Rotary SM18 18,000 lbs Four Post Lift - Closed Front
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- Manufacturer Warranty included with purchase
- Questions? +1 (855) 498-2147
Rotary SM18 Four Post Lift - 18,000 lb Capacity for Cars, Vans, and Commercial Vehicles
Your shop handles everything from sedans to box trucks, and you need a rotary four post lift that keeps up without flinching. The Rotary SM18 gives you 18,000 lbs of lifting capacity on a closed-front platform, so light and medium-duty commercial vehicles roll on just as easily as passenger cars. Two runway length options mean you're not locked into a single wheelbase range. Whether it's a fleet van or a crew cab dually, this rotary 4 post lift handles it.
What sets the SM18 apart from the pack is how Rotary built safety into the mechanics. The patented Dual-Function Sentinel Lock system keeps a slack cable guide arm riding with the cable at all times, ready to manage the lock latch if there's ever a cable issue. Adjustable latch bars keep the runways level at every locking position. You're not hoping the lift stays put. You know it does. Polymer rollers keep the operation quiet, which matters when you're running this thing all day long in a busy bay.
This rotary car lift is also built for growth. Alignment conversion kits let you turn a flat-top runway lift into a full alignment station without buying a second piece of equipment. The SM18 converts to a drive-thru configuration, giving you flexibility as your workflow changes. Folding ramps with rear shocks, an air filter/regulator/lubricator, and a single point air lock release all come standard. It's ALI Gold Certified (SM18LO-X), which means it meets the toughest safety validation standards in the industry.
When you buy from Garage Supply Guys, you get direct support from a team that knows rotary lifts inside and out, plus access to replacement parts when you need them. One call gets you answers, not a phone tree.
Specifications
| Lifting Capacity | 18,000 lbs (9,000 lbs per axle) |
| Rise | 68 in (1,727 mm) |
| Overall Length | 22 ft 11-3/16 in |
| Overall Width | 11 ft 5-3/4 in |
| Inside of Columns | 121-1/2 in |
| Column Height | 6 ft 5-3/4 in |
| Runway Width | 22 in |
| Runway Height | 7-1/2 in |
| Width Between Runways (Max) | 46 in |
| Minimum Wheelbase | 126 in |
| Motor | 2 HP |
| Voltage (Single Phase) | 208V - 230V |
| 3-Phase Power | Available |
| Time of Full Rise | 100 seconds |
| Hydraulic Fluid | Dexron III ATF, 13 quart capacity |
| Safety Certification | ALI Gold Certified (SM18LO-X) |
SM18-L (Standard Length)
| Max Wheelbase | 194 in |
| Between Columns | 212 in |
| Min Bay Size | 16 ft x 27 ft |
SM18-EL (Extended Length)
| Max Wheelbase | 230 in |
| Between Columns | 248 in |
| Min Bay Size | 16 ft x 30 ft |
What's Included
- Rotary SM18 four-post lift assembly
- Dual-Function Sentinel Lock system
- Folding ramps with rear shocks
- Air filter/regulator/lubricator (FRL)
- Single point air lock release
- Adjustable latch bars
- Single piece non-welded runways with rolling jack tracks
- Automatic ramp chocks
- 1/2 in steel lifting cables
- Protective ramp strips
- Power unit with 2 HP motor
- Hardware and anchor kit
- Installation guide and owner's manual
Call to confirm included accessories: (855) 498-2147
Installation and Setup
The SM18 is a surface-mounted four post car lift, so it bolts directly to your shop floor without any excavation. That said, your concrete needs to be up to the task. Rotary requires a minimum of 5 inches of 3,000 PSI concrete for proper floor anchoring and lift stability. If your slab doesn't meet that spec, you'll need to pour reinforced pads under each column before installation.
Electrical requirements call for a dedicated 208V-230V single-phase circuit with a 20 amp time-delay fuse or circuit breaker. Three-phase power is also available and drops the breaker requirement to 15 amps. Each power unit needs its own separate circuit. All wiring must comply with NEC and local electrical codes, so plan on having a certified electrician handle the connection.
The locking latches require 90 to 120 PSI of shop air, so make sure your compressor can maintain that range at the lift location. The hydraulic system uses Dexron III ATF with a 13-quart capacity. After initial fill, you'll need to cycle the lift six times to self-bleed the cylinder, then top off the reservoir.
Professional installation by a Rotary Authorized Installer is strongly recommended and is required to qualify for the extended warranty terms. Make sure your bay meets the minimum size requirements for your chosen runway length before scheduling delivery.
Applications
Passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks roll right on for oil changes, brake jobs, exhaust work, and undercarriage inspections without tie-down hassles.
Service vans, delivery trucks, and fleet vehicles back to back. The 18,000 lb capacity means you're not turning away medium-duty commercial work.
Add an alignment conversion kit and transform this rotary auto lift into a full alignment station, expanding your service menu without a second piece of equipment.
A four post car storage lift that doubles your floor space. Park one vehicle on the runways above and keep the bay below open for another vehicle or workspace.
Handle the full range of trade-ins, customer cars, and new inventory service prep on one versatile rotary vehicle lift that fits standard bay dimensions.
The extended-length SM18-EL handles wheelbases up to 230 in, giving you the reach for larger recreational vehicles and crew cab long-bed trucks.
Variant Options
SM18-L - Standard Length
If your shop primarily services passenger vehicles, SUVs, and standard-wheelbase trucks, the SM18-L gives you everything you need in a tighter footprint. With a max wheelbase of 194 in and a minimum bay size of just 16 ft x 27 ft, it fits into more shops without sacrificing the full 18,000 lb capacity. This is the right choice when bay space is limited but lifting power can't be.
SM18-EL - Extended Length
Running longer commercial vehicles, crew cab long-beds, or RVs through your bays? The SM18-EL stretches the max wheelbase to 230 in with 248 in between columns. You'll need a 16 ft x 30 ft bay to fit it, but in return, you get a rotary lift 4 post platform that handles virtually any light or medium-duty vehicle that rolls up to your door.
Shipping
All items ship to the designated address upon completion of your order. We ship to any address in the Continental United States only. Local pickup is not available. Please allow 3-5 business days for shipping to be completed. If you have questions about your order, call us at (855) 498-2147.
We accept returns on unopened items in original packaging within 30 days of purchase with receipt or proof of purchase. Returns are subject to a 20% restocking fee, and the buyer is responsible for return freight. Only regular-priced items may be refunded.
Warranty
The Rotary SM18 is backed by VSG's Limited Express Warranty for surface lifts rated at 30,000 lbs and under. Standard warranty coverage includes 5 years on structural components (columns, runways, yokes, carriages) and 1 year on functional parts (power units, cylinders, latches, adapters, controls) with 1 year of labor coverage.
When installed by a Rotary Authorized Installer (RAI) and registered with the factory, functional parts coverage extends to 2 years with 1 year of labor warranty. The warranty applies to the original owner only and is non-transferable.
This warranty does not cover normal wear items (cables, sheaves, adapter pads), damage from improper handling or installation, unauthorized repairs, or paint defects caused by external influences. Optional extended functional parts warranties are available at the point of sale or within the first year of installation.
The warranty period begins when the product is invoiced to an authorized distributor/purchaser. This date can be adjusted by submitting the Warranty Activation Form with proof of the installation date, within 6 months of the original ship date.
Documents
Click to open in a new tab.
Product brochure with features and specifications
Operation and maintenance instructions
Rotary SM18 Installation Guide
Complete installation instructions and diagrams
Ready to Add a Rotary Four Post Lift to Your Shop?
Call our team for a quote, lead times, and help choosing between the SM18-L and SM18-EL for your bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the concrete requirements for installing the Rotary SM18?
The SM18 requires a minimum of 5 inches of 3,000 PSI concrete for proper floor anchoring and stability. The lift bolts directly to the surface with no excavation needed. If your existing slab doesn't meet these specs, reinforced pads must be poured under each column location and fully cured before installation. Anchor bolts should be torqued to 60 ft-lbs. Always verify your specific site conditions before ordering.
Can the SM18 be converted into an alignment lift?
Yes. Rotary offers alignment conversion kits that transform the flat-top SM18 runways into a fully functioning alignment station. This lets you add wheel alignment services without purchasing a dedicated alignment lift. The kits are sold separately and can be added after installation, giving you flexibility to expand your service capabilities as your business grows.
What's the difference between the SM18-L and SM18-EL?
The SM18-L handles wheelbases up to 194 in with 212 in between columns and fits a 16 ft x 27 ft bay. The SM18-EL extends to a 230 in max wheelbase with 248 in between columns but requires a larger 16 ft x 30 ft bay. Both share the same 18,000 lb capacity, 68 in rise, and feature set. Choose based on the longest vehicles you regularly service and your available bay dimensions.
Does the SM18 require professional installation?
While professional installation isn't technically mandatory, it is strongly recommended and has real warranty implications. Installation by a Rotary Authorized Installer (RAI) with factory registration extends your functional parts warranty from 1 year to 2 years. The installation involves concrete anchoring, electrical wiring, hydraulic connections, and air line routing, all of which need to meet specific safety codes and manufacturer specifications.
What electrical power does the SM18 need?
The standard configuration runs on 208V-230V single-phase power with a dedicated 20 amp time-delay fuse or circuit breaker. Three-phase power is also available, which reduces the breaker requirement to 15 amps (or 10 amps at 400V and above). Each power unit must be on its own separate circuit. A certified electrician should handle all wiring to ensure compliance with NEC and local electrical codes.
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