded by friction. Without both, the lift itself influences the reading. The seven Atlas lifts in this collection include alignment turntables and built-in slip plates. The Atlas PX16A models with extra-long slip plates cover wheelbases from 96 to 184 inches.

Scissor Alignment Lifts Compared to Four Post Alignment Racks

Both do alignment work, and the real difference is what the bay looks like when you are not aligning. A four post rack sits on the floor with fixed runways and permanent approach ramps, so it holds its bay full time. A scissor alignment lift collapses close to the floor when lowered, and several models here list surface or flush mount installation, so the runways can sit level with the slab and leave the bay clear. The Atlas 12ASL, the Atlas 12AWFSL, and the AMGO DX-12A all list that option.

Wheels-Free and Rolling Jack Options

Alignment work turns into suspension work often enough that getting the wheels off the runway matters. The Atlas 12AWFSL has a built-in wheels-free lifting system that raises the vehicle 17 inches above the runway, and the AMGO DX-12A uses auxiliary lifting platforms for wheel-free service. Three listings ship as combos with rolling jacks included: the Atlas PX16A combo comes with two RJ8 jacks rated 8,000 pounds each, and the Atlas 12ASL and 12AWFSL combos each come with two RJ-6 jacks rated 6,000 pounds each. On the two PX16A listings sold without jacks, rolling jacks are available separately.

Choosing an Alignment Scissor Lift

Start with capacity. These lifts are rated 12,000 or 16,000 pounds, and the 16,000 pound models are the ones to look at for heavy duty pickups, work trucks, and larger vans. Next check the wheelbase you need to cover against the slip plate coverage stated on each listing. Then decide whether you want a wheels-free system or rolling jacks included up front. Every lift here runs on 220V power and needs a shop air supply for the safety lock system, so confirm both are available in the bay before ordering. Each listing states its capacity, lift height, lowered height, overall dimensions, and electrical and air requirements.

Related Categories

If you are still comparing lift styles, our full alignment lifts selection also covers four post alignment racks and wheel aligners, while scissor lifts holds the general service scissor models without alignment fittings. Four post car lifts are worth comparing if you want parking and storage from the same lift. Browse everything we stock in car lifts, or add wheels-free capability to a lift you already own with rolling bridge jacks.