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CHALLENGER LIFTS CL16-2-3S Two Post Lift, 16K Heavy-Duty Capacity
Challenger CL16-2-3S - 16,000 lb ALI-Certified Two-Post Lift for Commercial Fleet Service
The Challenger CL16-2-3S is a heavy-duty, symmetric clearfloor two-post automotive lift rated for 16,000 lb (7,257 kg) capacity, engineered for professional commercial service bays handling diverse vehicle fleets. With extended-height column configuration up to 198 inches overall and 3-stage telescoping arms on both front and rear positions, this lift accommodates vehicles from compact cars through tall cargo vans and commercial fleet vehicles.
Key Features & Benefits
Extended-Height Configuration for Tall Commercial Vehicles
The CL16-2-3S offers adjustable column height settings of 186 inches, 192 inches, or 198 inches overall, providing up to 191 inches of floor-to-overhead-switch clearance. This extended height specifically addresses tall cargo vans including Ford Transit High Roof, Mercedes Sprinter 3500 Extended, and Ram ProMaster Extended models that standard two-post lifts can't accommodate.
Many commercial operations handle vehicles over 9 feet in height, requiring dedicated tall-vehicle equipment or forcing technicians to work on ground level. The CL16-2-3S eliminates this constraint by providing the clearance necessary for proper lifting while maintaining full functionality. The stepped height options allow shops to optimize installation based on actual ceiling constraints without sacrificing lift capability.
This enables shops with mixed fleets to service both standard passenger vehicles and tall commercial vehicles on the same lift platform, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated lifts and maximizing bay utilization efficiency.
Tri-Width Adjustability for Bay Optimization
Factory-configurable width settings provide 120 inches, 126 inches, or 132 inches between columns, allowing a single model to serve narrow bays that maximize floor space, standard installations, or wide applications requiring clearance for dually trucks and wide-body commercial vehicles. The corresponding drive-through clearances of 104.25 inches, 110.25 inches, and 116.25 inches accommodate diverse vehicle widths.
Fixed-width lifts force shops to stock multiple models for different bay configurations or compromise on vehicle compatibility. As fleet composition changes over time, rigid installations become limiting factors. The CL16-2-3S's adjustable width system allows reconfiguration as operational needs evolve without requiring complete equipment replacement.
This improves shop flexibility by enabling technicians to position the lift optimally for available space while maintaining proper weight distribution across all three width settings through the symmetric clearfloor design.
Complete Stack Adapter Extension System Included
Every CL16-2-3S ships standard with Stack Adapter Extension Kit (P/N 10315), which includes four 3-inch extensions, two 6-inch extensions, and column-mounted organizer racks with all mounting hardware. These adapters address elevated lift points on vehicles with running boards, side steps, auxiliary fuel tanks, or recessed frame channels common on commercial trucks and vans.
Typical competitor offerings charge $150 to $250 for equivalent adapter sets as optional accessories, creating unexpected expense at installation. Commercial operations frequently encounter vehicles requiring lift point extensions, making these adapters essential rather than optional equipment. The included organizer racks keep extensions accessible at column height, eliminating productivity loss from searching for correct extensions during service operations.
This eliminates additional purchasing decisions and ensures technicians have the correct adapters immediately available for proper vehicle lifting, reducing setup time and improving workflow efficiency from day one.
Single-Point Air-Actuated Lock Release System
The air-actuated single-point lock release system allows technicians to disengage both column safety locks simultaneously from one location, requiring only 90-120 PSI shop air already present in commercial facilities. This system eliminates walk-around time required by traditional manual dual-release designs where technicians must physically engage each column lock separately.
In high-volume fleet maintenance facilities processing 8 to 12 vehicles daily, the time savings from single-point operation compounds significantly. Traditional systems require technicians to walk between columns for each lift cycle, adding 30 to 45 minutes of recovered productivity per day in busy operations. The air-actuated mechanism contains no electrical or hydraulic components in the release pathway, reducing potential failure points.
This enables faster vehicle cycling times by reducing the physical steps required for each lift operation, while maintaining full safety lock engagement during service work.
Full 3-Stage Telescoping Arm System
The CL16-2-3S provides identical 3-stage telescoping design on all four arm positions with 36.625-inch minimum to 75-inch maximum reach range. This uniform configuration enables both proper symmetric lifting of long-wheelbase commercial vehicles up to 178-inch wheelbase and flexible asymmetric positioning of smaller vehicles when door access is required.
Many competing designs use 3-stage front arms with 2-stage rear arms to reduce manufacturing costs, limiting rear arm reach and forcing compromises on long-wheelbase vehicles or asymmetric positioning. This creates situations where technicians can't achieve proper lift point contact on extended cargo vans or must reposition vehicles multiple times to access different service areas.
This improves versatility by accommodating the full range of vehicles from subcompact cars through extended cargo vans on a single lift platform without requiring specialized short-wheelbase or long-wheelbase dedicated equipment.
ALI Gold Label and ETL Dual Certification
The lift carries both ALI Gold Label certification from the Automotive Lift Institute and ETL listing from Intertek Testing Services, meeting ANSI/ALI ALCTV safety standards and UL 201 requirements. This dual certification provides compliance assurance for fleet operations, insurance requirements, and OSHA inspections.
Many commercial operations face insurance policy requirements for certified lifting equipment, while OSHA inspections examine equipment compliance during facility audits. Non-certified equipment can trigger citations, insurance coverage gaps, or liability concerns during incident investigations. The dual certification approach provides documentation from two independent testing authorities rather than relying on a single validation source.
This reduces regulatory and liability risks by ensuring the lift meets multiple industry safety standards from recognized testing organizations, backed by a tiered warranty structure with 5 years structural, 2 years functional, and 1 year labor coverage.
Applications & Use Cases
- Commercial Fleet Maintenance: Service facilities handling mixed vehicle fleets including cargo vans (Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter 2500/3500, Ram ProMaster), service trucks, utility vehicles, and passenger vehicles
- Cargo Van Service Centers: Specialized shops focusing on commercial delivery vehicles, contractor vans, and mobile business conversions requiring extended height clearance for High Roof and Extended variants
- General Automotive Repair: Full-service repair shops performing tire service, brake system work, suspension inspection, exhaust service, and general maintenance on passenger vehicles through light commercial trucks
- Electric Vehicle (EV) Service: Facilities servicing electric vehicles requiring undercarriage battery access, high-voltage component service, and specialized clearance for battery pack configurations
- SUV and Pickup Truck Specialists: Shops focusing on light truck service including dually configurations, lifted vehicles, and vehicles with aftermarket modifications requiring adjustable width and height capacity
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Lifting Capacity | 16,000 lb (7,257 kg) |
| Maximum Load Per Arm | 4,000 lb (1,814 kg) |
| Configuration | Symmetric clearfloor, two-post |
| Arm Configuration | 3-stage telescoping front and rear |
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Height Settings | 186" (15'6"), 192" (16'0"), 198" (16'6") |
| Overall Width Settings | 154.75" (12'10.75"), 160.75" (13'4.75"), 166.75" (13'10.75") |
| Between Columns | 120" (10'0"), 126" (10'6"), 132" (11'0") |
| Drive-Through Clearance | 104.25", 110.25", 116.25" (corresponding to width settings) |
| Arm Reach Range | 36.625" minimum / 75" maximum |
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Rise Height (with screw pads only) | 75.5" minimum / 81.5" maximum |
| Rise Time | 62 seconds (varies with vehicle weight) |
| Screw Pad Height Adjustment Range | 4.75" to 6.5" |
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Motor | 3 HP, Single Phase, 60 Hz |
| Voltage | 208-230V (3-phase optional) |
| Electrical Requirement | 30 Amp dedicated circuit |
| Air Supply | 90-120 PSI compressed air (for lock release system) |
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Lifting Carriage | 60" tall |
| Pulley System | 5" diameter oversized steel pulley |
| Cable | 3/8" diameter heavy-duty |
| Lock Release | Single-point air-actuated (both columns simultaneously) |
Installation Requirements
Foundation Specifications
- Concrete Thickness: 4 inches minimum
- Concrete Reinforcement: Steel rebar or wire mesh required
- Concrete Strength: 3,500 PSI minimum compressive strength
- Concrete Curing: 28 days minimum before installation
- Surface Levelness: Within 3/8 inch across installation area
- Anchor Restrictions: No anchors within 8 inches of cracks, edges, or expansion joints
Power Requirements
- Electrical Supply: Dedicated 208-230V single-phase circuit with 30A breaker
- Compressed Air: 90-120 PSI supply line accessible to lift location for single-point lock release system
Space & Clearance
- Minimum Ceiling Height: 15'8" (for 186" setting), 16'2" (for 192" setting), 16'8" (for 198" setting)
- Recommended Bay Size: 15 feet width × 30 feet depth minimum
- Overhead Clearance: Required for hydraulic lines and electrical routing
Installation Notes
- Authorized Installer Required: Must be installed by authorized Challenger installer for warranty validation
- Professional Installation: Recommended for proper anchoring, leveling, and calibration
- Permits: Verify local code compliance and permit requirements before installation
Shipping & Delivery
Freight Coverage
Typical Lead Time: 4-6 weeks from order placement (subject to inventory availability as of 2024-2025).
Shipping Classification: Heavy equipment requiring LTL (Less Than Load) freight carrier.
Freight Delivery: Many dealers offer free shipping promotions; verify coverage area and delivery method with your dealer.
Delivery Requirements
Unloading Equipment: Liftgate or forklift typically required for unloading. Coordinate appropriate equipment for delivery acceptance.
Delivery Type: Warehouse or LTL terminal pickup (requires appropriate trailer/transport) or direct delivery to service location or authorized installer.
Receiving: Freight delivery appointments required for direct delivery. Inspect all packages before signing bill of lading and note any visible damage on BOL before driver departs.
Installation Coordination
Installation by authorized installer typically coordinated through dealer network. Contact your dealer to arrange professional installation services that meet warranty requirements.
Warranty Coverage
Tiered Warranty Program
5 Years - Structural Components: Columns, arms, carriages, runways, and plungers covered for structural integrity
2 Years - Functional Components: Power units, cylinders, sheaves, hoses, cables, controls, and locks covered for functional operation (exceeds typical 1-year industry standard)
1 Year - Labor Coverage: Transportation and installation labor for covered defective parts
Warranty Requirements
Registration: Product must be registered with Challenger Lifts within specified timeframe (registration available online at challengerlifts.com/register or via completed warranty card)
Eligibility: Valid for original purchaser only (non-transferable)
Installation: Must be installed by authorized Challenger installer for warranty validation
Extended Warranty Option: Available for purchase within 30 days of invoice, extends functional component coverage by additional 3 years (total 5 years functional coverage)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum vehicle height that can be lifted on the Challenger CL16-2-3S?
The CL16-2-3S accommodates vehicles over 9 feet tall when configured with the 198-inch overall height setting, which provides 191 inches of floor-to-overhead-switch clearance. This accommodates tall cargo vans including Ford Transit High Roof, Mercedes Sprinter 3500 Extended, and Ram ProMaster Extended models. The lift offers three height configurations (186", 192", or 198") allowing shops to optimize installation based on their actual ceiling constraints.
What accessories are included with the CL16-2-3S?
Every CL16-2-3S includes the Stack Adapter Extension Kit (Part Number 10315) as standard equipment. This kit contains four 3-inch stack adapter extensions, two 6-inch stack adapter extensions, and two column-mounted organizer racks with all mounting hardware. Also included are enhanced screw pads with raised edges for framed vehicles, dual integrated rubber door guards, and all mounting hardware and anchor bolts. These components address elevated lift points on commercial vehicles with running boards, side steps, or recessed frame channels.
What are the concrete foundation requirements for installing the CL16-2-3S?
The lift requires a minimum 4-inch thick reinforced concrete foundation with steel rebar or wire mesh reinforcement, 3,500 PSI minimum compressive strength, and 28-day minimum curing time before installation. The surface must be level within 3/8 inch across the installation area, and no anchor bolts can be placed within 8 inches of cracks, edges, or expansion joints. These specifications ensure proper anchor embedment and load distribution for safe lifting operations under full 16,000 lb capacity.
What electrical and air supply requirements does the CL16-2-3S have?
The lift requires a dedicated 208-230V single-phase circuit with a 30-amp breaker for the 3 HP motor (3-phase power is available as an optional configuration). Additionally, the single-point air-actuated lock release system requires a 90-120 PSI compressed air supply line accessible to the lift location. Most commercial service facilities already have shop air at this pressure range, and no electrical or hydraulic components are used in the lock release mechanism.
Can the CL16-2-3S be adjusted for different bay widths?
Yes, the CL16-2-3S offers three factory-configurable width settings: 120 inches, 126 inches, or 132 inches between columns. This provides corresponding drive-through clearances of 104.25 inches, 110.25 inches, and 116.25 inches. The width configuration is set during installation and allows the lift to accommodate narrow bays that maximize floor space, standard installations, or wide applications requiring clearance for dually trucks and wide-body commercial vehicles. The symmetric clearfloor design maintains proper weight distribution across all three width settings.
What certifications does the Challenger CL16-2-3S carry?
The CL16-2-3S carries ALI Gold Label certification from the Automotive Lift Institute and ETL listing from Intertek Testing Services. It meets ANSI/ALI ALCTV safety standards for construction, testing, and validation, as well as UL 201 requirements. The lift is also OSHA compliant, meeting General Duty Clause requirements for workplace safety equipment. This dual certification provides compliance assurance for fleet operations, insurance requirements, and facility inspections.
What is the warranty coverage structure for the CL16-2-3S?
The CL16-2-3S includes a tiered warranty program: 5 years for structural components (columns, arms, carriages, runways, plungers), 2 years for functional components (power units, cylinders, sheaves, hoses, cables, controls, locks), and 1 year for labor (transportation and installation labor for covered defective parts). The warranty is non-transferable and requires installation by an authorized Challenger installer for validation. Product registration must be completed within the specified timeframe. An extended warranty option is available for purchase within 30 days of invoice, extending functional component coverage to a total of 5 years.
How long does it take to raise a vehicle on the CL16-2-3S?
The CL16-2-3S has a rise time of 62 seconds, though this varies slightly based on vehicle weight. The lift provides a rise height range of 75.5 inches minimum to 81.5 inches maximum when using screw pads only. The screw pad height adjustment range of 4.75 inches to 6.5 inches allows for fine-tuning of lifting height. The single-point air-actuated lock release system enables faster cycling by allowing technicians to disengage both column safety locks simultaneously from one location, eliminating walk-around time between columns.
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