CHALLENGER CL20 20K Heavy-Duty Two-Post Adjustable Lift
Challenger CL20 - 20,000 lb ALI Certified Two-Post Lift for Heavy-Duty Fleet Operations
The Challenger CL20 delivers 20,000 lb capacity in a symmetric clearfloor design, engineered for commercial fleet maintenance and heavy-duty vehicle servicing. This ALI and ETL certified lift features adjustable width configurations (120", 126", or 132" between columns), 2-stage telescoping arms with 38.5" to 62" reach, and single-point air-actuated safety lock release. Available in standard height (CL20-0) or extended height (CL20-2) configurations, this lift handles box trucks, service trucks, contractor vans, and commercial vehicles up to 10 tons.
Key Features & Benefits
Triple-Configuration Width Versatility
The CL20 offers three distinct width settings—120", 126", or 132" between columns—providing 12 inches of total adjustment range within a single model. Drive-thru clearance ranges from 104.25" to 116.25" depending on configuration, with adjustability integrated into the synchronizer cable system design rather than requiring field modifications.
This eliminates the need to purchase multiple lifts or custom-order specific widths for shops with varying bay dimensions. The adjustable width system accommodates wheelbase variations across box trucks, service trucks, and contractor vans without repositioning the lift between different vehicle types.
This enables fleet operations to service a wider range of commercial vehicles with a single lift installation. Shops can maximize bay utilization by selecting the optimal width for each vehicle, improving workflow efficiency without investing in multiple fixed-width units.
Oversized Synchronization System for Reduced Maintenance
The lift employs a 5-inch diameter steel pulley paired with heavy-duty 3/8-inch synchronizer cables, both oversized compared to typical 3-4 inch pulleys and 5/16-inch cables found in standard designs. The 69-inch hydraulic cylinder stroke works in conjunction with this pulley system to achieve the 62-second rise time.
Traditional synchronization systems experience accelerated wear in high-volume fleet operations that cycle lifts multiple times daily. This oversized design reduces stress on the equalization system during the 20,000-pound lifting cycle, addressing the industry-wide challenge of frequent cable and pulley replacement in commercial environments.
This extends component life in demanding applications, reducing downtime and maintenance costs. Fleet shops benefit from longer intervals between service requirements, with the reinforced system maintaining precise synchronization even after thousands of lift cycles.
2-Stage Arm System with Extended 62-Inch Reach
The 60-inch lifting carriage supports 2-stage telescoping arms on both front and rear positions, extending from 38.5 inches minimum to 62 inches maximum. This 23.5-inch adjustment range provides each arm with a 5,000-pound load capacity, delivering balanced load distribution across four contact points.
Commercial vehicles often feature side-mounted toolboxes, running boards, dual rear wheels, and wide wheelbases that challenge standard lift arm configurations. This extended reach addresses these complications by accommodating contact points at varying distances from the column centerline without requiring arm repositioning or vehicle centering adjustments.
This enables technicians to position vehicles quickly and securely, even when lifting box trucks with body-mounted equipment or service trucks with aftermarket modifications. The extended reach eliminates the time-consuming trial-and-error process of finding stable contact points on non-standard vehicle configurations.
Single-Point Air-Actuated Safety Lock Release
The air-actuated lock release system allows technicians to disengage both column locks simultaneously from a single control point, requiring shop air at 90-120 PSI. All-position mechanical locks engage throughout the full travel range—not just at preset heights—providing safety redundancy during the 62-second lowering cycle.
Manual release systems found on traditional lifts require technicians to walk between columns or perform multi-step release procedures, increasing the risk of incomplete disengagement or uneven lowering. This single-point system addresses this industry-wide safety concern by ensuring both columns release in perfect synchronization.
This improves operational safety by eliminating the possibility of single-column release that could cause vehicle instability. Technicians can maintain visual contact with the vehicle throughout the lowering process while operating the release mechanism, reducing the risk of contact with tools or equipment positioned under the lift.
Comprehensive Stack Adapter Ecosystem
The lift includes (4) 4-inch stack adapters, (2) 8-inch stack adapters, and (2) dedicated organizer racks that mount directly to the columns as standard equipment. Rise height ranges from a minimum of 76.6 inches to a maximum of 84.6 inches with stack adapters installed, accommodating vehicles with varying ground clearance.
Fleet operations commonly service both low-clearance commercial vans and high-frame heavy-duty trucks within the same facility, creating the challenge of maintaining multiple adapter sets and storing them efficiently. The integrated organizer racks position adapters at arm level, eliminating trips to storage areas during vehicle preparation.
This reduces service time by keeping the most commonly used adapters within arm's reach of technicians preparing vehicles for service. Fleet shops benefit from faster vehicle turnover and improved bay efficiency, as technicians can quickly configure the lift for different vehicle types without leaving the work area.
Dual Independent Certification Compliance
The lift carries both ALI Gold Label and ETL certification marks, meeting ANSI/ALI ALCTV (construction, testing, and validation) and ANSI/ALI ALOIM (operation, inspection, and maintenance) standards plus OSHA compliance requirements. This certification package validates structural integrity, safety systems, and operational procedures through independent third-party testing.
Government fleet facilities and commercial operations often face regulatory audits, insurance requirements, and municipal inspection processes that demand documented equipment compliance. Traditional single-certification lifts may not satisfy all jurisdictional requirements, particularly in states with specific lift safety mandates.
This enables installations to pass regulatory inspections without modifications or supplemental certifications. Insurance providers accept the dual certification for liability coverage, and government purchasers can verify compliance with federal safety standards through the ALI and ETL marks.
Applications & Use Cases
- Commercial Fleet Maintenance: Service and repair operations for delivery fleets, transportation companies, and logistics providers servicing box trucks, service trucks, and contractor vans up to 20,000 lb GVWR.
- Municipal Fleet Operations: Government maintenance facilities servicing public works trucks, utility vehicles, emergency service vehicles, and municipal equipment requiring heavy-duty lifting capacity.
- Heavy-Duty Truck Service: Undercarriage service including brakes, suspension, drivetrain, and exhaust work on medium-duty commercial vehicles and contractor trucks with tool storage and equipment installations.
- Box Truck Servicing: Maintenance and repair of delivery trucks, moving vans, and refrigerated box trucks including models with roof-mounted equipment and tall clearance requirements.
- Contractor Vehicle Fleet: Service operations for construction, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical contractor fleets requiring accommodation of side-mounted toolboxes, ladder racks, and aftermarket equipment.
- Preventive Maintenance Programs: Oil changes, tire rotations, alignments, and scheduled maintenance on commercial vehicle fleets requiring efficient high-volume processing.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Lifting Capacity | 20,000 lb (9,072 kg) |
| Maximum Load Per Arm | 5,000 lb (2,268 kg) |
| Rise Time | 62 seconds |
| Configuration | Symmetric two-post, clearfloor |
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Height (CL20-0) | 162" / 168" / 174" |
| Overall Height (CL20-2) | 186" / 192" / 198" (with 2-foot extensions) |
| Overall Width | 154.75" / 160.75" / 166.75" |
| Between Columns (Inside Spacing) | 120" / 126" / 132" |
| Drive-Thru Clearance | 104.25" / 110.25" / 116.25" |
| Rise Height with Stack Adapters | Minimum 76.6", Maximum 84.6" |
| Minimum Ceiling Height (CL20-0) | 164" to 176" (13'8" to 14'8") |
| Minimum Ceiling Height (CL20-2) | 188" to 200" (15'8" to 16'8") |
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Arm Configuration | 2-stage telescoping (front and rear) |
| Arm Reach | Minimum 38.5", Maximum 62" |
| Lifting Carriage | 60 inches |
| Screw Pad Height Range | 6.2" to 7.6" |
| Pulley Diameter | 5 inches (oversized steel construction) |
| Synchronizer Cable | 3/8-inch diameter |
| Hydraulic Cylinder Stroke | 69 inches |
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Motor (Standard) | 3 HP, Single-Phase, 208-230V, 30A |
| Motor (Optional) | 2 HP, Three-Phase, 208-230-460V |
| Hydraulic Pressure at Capacity | 2,650 PSI |
| Hydraulic Fluid Requirement | 3 gallons (10-weight anti-foam/anti-rust or Dexron III ATF) |
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Air Pressure Required | 90-120 PSI |
| Air Quality | Clean, dry, lubricated |
| FRL Location Requirement | Within 30 feet of lift |
| Lift Weight | 2,460 lb (1,116 kg) |
Complete Adapter Set Included
- (4) 4-inch Stack Adapter Extensions - Drop-in design for standard height adjustment
- (2) 8-inch Stack Adapter Extensions - Extended height adjustment for high-clearance vehicles
- (2) Adapter Organizer Racks - Column-mounted storage with mounting hardware
- Screw Pads / Pickup Pads - Complete set for vehicle contact points
- (4) Arm Restraint Assemblies - Safety restraints for arm positioning
- Dual Integrated Rubber Door Guards - Vehicle protection during positioning
Installation Requirements
Concrete Foundation
- Minimum Thickness: 4 inches with steel reinforcement
- Concrete Strength: 3,500 PSI minimum
- Curing Time: 28 days minimum before installation
- Levelness Tolerance: Within 3/8 inch across installation area
- Anchor Bolt Torque: 150 ft-lb
- Anchor Placement: No anchors within 8 inches of any crack, edge, or expansion joint
- Anchor Hardware: (18) 3/4" x 5.5" anchor bolts included
Power Requirements
- Standard Configuration: 208-230V, single-phase, 30A
- Optional Configuration: 208-230-460V, three-phase (2 HP motor)
- Circuit Protection: Dedicated circuit with circuit breaker or time-delay fuse required
- Installation Note: Consult wiring diagram provided with lift for specific circuit sizing based on configuration
Compressed Air Requirements
- Supply Pressure: 90-120 PSI
- Air Quality: Clean, dry, and lubricated (critical for warranty coverage)
- FRL Unit: Filter/regulator/lubricator required within 30 feet of lift
- Warranty Note: Failure to provide proper air quality voids warranty on pneumatic components
Clearance Requirements
- Front/Rear Clearance: Minimum 168 inches (14 feet) to nearest obstruction
- Side Wall Clearance: Minimum 92 inches (7 feet 8 inches)
- Operating Environment: Indoor use only, 5-40°C (41-104°F)
Installation Tools Required
- Drilling Equipment: Hammer drill with 3/4-inch carbide-tipped bits
- Torque Tools: Torque wrench rated to 150 ft-lb minimum with 1-1/8-inch socket
- Access Equipment: 12-foot step ladder
- Materials: Anti-seize lubricant, standard hand tools per installation manual
- Permits: Verify local code compliance and permit requirements before installation
Shipping & Delivery
Freight Coverage
Shipping Method: LTL (Less Than Load) freight via established carriers. Free shipping advertised by multiple authorized dealers, though delivery surcharges may apply for residential delivery, liftgate service, or inside delivery.
Delivery Timeframe: 4-6 weeks from order placement depending on location and stock availability. Transit time 12-21 days.
Alternative Options: Terminal pickup or warehouse pickup available with customer-provided trailer.
Delivery Requirements
Unloading Equipment Required: Forklift or suitable hoist with adequate capacity is MANDATORY. This lift cannot be unloaded manually, and freight drivers cannot assist with unloading.
Receiving Responsibility: Customer must have forklift or hoist on-site at time of delivery. Inspect all packages before signing bill of lading and note any visible damage on BOL before driver departs.
Damage Reporting Protocol
Report any shipping damage or concealed damage according to the timeframes specified by your dealer. Inspection of all packages at delivery is critical for warranty coverage of shipping-related issues.
Warranty Coverage
Tiered Warranty Program
5 Years - Structural Parts: Includes carriage, columns, column extensions, overhead beams, arms, and cross beams - providing long-term protection for critical load-bearing components.
2 Years - Functional Parts: Covers power units, cylinders, sheaves, hoses, hydraulic/pneumatic fittings, cables, adapters, latches, valves, and controls - exceeding typical single-year industry standards for these components.
1 Year - Labor Coverage: Includes labor costs for warranty repairs performed by authorized service providers.
Warranty Requirements
Registration: Product must be registered at challengerlifts.com/register-your-lift within 30 days of installation to activate warranty coverage.
Eligibility: Non-transferable warranty valid for original purchaser only. Installation must be performed by authorized Challenger installer following manufacturer installation manual.
Maintenance Compliance: Warranty void if unapproved parts are used or improper maintenance is performed. Failure to provide clean, dry, lubricated, and pressure-regulated air (90-120 PSI) voids warranty on pneumatic components.
Extended Warranty Option: Available for purchase within 30 days of invoice. Extends Functional Parts coverage by 3 additional years (total 5 years) for NEW CL/EV Series lifts only.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lifting capacity of the Challenger CL20?
The Challenger CL20 has a 20,000 lb (9,072 kg) lifting capacity with a maximum load per arm of 5,000 lb (2,268 kg). The lift is configured as a symmetric two-post clearfloor design and achieves full rise in 62 seconds. This capacity is suitable for box trucks, service trucks, contractor vans, and commercial vehicles up to 10 tons.
What width configurations are available for the CL20?
The CL20 offers three adjustable width settings: 120 inches, 126 inches, or 132 inches between columns, providing 12 inches of total adjustment range. Drive-thru clearance varies from 104.25 inches to 116.25 inches depending on the selected configuration. This adjustability is integrated into the synchronizer cable system and allows shops to accommodate varying bay dimensions and vehicle wheelbases without purchasing multiple fixed-width lifts.
What adapters and accessories are included with the Challenger CL20?
The CL20 includes (4) 4-inch stack adapters, (2) 8-inch stack adapters, (2) adapter organizer racks with mounting hardware, complete screw pad/pickup pad sets, (4) arm restraint assemblies, and dual integrated rubber door guards as standard equipment. The organizer racks mount directly to the columns for convenient storage. Rise height ranges from 76.6 inches minimum to 84.6 inches maximum with stack adapters installed.
What are the concrete foundation requirements for installation?
Installation requires a minimum 4-inch thick concrete slab with steel reinforcement, rated at 3,500 PSI minimum strength, cured for at least 28 days. The surface must be level within 3/8 inch across the installation area. Anchor bolts (18 included: 3/4" x 5.5") must be torqued to 150 ft-lb and cannot be placed within 8 inches of any crack, edge, or expansion joint. Proper foundation preparation is critical for safe operation and warranty compliance.
What electrical power does the CL20 require?
The standard configuration requires 208-230V single-phase power at 30A with a dedicated circuit and circuit breaker or time-delay fuse. An optional 2 HP three-phase motor (208-230-460V) is also available for facilities with three-phase power. The standard 3 HP single-phase motor operates at 60Hz and generates 2,650 PSI of hydraulic pressure at full capacity. Consult the provided wiring diagram for specific circuit sizing based on your selected configuration.
What certifications does the Challenger CL20 have?
The CL20 carries both ALI Gold Label and ETL certification, meeting ANSI/ALI ALCTV (construction, testing, validation) and ANSI/ALI ALOIM (operation, inspection, maintenance) standards plus OSHA compliance requirements. This dual certification satisfies insurance requirements, passes municipal and state inspections, and meets jurisdictional installation codes without modifications. The certifications are particularly important for government fleet facilities and commercial operations subject to regulatory audits.
What warranty coverage is included with the CL20?
The CL20 includes a tiered warranty program: 5 years on structural parts (carriage, columns, beams, arms), 2 years on functional parts (power units, cylinders, cables, hydraulics), and 1 year on labor coverage. The warranty is non-transferable and valid for the original purchaser only. Registration at challengerlifts.com/register-your-lift must be completed within 30 days of installation. An extended warranty option is available for purchase within 30 days of invoice, extending functional parts coverage by 3 additional years.
How long does shipping typically take?
Delivery timeframe is 4-6 weeks from order placement depending on location and stock availability, with transit time of 12-21 days. The lift ships via LTL freight and requires a forklift or hoist for unloading—manual unloading is not possible and drivers cannot assist. Free shipping is advertised by multiple authorized dealers, though surcharges may apply for residential delivery, liftgate service, or inside delivery. Terminal or warehouse pickup is also available if you provide your own trailer.
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