Professional Support for Your Automotive Lift Project

Symmetrical Lifts

• Design: All four arms are the exact same length. The columns directly face each other squarely, and the vehicle is loaded in the exact middle.
• Best For: Full-size pickup trucks, large SUVs, and commercial vehicles with longer wheelbases.
• Pros: Equal weight distribution across the posts. They offer a wider drive-through clearance because the arms extend all the way across. [1, 2, 3]
• Cons: The lift posts line up directly with the car doors, making it very difficult (or impossible) to open the vehicle doors while it is raised. [1]

Asymmetrical Lifts

• Design: The front arms are shorter than the rear arms. Additionally, the columns are rotated slightly toward the rear of the bay, positioning the car off-center (typically a 30/70 weight split). [1, 2, 3]
• Best For: Standard sedans, coupes, sports cars, and front-wheel-drive vehicles. [1, 2]
• Pros: Because the vehicle sits further back, the front doors are situated behind the lift columns, providing full access to the car’s interior. [1, 2]
• Cons: Not suitable for lifting long-wheelbase work trucks, as it can overstress the lift’s arms and compromise stability. [1, 2]

If you are planning to purchase or use a lift, tell us:

• What types of vehicles you plan to lift most often (e.g., sedans vs. heavy-duty trucks).
• What your garage space constraints are.

We can help you determine which design is the safest and most efficient for your specific setup.

Northstar 2-post lifts include all required anchor bolts and mounting hardware for installation on a concrete floor.

Most Northstar 4-post parking lifts do not include anchor bolts because they are engineered to be freestanding. Their four-column design and wide baseplates evenly distribute the vehicle’s weight, providing stability without permanent anchoring under normal operating conditions.

Northstar lifts are designed to operate with standard 10-weight, non-foaming, non-detergent hydraulic oil or AW-32 (ISO 32) anti-wear hydraulic oil.

For warmer climates, unheated garages, or heavier-duty applications, AW-46 (ISO 46) hydraulic oil is recommended.

These hydraulic fluids are commonly available at retailers such as Walmart and Home Depot. The amount of fluid required depends on the size of your lift’s hydraulic reservoir.

Northstar lifts must be installed on a solid, crack-free concrete foundation.

For standard light-duty lifts (up to 9,000 lbs.), the minimum concrete specification is:

• 4 inches thick
• 3,000 PSI compressive strength

For maximum safety, long-term durability, and higher-capacity lifts, a 6- to 8-inch reinforced concrete slab with a minimum compressive strength of 4,000 PSI is recommended.

Most residential and commercial concrete floors are suitable for Northstar lifts, provided they meet these minimum specifications. Failure to install the lift on an adequate foundation may result in equipment failure, serious injury, or death.

A level floor is recommended to ensure proper installation and safe lifting. Minor floor slopes can often be corrected using shims during installation. If the floor has significant slope or unevenness, consider having the site professionally surveyed or installing a new level concrete slab.

Before drilling, verify whether your concrete slab is post-tensioned. If it is, consult the building architect or structural engineer before proceeding. Also inspect the installation area for cracks, deterioration, or other defects. If the concrete is damaged or questionable, consult a qualified contractor before installing your Northstar lift.

The required ceiling height varies depending on the lift model and the size of the vehicle being lifted. Please refer to the specifications listed on the individual product page for the recommended minimum ceiling height.

Carefully read the installation manual before beginning assembly. Take the time to familiarize yourself with each installation step rather than skimming the instructions.

Understanding the complete installation process before you begin can help prevent mistakes and save time.

While many customers install their own lifts successfully, Northstar strongly recommends professional installation to ensure safe and proper operation.

Yes. Routine maintenance is essential for safe and reliable operation.

In addition to performing a visual inspection before each use, we recommend following a simple monthly maintenance checklist. This includes inspecting and maintaining lifting cables, checking the hydraulic system, lubricating moving components as specified in the owner’s manual, and verifying that all hardware remains properly tightened.

Yes. Voltage options vary by model, and additional configurations may be available upon request.

Most Northstar 2-post lifts operate on 220V power, while most 4-post lifts are designed for 110V operation. Please refer to the specifications for your specific model or contact Northstar for additional voltage options.

Northstar maintains a limited network of stocking distributors. Most replacement parts are shipped directly from our headquarters in San Jose, California, or our warehouse in Hayward, California.

1. Lower the lift onto its safety locks.
2. Loosen all equalizer cables.
3. Tighten one cable until the corresponding carriage or corner just begins to lift off the safety lock.
4. Repeat this process for each remaining cable until all corners or carriages are level and begin lifting off the locks simultaneously.

Northstar recommends using a dedicated 30-amp circuit breaker for your lift’s power unit unless otherwise specified in your lift’s installation manual.

1. Cycle the lift up and down several times without a vehicle.
2. Lower the lift until the arms are approximately 12 inches above the floor.
3. Slightly open the Allen bleeder screws located on top of each hydraulic cylinder.
4. Allow any trapped air to escape until the hydraulic fluid flows smoothly without bubbles.
5. Tighten the bleeder screws securely.

Maintain a minimum clearance of approximately 6 inches between the edge of each lift baseplate and any control joint, relief cut, expansion joint, or the edge of the concrete slab. This helps ensure proper anchoring and maintains the structural integrity of the concrete.