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CHALLENGER LIFTS CL12A-2 Auto Lift, 2-Post 1Ph, 2ft Extension
Challenger CL12A-2 - 12,000 lb ALI Certified Two-Post Lift with 2-Foot Column Extension
The Challenger CL12A-2 delivers 12,000 lb capacity in a symmetric clearfloor design, engineered for professional service facilities with high ceilings. Featuring true 3-stage front and rear arms, triple-width installation adjustability, and factory-installed 2-foot column extensions, this USA-made lift handles everything from compact cars to full-size crew cab trucks and EVs.
Key Features & Benefits
True 3-Stage Front and Rear Arms
The CL12A-2 features 3-stage design on all four arms, delivering a reach range from 27.5" minimum to 59" maximum. This telescoping configuration provides the flexibility to service compact cars at minimum extension while reaching the frame rails of full-size crew cab trucks at maximum reach without arm changes or repositioning.
Most lifts in the 10K-12K class utilize 2-stage rear arms, limiting their effective reach range to 15-20 inches. The CL12A-2's 3-stage design addresses this industry-wide limitation by providing over 31 inches of adjustment across all arm positions, enabling a single lift to serve as a universal solution for mixed-fleet operations.
This eliminates the need for multiple specialized lifts or frequent adapter swaps. Technicians can transition from servicing a Honda Civic to a Ford F-350 crew cab without workflow interruption, improving bay throughput and reducing equipment investment costs.
Extended Height for High-Ceiling Facilities
Factory-installed 2-foot column extensions deliver an overall height range of 15'2" to 15'8", with 6 additional inches of adjustability during installation. The sleeved-fit extension design maintains structural integrity while providing maximum vertical clearance for lifted trucks, vehicles with roof racks, and tall cargo vans.
Standard two-post lifts typically max out around 12 feet overall height, forcing shops with 16+ foot ceilings to sacrifice usable vertical workspace. The CL12A-2 addresses this gap by providing purpose-built extended columns rather than aftermarket add-ons, ensuring load ratings remain valid at full height.
This enables technicians to work comfortably under raised vehicles without hunching, and accommodates the growing segment of lifted trucks, oversized SUVs, and commercial vans entering service bays. The additional headroom also improves lighting access and tool positioning during undercar work.
Triple-Width Installation Adjustability
Three factory width configurations - 142", 148", and 154" overall width - allow installers to optimize bay fit without sacrificing capacity. Drive-thru clearance adjusts correspondingly at 103.5", 109.5", and 115.5", accommodating everything from narrow retrofit bays to wide-format EV service lanes.
Traditional two-post lifts ship at a single fixed width, forcing shops to either accept compromised drive-thru clearance or pay for custom modifications. The CL12A-2's triple-width system addresses this constraint by providing meaningful adjustment during initial installation, not as an afterthought.
This improves vehicle positioning flexibility and accommodates wider vehicles like dual-rear-wheel trucks and full-size vans at the maximum setting, while enabling tighter bay spacing in multi-lift installations at the narrowest configuration.
Complete Truck Adapter Package Included
The Stack Adapter Extension Kit (Part# 10315) ships standard with every CL12A-2, including four 3" stack extensions, two 6" stack extensions, and two organizer racks with mounting hardware. These adapters address frame-engaging lift points on trucks and SUVs without requiring separate purchases or dealer negotiations.
Competitors typically list stack adapters as optional accessories, adding $200-400 to the effective purchase price and creating delays when technicians discover they're needed mid-job. Challenger includes this kit as standard equipment, recognizing that shops purchasing a 12K lift will inevitably service trucks requiring elevated contact points.
This eliminates surprise costs and ensures technicians have the right adapters on day one. The included organizer racks keep adapters accessible and organized, reducing search time and preventing damage from improper storage.
Reduced Electrical Requirements
Current-generation Bucher hydraulic power units require only a 20 amp breaker on 208-230V single-phase service, reduced from the previous 30 amp specification. The 2 HP motor delivers full lifting performance while drawing less current during startup and operation cycles.
Many shops upgrading from lower-capacity lifts or installing in older buildings face expensive electrical panel upgrades to accommodate 30+ amp circuits. The CL12A-2's reduced electrical requirements address this barrier by operating within the capacity of standard 20 amp circuits common in commercial electrical systems.
This reduces installation costs, simplifies permit requirements in many jurisdictions, and enables installation in facilities where higher-amperage circuits would require panel upgrades or dedicated runs from the main service.
ALI Certified Safety Systems
The CL12A-2 carries both ALI (Automotive Lift Institute) and ETL certifications, meeting ANSI/ALI ALCTV standards for design, construction, and performance. The geared arm restraint system and single-point mechanical lock release provide redundant safety during service operations.
Standard arm restraint mechanisms rely on friction or simple detents that can fail under load shifts during component removal. The CL12A-2's geared restraint system addresses this vulnerability by mechanically locking arms in position, preventing unintended rotation even when heavy drivetrain components shift the vehicle's center of gravity.
This enables safer service on asymmetric loads like engine or transmission removal. The padded overhead shutoff bar prevents vehicle damage from over-travel, while oversized steel synchronizer pulleys extend cable life and maintain level lifting across thousands of cycles.
Applications & Use Cases
- Dealership Service Departments: Multi-brand dealerships servicing warranty work across passenger cars, trucks, SUVs, and EVs benefit from the universal arm reach and high-capacity rating.
- Fleet Maintenance Operations: Municipal, utility, and commercial fleets with mixed vehicle classes use the adjustable width and included truck adapters to standardize on a single lift platform.
- Independent Repair Shops: General repair facilities handling diverse customer vehicles from compacts to crew cab diesels gain workflow flexibility from the 3-stage arm design.
- Light-Duty Truck Specialists: Shops focusing on F-150, Silverado, Ram 1500, and similar light-duty trucks leverage the 12K capacity and stack adapters for frame-contact lifting.
- Heavy-Duty Truck Service: F-250, F-350, 2500/3500 series trucks within the 12K capacity envelope benefit from the extended height and wide drive-thru clearance.
- EV Service Facilities: Electric vehicle service operations utilize the widest width setting and optional TFPK EV footpads for battery pack access and undercar service.
- High-Ceiling Commercial Bays: Facilities with 16+ foot ceilings maximize their vertical workspace with the 2-foot column extensions and adjustable overall height.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Lifting Capacity | 12,000 lb (5,443 kg) |
| Configuration | Symmetric two-post, clearfloor |
| Rise Height | 84.75" (2,153 mm) |
| Speed of Rise | 63 seconds |
| Arm Design | 3-stage front / 3-stage rear |
| Arm Reach (Minimum) | 27.5" (699 mm) |
| Arm Reach (Maximum) | 59" (1,499 mm) |
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Height (Adjustable) | 15'2" or 15'8" |
| Overall Width (Adjustable) | 142" / 148" / 154" |
| Drive-Thru Clearance | 103.5" / 109.5" / 115.5" |
| Inside Column Spacing | 114.5" / 120.5" / 126.5" |
| Column Extension | 2-foot (sleeved-fit design) |
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Motor | 2 HP |
| Voltage | 208-230V, 60Hz, 1-Phase |
| Breaker Requirement | 20 amp |
| Power Unit | Bucher hydraulic |
| 3-Phase Option | Available (specify at order) |
Installation Requirements
Concrete Foundation
- Minimum Thickness: 4 inches
- Compressive Strength: 3,500 PSI minimum
- Cure Time: 28 days minimum
- Reinforcement: Steel reinforcement per local commercial practice
- Level Tolerance: Within 3/8" over installation area
- Anchor Placement: No anchors within 8" of cracks, edges, or expansion joints
Electrical Requirements
- Voltage: 208-230V, single-phase, 60Hz
- Circuit Breaker: 20 amp dedicated circuit
- 3-Phase Option: Available - specify at time of order
Space Requirements
- Minimum Ceiling Height: 16'3" (195")
- Recommended Bay Width: 14 feet
- Recommended Bay Depth: 24 feet
Installation Notes
- Professional Installation: Installation by qualified personnel following manufacturer installation manual required for warranty validity.
- Delivery Equipment: Forklift or overhead hoist required for unloading - ships via flatbed freight truck.
- Permits: Verify local code compliance and permit requirements before installation.
Shipping & Delivery
Freight Coverage
Shipping: Free shipping to lower 48 contiguous United States offered by most authorized dealers. Alaska, Hawaii, and international destinations subject to additional freight charges.
Delivery Timeframe: 4-6 weeks typical from order placement (subject to inventory availability).
Delivery Method: Ships via flatbed freight truck (LTL delivery).
Delivery Requirements
Unloading Equipment: Forklift or overhead hoist required for unloading. Lift ships on pallets/crates requiring mechanical handling.
Delivery Type: Curbside delivery standard. Liftgate and residential delivery typically excluded or available at additional cost.
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: Carriages, columns, column extensions, overhead beams, arms, cross beams, sync rails, and plungers.
2 Years - Functional Parts: Power units, cylinders, sheaves, sheave pins, hoses, hydraulic fittings, cables, adapters, latches, valves, and controls - exceeds typical 1-year industry standard.
1 Year - Labor: Labor coverage for warranty repairs during the first year of ownership.
Warranty Requirements
Registration: Product registration required at challengerlifts.com for warranty activation.
Eligibility: Valid for original purchaser only (non-transferable).
Extended Coverage: Additional 3-year functional parts coverage available - must purchase within 30 days of lift purchase.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lifting capacity of the Challenger CL12A-2?
The Challenger CL12A-2 has a maximum lifting capacity of 12,000 lb (5,443 kg) in a symmetric two-post clearfloor configuration. This capacity rating is ALI certified through independent third-party testing and applies across all three width configurations, at full rise height, and with the included stack adapters installed.
What is the minimum ceiling height required for the CL12A-2?
The CL12A-2 requires a minimum ceiling height of 16 feet 3 inches (195 inches). This accommodates the adjustable overall height range of 15 feet 2 inches to 15 feet 8 inches plus clearance for the overhead shutoff bar and vehicle roof at maximum rise.
What adapters are included with the Challenger CL12A-2?
The CL12A-2 includes the Stack Adapter Extension Kit (Part# 10315) as standard equipment. This kit contains four 3-inch stack extensions, two 6-inch stack extensions, and two organizer racks with mounting hardware for frame-engaging lift points on trucks and SUVs.
What are the concrete requirements for installing the CL12A-2?
The CL12A-2 requires a concrete foundation minimum 4 inches thick with 3,500 PSI compressive strength, cured at least 28 days. The floor must be level within 3/8 inch over the installation area, and anchors cannot be placed within 8 inches of cracks, edges, or expansion joints.
What are the electrical requirements for the Challenger CL12A-2?
The CL12A-2 requires 208-230V single-phase 60Hz power with a 20 amp dedicated circuit breaker. A 3-phase electrical option is available and must be specified at time of order. The current Bucher power unit requires only 20 amps, reduced from the previous 30 amp specification.
What is the arm reach range on the CL12A-2?
The CL12A-2 features true 3-stage arms on all four positions with a reach range from 27.5 inches minimum to 59 inches maximum. This 31.5-inch adjustment range accommodates vehicles from compact cars to full-size crew cab trucks without arm changes or adapter swaps, enabling mixed-fleet service from a single lift.
What warranty coverage does the CL12A-2 include?
The CL12A-2 includes Challenger's 5-2-1 warranty program: 5 years on structural parts (columns, arms, beams), 2 years on functional parts (power unit, cylinders, cables, valves), and 1 year labor coverage. Warranty requires product registration at challengerlifts.com and is valid for the original purchaser only.
What certifications does the Challenger CL12A-2 hold?
The CL12A-2 is both ALI (Automotive Lift Institute) certified and ETL certified by Intertek, meeting ANSI/ALI ALCTV standards for automotive lift design, construction, testing, and validation. These certifications verify structural integrity, safety system function, and rated capacity through independent laboratory testing. The lift is manufactured in Louisville, Kentucky by Challenger Lifts, a Snap-on company since 2013.
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