
Atlas vs BendPak Lifts: Comparing 2-Post and 4-Post Car Lifts
The right car lift can save you time and stress while providing peace of mind knowing you’re in a safe working environment day after day. Whether it’s a 2-post lift vs 4-post lift or even a single-post car lift you’re interested in, there are countless brands and models to choose from.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the sheer volume of options at your fingertips, but we’re here to take the stress out of upgrading to a new lift. We’ll compare two top brands: Atlas vs BendPak lifts.
From build quality to engineering standards, performance and lifting capabilities to ease of installation, price, customer support, product availability, and more - we’ll break it all down to leave you feeling confident in which is the better of the two car lift brands.
Just want the short answer? You can’t beat the value for the money Atlas vehicle lifts have to offer. The perfect car lift is just a click away here at My Garage Supplies, too. We stock the full lineup from Atlas and other top manufacturers at unbeatable prices with world-class support.
Get in touch today for a personalized recommendation - it’s time to transform your garage!
Overview of Atlas Car Lifts
Atlas Automotive Equipment has more than 40 years of experience in manufacturing car lifts and other essential shop tools, from alignment systems to tire changers and wheel balancers. The lineup consists of 2-post, 4-post, scissor, and specialty lifts.
The company has earned a reputation for consistently producing top-quality equipment, specifically with an emphasis on durability. Atlas constructs its lifts from high-strength steel with ALI or ANSI safety certifications built into the design.
You’ll also love user-friendly features like single-point lock releases, symmetric vs asymmetric lift arms, and telescoping height adjustments so you can fine-tune usage to your exact needs.
Atlas also delivers service-focused support long after the sale, including a full selection of replacement parts and warranty coverage. Whether you’re on the hunt for the best residential garage car lifts, or a scissor lift vs 2-post lift, you can’t go wrong with Atlas.
Overview of BendPak Car Lifts
BendPak has been around even longer than Atlas, creating car lifts and other shop equipment since the 1960s. That’s more than 60 years of honing in its craft, and it shows in the brand’s product quality.
BendPak actually started as a machine shop, but has since evolved into the world’s largest car lift manufacturer, known for rigorous engineering across its 2-post, 4-post, scissor, alignment, parking, and mobile column lifts. It also makes tire changers and wheel balancers.
The brand is committed to over-engineering durability, so you never have to worry about safety or reliability with these vehicle lifts. They have thicker columns, wide baseplates, and rugged parts like aircraft-grade wire ropes and oversized sheaves rated at 600-800% of lift capacity.
Nearly all models are ALI/ANSI certified and manufactured in ISO‑9001 facilities. BendPak invests heavily in engineering and safety testing under ETL, UL, TUV, GOST, ANSI, and CE standards as well.
Other features include internally routed hydraulic hoses, direct‑drive systems, and ergonomically located controls, so the lifts are easy to use safely.
Consistent quality and global compliance are the name of the game for BendPak. These lifts are built for both professional shops and dedicated home garages.
Atlas vs BendPak Lifts: Which Brand Makes Better Car Lifts?
Really you can’t go wrong either way in comparing Atlas vs BendPak lifts. It comes down to what matters most to you in this purchase. Is it value for the money, or are you willing to pay a premium for durability that goes beyond what you’d expect?
That’s really the crux of the debate between BendPak vs Atlas lifts. You’ll pay a lot more for a BendPak lift than you would for an Atlas lift, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting anything extra other than peace of mind and assurance.
Let’s take a closer look at the differences between these two manufacturers below, including a side-by-side comparison of an Atlas vs BendPak 2-Post Lift and a BendPak vs Atlas 4-Post Lift.
Build Quality and Engineering Standards
We want to be clear - both brands produce exceptionally high-quality lifts that are engineered to work reliably for the long haul, with plenty of emphasis on safety. But, BendPak takes things to a level few other manufacturers do - which is why these lifts are so much more expensive.
Most BendPak lifts are manufactured in ISO-9001:2015 certified facilities and carry ALI/ANSI certification. Structural features like oversized sheaves, aircraft-grade cables, and boxed columns are standard, so these are durable and smooth even under regular, heavy use.
Atlas doesn’t cut corners or skimp on quality either, but takes a different approach. There’s more of a priority placed on practicality than on overengineering. Not all Atlas lifts are ALI-certified, but most do meet or exceed standard safety and performance benchmarks.
These lifts still use industrial-grade steel and straightforward mechanical designs, so you’re getting plenty of reliability at a far more accessible price point.
Performance and Lifting Capabilities
These lifts are tailored to very different environments, though there is some overlap between certain lift models. BendPak tends to serve the commercial-grade market with higher-duty cycles, larger hydraulic systems, and faster lift speeds.
In fact, some of the more premium lift models can raise up to 40,000 lbs (4-post) or 18,000 lbs (2-post). These are some of the most sought-after lifts in busy shops where cost is not a concern in terms of sourcing equipment.
On the other hand, Atlas serves a broader audience. These lifts work just as well in residential garages as they do in commercial shops. You can find 2-post lifts ranging from 9,000-12,000 lbs, while their 4-post lifts commonly sit in the 8,000-14,000 lb range.
Installation Requirements and Ease of Setup
This is where you’ll see an edge in favor of Atlas vs BendPak lifts. They’re far simpler to install, often designed with the home user in mind. Most models come with caster kits, plug-and-play hydraulic systems, and straightforward manuals.
While we still recommend investing in professional installation in many cases, Atlas lifts are more accessible and less complex for those looking to self-install. There are fewer specialty tools needed.
In contrast, BendPak lifts are far more demanding from an installation perspective, especially their high-capacity models. They call for higher car lift concrete requirements, 220V wiring, and professional installation.
This is to be expected performance tier, and the installation documentation is detailed and thorough. You may be able to handle the installation yourself if you’ve installed car lifts in your shop previously and feel comfortable with the steps.
Price and Value for Money
Again, Atlas is the far better choice from a value perspective. Their lineup balances quality with price, perfect for homeowners or shop owners who want lasting performance without commercial-grade cost. You’ll get similar lifting specs at a lower price point than BendPak.
That doesn’t mean BendPak lifts are inherently “better” just because they’re more expensive. You’re paying for branding and peace of mind. The materials, certification, and build quality is reflected in the cost.
Customer Support
Both brands have a strong track record in the customer service departments as well. BendPak provides detailed installation guides, phone-based tech support, and a wide dealer network. They also have technical documentation for every model online.
Meanwhile, Atlas tends to cater to independent buyers and small operations better than BendPak does. You may not get the same level of white-glove service, but that’s not necessary when you shop here at My Garage Supplies.
We back up your purchase with world-class support long after the sale, so you can count on us anytime you have questions, need help troubleshooting, want a personalized recommendation on the right Atlas lift, or try to file a warranty claim. More on that in a moment.
Product Availability
Atlas products are widely stocked and generally available through US distributors, like right here at My Garage Supplies! We have models in stock ready to ship right now.
Unfortunately, we can’t say the same for BendPak. We don’t carry these lifts. But, we do have plenty of other well-established brands worth exploring if you’d like - such as IDEAL, Katool, and AMGO.
That said, let’s take a closer look at some of the different BendPak and Atlas lift models side by side - starting with a quick Atlas vs BendPak 2-post lift comparison.
Atlas vs BendPak 2-Post Lift
Both brands have a 9,000 lb capacity 2-post car lift, perfect for home garages and light commercial use. However, there are quite a few differences between the two styles.
Feature | Atlas 9KOHX | BendPak GP-9LC |
---|---|---|
Lift Capacity | 9,000 lbs | 9,000 lbs |
Design Type | Overhead, clear-floor | Floorplate, low-ceiling compatible |
Overall Height | 138" or 142" | Low-ceiling optimized (no overhead beam) |
Max Lift Height (with adapters) | 81" | 80.5" (with stackable adapters) |
Arm Configuration | Symmetric / Asymmetric combo arms | Symmetric / Asymmetric with telescoping arms |
Minimum Pad Height | 4" | 4" (with screw pad retracted) |
Adapter Set Included | 8-piece truck & sliding arm adapters | 4-piece stackable adapter set |
Base Plate Size | 14.25" x 18" | 20.5" x 15.5" |
Column Steel Thickness | 5mm | Heavy-duty tubular steel (6" x 6") |
Safety Locks | Dual-point release with backup lock (SLS) | Locks every 3", single-pull release, auto arm restraints |
Drive-Through Clearance | 100" (symmetric) / 90.5" (asymmetric) | 98" (approx. with symmetric setup) |
Power Requirement | 220V, single-phase | 220V, single-phase |
Concrete Requirements | 4" @ 3,000 PSI (min) | 4" @ 3,000 PSI (min), 10 anchors included |
Warranty | 2-year structural, 1-year hydraulic (parts only) | 3-year limited (structural/components) |
Price | $3,099.00 | $3,495.00 |
Ideal Use | Home garages, budget-conscious small shops | Low-ceiling shops, premium residential or light commercial use |
BendPak vs Atlas 4-Post Lift
What if you’re interested in a 4-post car lift, though? Here’s a quick comparison of the BendPak vs Atlas 4-post lift models, each rated at a 14,000 lbs lift capacity, to help you narrow it down:
Feature | Atlas 414 | BendPak HDS-14 |
---|---|---|
Lift Capacity | 14,000 lbs | 14,000 lbs |
Design Type | Overhead with under-runway cylinder | Fully enclosed cables, open and extended models available |
Lifting Height | 80" | 83" (approx., depending on model) |
Runway Length | 208 5/8" | Extended runways standard; longer versions available |
Runway Width | 20" | Wide format with rail-kit for accessories |
Drive-Through Clearance | 102 1/8" | Similar clearance; varies by configuration |
Power System | 220V, single-phase | 220V electric-hydraulic system |
Safety System | Dual lock system, external air-operated release | Spring-loaded locks, enclosed ladder system, secondary slack-cable latch |
Cable Design | High-strength cable system | 1/2" aircraft-grade stainless steel cables |
Sheaves & Rollers | Standard roller and sheave design | 10.5" dual-hub sheaves, 2.25" axles, oversized for reduced fatigue |
Base Plate Size | Not specified | 10" x 12" base plates |
Approach Ramps | Steel ramps included | Extended ramps for low-clearance vehicles; built-in chocks |
Rolling Jack Compatibility | Supports rolling jack (RJ8000BK – sold separately) | Supports 7,000 lb. jacks (RJ7W – optional) |
Air Requirements | 85–115 PSI (external supply required) | 125 PSI max; pneumatic release |
Warranty | 5-year structural, 2-year hydraulic (parts only) | 3-year limited warranty; ETL approved |
Price | $8,449.00 | $9,195.00 |
Ideal Use | Heavy-duty residential or commercial shops seeking value | High-volume professional service bays needing premium durability |
Wrapping Up Our BendPak vs Atlas Lift Comparison
That does it for our Atlas vs BendPak lift comparison. Both brands are known for producing capable, well-built. However, most buyers find that Atlas strikes the better balance of value, performance, and practicality.
You’re getting commercial-grade strength, proven safety features, and flexible configurations at a significantly lower cost. Only you can determine what matters most to you, but Atlas is usually the smarter choice if you want a reliable lift without overspending on extras you may not need.
That’s why we proudly carry Atlas car lifts here at My Garage Supplies. Browse our full selection today or get in touch with our customer service team for one-on-one support finding the right model for your garage or shop. Streamline your workflow by upgrading your lift!