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CHALLENGER LIFTS CL16-3S 16000 Lbs, 2-Post Heavy-Duty Lift
Challenger CL16-3S - 16,000 lb Heavy-Duty Two-Post Lift for Fleet Operations
The Challenger CL16-3S delivers 16,000 lb capacity in a symmetric clear-floor design, engineered for commercial fleet maintenance environments handling cargo vans, service trucks, medium-duty commercial vehicles, and electric vehicles. Featuring 3-stage telescoping arms (36.625" to 75" reach), factory-adjustable width and height configurations, and a single-point air-actuated lock release system, this ALI-certified lift provides the versatility and efficiency required for high-volume fleet operations.
Key Features & Benefits
Tri-Configurable Width & Height System
The CL16-3S features factory-adjustable width settings at 166.75", 160.75", and 154.75" (inside column clearances of 132", 126", and 120") combined with two base models offering three height adjustments each for a total of six height configurations. The CL16-0-3S standard model provides column heights of 174", 168", and 162", while the CL16-2-3S extended model adds 24 inches to each setting (198", 192", 186").
This configuration system addresses the challenge of standardizing equipment across facilities with varying bay dimensions and ceiling heights. Fleet operators no longer need to maintain multiple lift SKUs or order custom-built units when expanding to locations with different infrastructure constraints, reducing procurement complexity and parts inventory requirements.
This enables single-model standardization across multi-location operations while maintaining optimal bay utilization. Adjustments are made at the factory during assembly, ensuring structural integrity without aftermarket modifications that could compromise ALI certification or warranty coverage.
Oversized 5-Inch Pulley System for Extended Durability
The lift incorporates 5-inch diameter steel pulleys paired with 3/8-inch heavy-duty equalization cables, exceeding typical industry-standard 4-inch pulleys and 5/16-inch cables. This oversized component sizing distributes load stress over a larger surface area, reducing cable wear and extending synchronization system life.
Traditional two-post lifts using smaller pulleys experience accelerated cable degradation in high-volume fleet environments where lifts cycle 20-30 times daily. The increased pulley diameter reduces cable bending radius stress while the thicker cable provides greater breaking strength margins under maximum load conditions.
This improves cable replacement intervals from typical 3-5 year cycles to 5-7+ years in commercial fleet operations, reducing maintenance downtime and long-term operating costs. The enhanced system also provides smoother operation with reduced noise during lifting and lowering cycles.
Single-Point Air-Actuated Lock Release
The CL16-3S uses a single-point air-actuated control that simultaneously disengages safety locks on both columns, replacing manual sequential release mechanisms found on older mechanical systems. A single control valve triggers pneumatic release of all locking pawls at once, activated by clean, dry air supply at 90-120 PSI.
Traditional two-post lifts require technicians to manually release locks on each column separately, adding 15-20 seconds per cycle while requiring physical bending and reaching. In high-volume fleet operations processing 25-30 vehicles daily, these cumulative delays reduce bay efficiency and increase technician physical strain from repetitive motions.
This enables 15-20 second reduction per lift/lower cycle, translating to 10-15 additional service bays per day in high-volume operations. The ergonomic design also reduces repetitive motion injury risk by eliminating manual lock manipulation, improving technician safety and reducing workers' compensation exposure.
Complete Stack Adapter Kit Included
Every CL16-3S includes a comprehensive Stack Adapter Kit (P/N 10315) as standard equipment, containing four 3-inch adapter extensions, four 6-inch adapter extensions, and two adapter storage racks. These adapters extend maximum rise height from 75.5" (screw pads only) to 81.5" with adapters installed, enabling service of vehicles with varying ground clearances.
Most competitor lifts ship adapters as optional accessories requiring separate purchase orders and typically costing $300-500 for equivalent sets. This creates procurement delays when technicians discover height limitations during initial mixed-fleet service operations, particularly when servicing both low-profile vehicles and raised trucks in the same bay.
This eliminates additional procurement cycles and provides immediate out-of-box capability to service the full range of fleet vehicle heights from low-profile passenger cars to raised service trucks. The included storage racks keep adapters organized and accessible within the bay, reducing setup time when switching between vehicle types.
Cargo Van-Optimized Symmetric Design
The lift's symmetric arm configuration features 60-inch lifting carriage length (versus typical 48-54 inch designs) with integrated rubber door guards as standard equipment. The extended carriage provides broader vehicle contact surface and enhanced stability under asymmetric loads, while dual rubber guards protect vehicle doors during technician entry and exit.
Cargo vans and service vehicles represent the fastest-growing fleet segment, but their center-of-gravity profiles and wide cargo doors create specific challenges. Shorter carriages cause stability issues with rear-heavy work trucks, while unprotected lift columns frequently damage sliding cargo doors when technicians enter vehicles for diagnostic procedures or equipment access.
This improves load distribution on commercial vehicles with heavy rear equipment installations, rear-mounted toolboxes, or front-heavy electric vehicle battery packs. The integrated door guards eliminate costly panel damage claims from door contact during service operations, reducing insurance claims and vehicle downtime for body shop repairs.
ALI & ETL Dual Certification with 5-2-1 Warranty
The CL16-3S carries both ALI Certified (ANSI/ALI ALCTV construction standards) and ETL Listed (ANSI/UL 201 safety standards) certifications, satisfying International Building Code commercial installation requirements. The lift is backed by a 5-year structural warranty, 2-year functional parts warranty, and 1-year labor warranty, with an optional 3-year functional extension available within 30 days of purchase.
Many municipal and fleet facilities require dual third-party certification (ALI and NRTL laboratory listing) for insurance compliance and building permit approvals. The 2-year functional parts coverage addresses the high-wear components in commercial fleet environments, where hydraulic cylinders, power units, and control systems experience more frequent cycling than in standard automotive service applications.
This simplifies insurance documentation and building permit processes for commercial installations while aligning warranty coverage with typical fleet equipment depreciation schedules. The extended functional warranty option (total 5 years on power units and hydraulics when purchased) provides long-term protection matching the expected service life of commercial fleet equipment.
Applications & Use Cases
- Commercial Fleet Maintenance: Cargo vans, service vehicles, and utility trucks used in plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and delivery operations requiring undercarriage access and wheels-free service
- Medium-Duty Commercial Trucks: Service trucks, box trucks, and work vehicles up to 16,000 lb for brake service, suspension repair, and drivetrain maintenance
- Electric Vehicles and Heavy-Duty Hybrids: EV fleet vehicles and hybrid commercial units requiring battery pack access and high-voltage system service
- Municipal and Emergency Service Vehicles: Police vehicles, fire department service trucks, and municipal fleet equipment requiring versatile lifting capacity
- Automotive Service and Repair: Light-duty trucks, SUVs, and standard passenger cars in high-volume repair facilities requiring symmetric or asymmetric lifting capability
- Commercial Truck Service Centers: Multi-vehicle service bays handling diverse vehicle types from standard passenger cars to heavy commercial vehicles
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Lifting Capacity | 16,000 lb (7,257 kg) |
| Maximum Load Per Arm | 4,000 lb (1,814 kg) |
| Rise Time | 62 seconds |
| Maximum Rise Height (with Stack Adapters) | 81.5 inches (207 cm) |
| Maximum Rise Height (Screw Pads Only) | 75.5 inches (192 cm) |
| Lifting Carriage Design | 60 inches |
| Arm Reach | 36.625 inches (93 cm) minimum - 75 inches (191 cm) maximum |
| Model | Configuration | Value |
|---|---|---|
| CL16-0-3S (Standard Height) | Column Heights | 174" / 168" / 162" (14'6" / 14'0" / 13'6") |
| Ceiling Height Required | 176" / 170" / 164" (14'8" / 14'2" / 13'8") | |
| Floor to Overhead Switch | 167" / 161" / 155" | |
| CL16-2-3S (Extended Height) | Column Heights | 198" / 192" / 186" (16'6" / 16'0" / 15'6") |
| Ceiling Height Required | 200" / 194" / 188" (16'8" / 16'2" / 15'8") | |
| Floor to Overhead Switch | 191" / 185" / 179" | |
| All Configurations | Overall Width (Adjustable) | 166.75" / 160.75" / 154.75" |
| Inside of Columns | 132" / 126" / 120" (11'0" / 10'6" / 10'0") | |
| Drive-Thru Clearance | 116.25" / 110.25" / 104.25" (9'8" / 9'2" / 8'8") | |
| Screw Pad Height | 4.75 inches to 6.5 inches (12-16.5 cm) |
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Standard Motor | 3HP, Single Phase, 60Hz, 208/230V |
| Optional Motor | 2HP, Three Phase, 60Hz, 208/230/460V |
| Air Supply Required | 90-120 PSI (clean, dry, lubricated via FRL unit within 30 feet) |
| Hydraulic Pressure at Capacity | 2,250 PSI |
| Operating Temperature | 5-40°C (41-104°F) |
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Arm Configuration | 3-stage front and rear telescoping arms |
| Lift Configuration | Symmetric (cargo van-optimized) |
| Steel Pulley | Oversized 5-inch diameter |
| Cable | Heavy-duty 3/8-inch diameter equalization cable |
| Safety Lock System | Single-point air-actuated lock release |
| Door Protection | Dual integrated rubber door guards (standard) |
| Pad Type | Low-profile pickup pads (screw-adjustable) |
| Shipping Weight | 2,460 lb (1,116 kg) |
What's Included
- Stack Adapter Kit (P/N 10315): (4) 3-inch adapter extensions, (4) 6-inch adapter extensions, (2) adapter storage racks
- (4) Arm restraint assemblies
- Power unit: Single-phase standard; three-phase optional
- Overhead shutoff bar assembly
- Overhead limit switch
- Installation hardware and anchor bolts: 18 x 3/4" x 5.5" anchors
- Literature pack: Installation, operation, and maintenance manuals
Installation Requirements
Foundation & Mounting
- Concrete Thickness: 4 inches minimum depth
- Concrete Strength: 3,500 PSI minimum
- Reinforcement: Steel reinforcement required
- Curing Time: 28 days minimum before installation
- Floor Levelness: Within 3/8 inch over installation area
- Anchor Placement: No anchors within 8 inches of cracks, edges, or expansion joints
- Continuous Slab: Cannot span expansion seams
Power Requirements
- Electrical Service: Dedicated circuit with 30-amp breaker (single-phase configuration)
- Voltage Options: 208/230V single-phase (standard) or 208/230/460V three-phase (optional)
- Air Supply: Clean, dry, lubricated air at 90-120 PSI via FRL (Filter/Regulator/Lubricator) unit within 30 feet
Clearances & Space Requirements
- Minimum Bay Distance: 168 inches (14'0") to nearest obstruction from column base
- Ceiling Height: See dimension specifications (varies by model and height configuration)
- Recommended Bay Size: 16' W x 28' D
- Environment: Indoor use only, operating temperature 5-40°C (41-104°F)
Installation Notes
- Professional Installation: Installation must be performed by qualified personnel following manufacturer installation manual for warranty eligibility
- Permits: Verify local code compliance and permit requirements before installation. ALI and ETL certifications satisfy most International Building Code commercial installation requirements.
Shipping & Delivery
Freight Coverage
Delivery Timeframe: 4-6 weeks from order placement (subject to inventory availability).
Freight Class: Heavy freight requiring truck delivery to commercial address.
Delivery Requirements
Unloading Equipment Required: Forklift or suitable hoist MANDATORY. Lift ships as multi-piece shipment (columns, overhead beam, power unit, hardware packs separately) and cannot be hand-unloaded from freight truck.
Delivery Type: Curbside freight delivery (standard). Truck driver cannot assist with unloading.
Receiving: Customer responsible for unloading equipment from freight truck. Inspect all packages before signing bill of lading. Note any visible damage on BOL before driver departs. Unpreparedness may incur receiver charges ($135).
Packaging Information
Shipping Weight: 2,460 lb (1,116 kg)
Packaging: Multi-piece shipment with columns, overhead beam, power unit, and hardware packs shipped separately
Warranty Coverage
5-2-1 Warranty Program
5 Years - Structural Parts: Lifting carriage, columns, arms, overhead beams, base plates
2 Years - Functional Parts: Power units, hydraulic cylinders, sheaves, hoses, cables, controls, electrical components
1 Year - Labor: Labor coverage for warranty repairs during first year
Extended Warranty Option: 3-year extension available on Functional Parts (total 5 years) if purchased within 30 days of invoice
Warranty Requirements
Registration: Product must be registered at challengerlifts.com/register-your-lift. Warranty period begins from invoice date if not registered.
Eligibility: Valid for original purchaser only (non-transferable)
Installation: Installation must be performed by authorized Challenger installer following manufacturer installation manual
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lifting capacity of the Challenger CL16-3S?
The CL16-3S has a total lifting capacity of 16,000 lb (7,257 kg) with a maximum load per arm of 4,000 lb (1,814 kg). The lift features 3-stage telescoping arms with reach from 36.625 inches minimum to 75 inches maximum. Maximum rise height is 81.5 inches with stack adapters or 75.5 inches with screw pads only.
What are the width and height configuration options?
The CL16-3S offers factory-adjustable width settings at 166.75", 160.75", and 154.75" (inside column clearances of 132", 126", and 120"). Height options include the CL16-0-3S standard model with column heights of 174", 168", and 162", and the CL16-2-3S extended model with heights of 198", 192", and 186". All configurations require 2 inches additional ceiling clearance above column height.
What's included with the Challenger CL16-3S?
Every CL16-3S includes the Stack Adapter Kit (P/N 10315) with four 3-inch adapters, four 6-inch adapters, and two storage racks. Also included are four arm restraint assemblies, power unit (single-phase standard, three-phase optional), overhead shutoff bar assembly, overhead limit switch, installation hardware with 18 anchor bolts (3/4" x 5.5"), and complete literature pack with installation, operation, and maintenance manuals.
What are the concrete foundation requirements?
The CL16-3S requires a minimum 4-inch thick concrete slab with 3,500 PSI minimum strength and steel reinforcement. The concrete must cure for at least 28 days before installation. The floor must be level within 3/8 inch over the installation area. Anchors cannot be placed within 8 inches of cracks, edges, or expansion joints, and the lift cannot span expansion seams.
What electrical service is required?
The standard CL16-3S requires a dedicated 30-amp circuit with 208/230V single-phase power and a 3HP motor. An optional 2HP three-phase motor is available for 208/230/460V service. The lift also requires clean, dry, lubricated air at 90-120 PSI supplied through an FRL (Filter/Regulator/Lubricator) unit located within 30 feet of the lift.
What certifications does the CL16-3S have?
The CL16-3S is ALI Certified meeting ANSI/ALI ALCTV safety standards for automotive lift construction, testing, and validation. It is also ETL Listed by Intertek (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory) meeting ANSI/UL 201 standards for garage equipment safety. This dual certification satisfies International Building Code commercial installation requirements and simplifies insurance documentation.
What is the warranty coverage?
The CL16-3S includes a 5-2-1 warranty program with 5 years on structural parts (carriage, columns, arms, beams, base plates), 2 years on functional parts (power units, cylinders, sheaves, hoses, cables, controls), and 1 year on labor. An optional 3-year extension on functional parts (total 5 years) is available if purchased within 30 days. Warranty requires product registration at challengerlifts.com and installation by authorized installer.
What types of vehicles can this lift handle?
The CL16-3S is designed for commercial fleet applications including cargo vans, service vehicles, medium-duty trucks up to 16,000 lb, electric vehicles, light-duty trucks, SUVs, and standard passenger cars. The symmetric design with 60-inch carriage is optimized for cargo van center-of-gravity profiles, while the 3-stage arms and adjustable configurations accommodate vehicles from low-profile cars to raised service trucks.
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