Rotary Four-Post Lifts

Shop Rotary 4 post lifts for general service, wheel alignment, and heavy-duty truck work. The current lineup spans 14,000 to 30,000 lb complete lifts, including closed-front SM models, open-front SMO models, ARO alignment racks, and model-specific rolling jacks and accessories. Capacity is only part of the decision, so compare service type, front access, runway length, and the wheelbase range your bay actually needs.

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Choose the Right Rotary 4 Post Lift for the Bay

A Rotary four post lift can serve very different jobs depending on the model. The SM14, SMO14, SM18, and SM30 families are built around general service. The ARO16 and ARO22 are dedicated alignment lifts with alignment-specific runway equipment and wheelbase ranges. Decide which type of work belongs in the bay first, then choose capacity and length.

Rotary model	Main role	Rated capacity	Key sizing distinction
Rotary SM14	Closed-front general service	14,000 lb	Standard and extended versions support maximum wheelbases of 182 and 215 in.
Rotary SMO14 / SMO14EL2	Open-front general service	14,000 lb	Rotary's current literature shows 182 and 215 in maximum-wheelbase versions.
Rotary SM18	Closed-front general service	18,000 lb	Standard and extended versions support maximum wheelbases of 194 and 230 in.
ARO16L / ARO16EL	Open-front alignment and service	16,000 lb	Both have an 81 to 168 in four-wheel alignment range. The EL extends two-wheel alignment from 181 to 204 in and general service from 194 to 217 in.
Rotary ARO22	Open-front alignment and service	22,000 lb	Standard and extended models mainly increase two-wheel alignment and general-service reach while keeping a similar four-wheel alignment range.
Rotary SM30 / SM30EL	Heavy-duty general service	30,000 lb	Rotary lists a 235 in maximum wheelbase for the standard SM30 and 307 in for the extended version represented by the SM30EL.

Rotary SM14 and SMO14: Two 14K Service Choices

The strongest model-level search demand in the export is for the Rotary SM14 and Rotary SMO14, and the practical difference is straightforward. The SM14 uses a closed-front design. The SMO14 uses an open-front design intended to provide greater access to vehicle components from the front of the lift.

Both are 14,000 lb service-lift families, so don't choose between them by capacity. Compare the front configuration, available runway length, bay dimensions, and the way technicians need to move around the front of the vehicle.

Rotary Alignment Lifts Need a Different Wheelbase Check

The ARO16 and ARO22 are Rotary alignment lifts, not simply longer versions of the general-service racks. Rotary publishes separate limits for four-wheel alignment, two-wheel alignment, and general service. That means the largest wheelbase number on the sheet is not automatically the longest vehicle you can perform a four-wheel alignment on.

Size an alignment rack by the alignment work you perform. An extended runway can accept a longer vehicle for two-wheel alignment or general service without materially increasing the four-wheel alignment range.

Alignment rack	Four-wheel alignment	Two-wheel alignment	General service	Minimum bay
ARO16L	81 to 168 in	Up to 181 in	194 in	15 ft x 26 ft
ARO16EL	81 to 168 in	Up to 204 in	217 in	15 ft x 28 ft
ARO22 standard	82 to 165 in	Up to 179 in	194 in	15 ft x 26 ft
ARO22 extended	82 to 164 in	Up to 215 in	230 in	15 ft x 28 ft

If alignment is the main reason for the purchase, compare these figures before assuming the extended model is necessary. Buyers who want to compare Rotary with other brands can also browse the alignment lift collection.

Rolling Jacks and Wheel-Free Service

A Rotary 4 post lift rolling jack lets the shop raise an axle or vehicle end away from the runways for wheel-free work, but jack capacity alone does not prove compatibility. Rotary's current ARO16 literature specifies a 7,000 lb front jack and a 9,000 lb rear jack as standard. The ARO22 specifies a 9,000 lb front jack and a 15,000 lb rear jack as standard.

The SM-series lifts use model-specific rolling-jack applications. Match the jack part number to the exact lift model rather than assuming a 7K or 9K jack fits every Rotary four-post runway.

Dimensions, Concrete, Power, and Installation

Rotary lift dimensions change substantially with model and runway length, so the lift capacity is not enough to determine whether it fits the bay. Before ordering, verify overall length, overall width, column locations, runway dimensions, vehicle wheelbase, and working clearance against the current sheet for the exact configuration.

Concrete requirements, anchoring, electrical supply, compressed-air needs, and installation procedures are also model-specific. Use the current Rotary installation manual for the exact part number and confirm the actual slab and utilities at the installation site. A requirement published for one Rotary lift should not be applied across the entire collection.

Rotary Four Post Lift FAQs

What is the difference between a Rotary 4 post lift and a Rotary alignment lift?

The SM14, SMO14, SM18, and SM30 families are primarily general-service runway lifts. The ARO16 and ARO22 are purpose-built alignment racks with alignment-specific equipment and separate four-wheel, two-wheel, and general-service wheelbase ranges.

Which Rotary 14K 4 post lift should I compare first?

Start with the SM14 versus SMO14. Both are 14,000 lb service-lift families. The SM14 is closed front, while the SMO14 is open front. After that, compare runway length and bay dimensions for the vehicles you actually service.

What concrete requirements apply to a Rotary lift?

Do not use one collection-wide concrete specification. Slab, anchoring, and installation requirements should be taken from the current installation manual for the exact Rotary model and configuration being installed. The existing slab should be verified before installation is scheduled.

What are the dimensions of a Rotary 4 post lift?

There is no single set of dimensions. Overall length, column spacing, runway width, and required bay size vary by model and runway length. Compare the exact selected configuration rather than using capacity as a proxy for footprint.

Do Rotary 4 post lifts use rolling jacks?

Many do, but the jack application is model-specific. The ARO16 and ARO22 have manufacturer-documented front and rear rolling jacks as standard equipment. SM-series rolling jacks and accessories should be matched by exact lift model and part number before ordering.

Can a Rotary SM-series lift be configured for alignment work?

Rotary lists alignment conversion kits for the SM14 series and other applicable general-service runway lifts. Verify the exact lift configuration, alignment kit, wheelbase range, and included equipment before treating a converted service lift as equivalent to an ARO alignment rack.

Match the Lift to the Work Before You Match the Capacity

Use the product grid for current configurations and pricing, then verify the selected Rotary four post lift against the vehicles, bay dimensions, alignment work, utilities, and installation conditions at the shop. For help narrowing the lineup, contact Garage Supply Guys at (855) 498-2147 or support@garagesupplyguys.com.