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CHALLENGER LIFTS CL12A-1 Auto Lift 2Post 1Ph, 1ft Height Extensions
Challenger CL12A-1 - 12,000 lb ALI Certified Two-Post Lift with Adjustable Height
The Challenger CL12A-1 delivers 12,000 lb lifting capacity in a symmetric, surface-mounted two-post design engineered for professional automotive service facilities. Featuring true 3-stage front and rear arms with 27.5" to 59" reach, adjustable installation width across three positions, and a 1-foot column extension for 14'2" or 14'8" overall height, this lift handles cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, and EVs. Made in Louisville, Kentucky by Challenger Lifts.
Key Features & Benefits
True 3-Stage Front and Rear Arms
Both front and rear arms feature genuine 3-stage telescoping design with 27.5" minimum to 59" maximum reach. This full-range adjustability on all four arms enables precise pad placement across the complete spectrum of vehicle wheelbases, from compact cars to extended-cab trucks and long-wheelbase SUVs.
Many competitor lifts offer 3-stage front arms but only 2-stage rear, limiting reach flexibility when servicing long-wheelbase vehicles. The CL12A-1's symmetrical arm design addresses this industry-wide limitation by providing equal reach capability at both ends of the vehicle, eliminating awkward pad positioning compromises.
This enables technicians to achieve optimal lift point contact on virtually any vehicle configuration. The geared arm restraints with single-point mechanical lock release ensure arms stay precisely positioned throughout service operations.
Adjustable Installation Width - Three Positions
The CL12A-1 offers three width settings: 142", 148", or 154" overall width, with corresponding inside column dimensions of 114.5", 120.5", or 126.5" and drive-thru clearances of 103.5", 109.5", or 115.5". This flexibility allows a single lift model to accommodate varying bay configurations and vehicle widths.
Fixed-width competitor columns require shops to commit to one configuration at purchase, often forcing compromises between bay space efficiency and vehicle clearance. The CL12A-1's adjustable design addresses this constraint, particularly important as shops add EV service with wider battery platform vehicles to their mix.
This enables shop owners to optimize their bay layout without purchasing different lift models. Installation width is set during initial setup and can be reconfigured if shop needs change.
Adjustable Height via 1-Foot Column Extension
The CL12A-1 includes a sleeved-fit column extension that provides two selectable overall heights: 14'2" (170") or 14'8" (176"). This positions the lift between the standard CL12A and the taller CL12A-2 in Challenger's lineup, with a rise height of 84.75" regardless of column height setting.
Shops with ceiling height variations often struggle to find lifts that fit their specific clearance requirements. The CL12A-1's dual-height capability addresses this by providing flexibility during installation without requiring a different model entirely.
This enables facilities with 15'3" ceiling height (the recommended minimum) to select the appropriate column configuration for their space. The adjustability also accommodates shops planning future ceiling modifications or those with slightly varying heights across bays.
Stack Adapter Extension Kit Included
Every CL12A-1 ships with the complete Stack Adapter Extension Kit (P/N 10315) as standard equipment. The kit includes four 3" stack extensions, two 6" stack extensions, and two organizer racks with mounting hardware. Combined with the standard screw pad height range of 4.75" to 6.625", this provides extensive lift point height adjustment.
Competitor lifts often charge $200-400+ for equivalent adapter kits, increasing total cost of ownership. The CL12A-1 includes these essential accessories at no additional cost, ready to service vehicles with running boards, side steps, or non-standard lift point heights immediately upon installation.
This eliminates the need for separate adapter purchases and ensures technicians have the height range required for today's diverse vehicle mix. The included organizer racks keep adapters accessible and organized at each column.
Dual ALI and ETL Certification
The CL12A-1 carries both ALI (Automotive Lift Institute) Certification and ETL Certification, with full ANSI/ALI ALCTV compliance. This dual certification provides layered safety validation from two independent testing organizations, verifying the lift meets or exceeds all applicable safety standards.
Some competitor lifts carry only one certification, leaving potential gaps in safety validation. The CL12A-1's dual certification addresses shop owner concerns about liability and insurance requirements by providing comprehensive third-party verification of design and manufacturing quality.
This enables confident specification for dealership service centers, fleet operations, and commercial shops where certification requirements may be mandated by insurance carriers or corporate standards. Both certifications appear on lift identification plates for inspector verification.
USA Manufacturing with Snap-on Family Backing
The CL12A-1 is manufactured in Louisville, Kentucky by Challenger Lifts, part of the Snap-on equipment family. This domestic production provides quality control advantages and established supply chain reliability, with a nationwide network of authorized dealers and service technicians.
Economy import lifts often lack accessible parts inventory and qualified service support when issues arise. Challenger's USA manufacturing and dealer network addresses this concern by ensuring replacement parts availability and technical support access throughout the lift's service life.
This provides peace of mind for shop owners investing in long-term equipment. The Snap-on family backing reinforces Challenger's commitment to product quality and customer support infrastructure.
Applications & Use Cases
- Professional Automotive Service Shops: General maintenance including brakes, suspension, exhaust, and undercarriage work on cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs
- Dealership Service Centers: New vehicle PDI, warranty service, and routine maintenance across diverse brand lineups
- Fleet Maintenance Facilities: Commercial vehicle service for delivery vans, service trucks, and company fleet vehicles
- Light and Medium-Duty Truck Service: Pickup trucks, cargo vans, and utility vehicles up to 12,000 lb
- Van Service Operations: Sprinter-class and full-size cargo/passenger vans with extended wheelbases
- Electric Vehicle Service: EV maintenance using widest width setting and available TFPK footpad kit for battery platform access
- Vehicles with Running Boards: Trucks and SUVs with side steps or rock sliders using included stack adapter kit
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Lifting Capacity | 12,000 lb (5,443 kg) |
| Max Load Per Arm | 3,000 lb |
| Rise Height | 84.75 inches |
| Speed of Rise | 63 seconds |
| Configuration | Symmetric two-post, surface-mounted |
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Height | 14'2" or 14'8" (170" or 176") - adjustable |
| Overall Width | 142" / 148" / 154" - adjustable |
| Inside Columns | 114.5" / 120.5" / 126.5" |
| Drive-Thru Clearance | 103.5" / 109.5" / 115.5" |
| Screw Pad Height Range | 4.75" - 6.625" (without adapters) |
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Arm Type | 3-stage front / 3-stage rear |
| Arm Reach | 27.5" minimum to 59" maximum |
| Arm Restraints | Geared with single-point mechanical lock release |
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Motor | 2 HP |
| Voltage | 208-230V, 60Hz, 1-Phase |
| Power Unit | Bucher hydraulic |
| Equalization | Dual-synchro cable system |
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Color Options | Textured Red, Blue, Black |
Installation Requirements
Concrete Foundation
- Minimum Thickness: 4 inches (6 inches recommended for heavy-duty use)
- Compressive Strength: 3,500 PSI minimum
- Reinforcement: Steel reinforcement required
- Curing Time: 28 days minimum before installation
- Anchor Clearance: Minimum 8 inches from cracks, edges, or expansion joints
Electrical Requirements
- Voltage: 208-230V, 60Hz, single-phase
- Circuit: Dedicated circuit required
- Breaker: Verify with dealer at time of purchase (specification varies by power unit revision)
Clearance Requirements
- Minimum Ceiling Height: 15'3" (183") recommended for safe overhead clearance
- Minimum Bay Width: 13'3" (14' recommended)
- Recommended Bay Depth: 24'
Installation Notes
- Professional Installation: Installation per Challenger Lifts specifications required for warranty validity
- Permits: Verify local code compliance and permit requirements before installation
Shipping & Delivery
Freight Information
Shipping Method: LTL (Less Than Truckload) freight
Free Shipping: Available from many authorized dealers (continental US)
Lead Time: Typically 7-21 business days depending on dealer and inventory
Delivery Requirements
Unloading Equipment: Forklift or equivalent lifting equipment required - lift cannot be unloaded by hand
Customer Responsibility: Receiving party responsible for unloading equipment
Receiving: Inspect all packages before signing bill of lading. Note any visible damage on BOL before driver departs.
Warranty Coverage
5-2-1 Warranty Program
5 Years - Structural Parts: Carriage, columns, column extensions, overhead beams, and arms
2 Years - Functional Parts: Power units, cylinders, sheaves, hoses, cables, and controls
1 Year - Labor: Labor coverage for warranty repairs
Warranty Requirements
Registration: Product registration required within 30 days at challengerlifts.com/register-your-lift
Eligibility: Valid for original purchaser only (non-transferable)
Installation: Professional installation per Challenger Lifts specifications required
Extended Warranty: Additional 3 years functional parts coverage (5 years total) available if purchased within 30 days
Ready to Upgrade Your Shop?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lifting capacity of the Challenger CL12A-1?
The CL12A-1 has a 12,000 lb total lifting capacity with a maximum load of 3,000 lb per arm. The lift is both ALI and ETL certified, meeting ANSI/ALI ALCTV compliance standards for professional automotive service. This capacity handles cars, light trucks, vans, SUVs, and electric vehicles in dealership, fleet, and independent shop environments.
What are the ceiling height requirements for the CL12A-1?
The recommended minimum ceiling height is 15'3" (183") for safe overhead clearance during vehicle lifting operations. The CL12A-1 offers adjustable overall heights of 14'2" or 14'8" via the included 1-foot sleeved column extension, allowing you to select the appropriate configuration for your facility. This adjustability positions the lift between the standard CL12A and taller CL12A-2 models in the Challenger lineup.
What adapters are included with the Challenger CL12A-1?
The CL12A-1 includes the Stack Adapter Extension Kit (P/N 10315) as standard equipment. This kit contains four 3" stack extensions, two 6" stack extensions, and two organizer racks with mounting hardware. The standard screw pads provide a height range of 4.75" to 6.625" before adapters.
What are the concrete requirements for installing the CL12A-1?
The lift requires a minimum 4" thick concrete floor (6" recommended for heavy-duty use) with 3,500 PSI compressive strength and steel reinforcement. Concrete must cure for at least 28 days before installation. Anchors must be placed a minimum of 8" from any cracks, edges, or expansion joints.
What is the arm reach range on the CL12A-1?
Both front and rear arms feature true 3-stage telescoping design with a reach range of 27.5" minimum to 59" maximum. Unlike some competitor lifts that offer 3-stage front but only 2-stage rear arms, the CL12A-1 provides equal reach capability at both ends for vehicles from compact cars to extended-wheelbase trucks.
What is the warranty coverage on the Challenger CL12A-1?
The CL12A-1 includes a 5-2-1 warranty structure: 5 years on structural parts (columns, column extensions, arms, overhead beams), 2 years on functional parts (power unit, cylinders, sheaves, hoses, cables, controls), and 1 year on labor. Registration within 30 days at challengerlifts.com is required. Extended warranty adding 3 years of functional parts coverage is available if purchased within 30 days.
What electrical power does the CL12A-1 require?
The lift requires 208-230V, 60Hz, single-phase power on a dedicated circuit. The breaker amperage requirement varies by power unit revision, so contact your dealer to confirm the current specification for your order. The lift uses a Bucher hydraulic power unit with dual-synchro cable equalization.
Can the CL12A-1 service electric vehicles?
Yes, the CL12A-1 is EV service ready. The widest width setting (154" overall, 126.5" inside columns) accommodates wider EV battery platforms. The available TFPK telescoping footpad kit enables proper lift point contact for electric vehicle service, making this lift future-ready for evolving vehicle mixes.
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