Every call we take about lift parts starts the same way: what is the lift’s model number? The car lift model number decides which cables, cylinders, seals, and arms fit — same brand, same capacity, different production year can mean different parts. This guide shows exactly where to find the car lift model number on 2-post, 4-post, scissor, and inground lifts, how to read the data plate once you find it, and what to do when the plate is missing. These photos are from our own field inspections.
Where the model number is on a 2-post lift
On nearly every 2-post lift, the data plate rides on one of the columns at roughly eye level — usually the powerside column, near the power unit. It is a riveted metal plate or a heavy foil sticker. Here is a real one from a Rotary SPOA10 we inspected:
Note that the full car lift model number is longer than the name everyone uses. This lift is “a Rotary SPOA10” in conversation, but the plate says SPOA10N8G0 — and those extra characters encode the specific configuration. When you order parts, read the whole string off the plate, not from memory.
Where it is on a 4-post lift
On a 4-post, look on the column nearest the power unit, either at eye level or just above the base plate. Runway-style lifts sometimes carry the tag on the runway rail itself. Here is a Forward 4-post tag from one of our inspections:
Scissor and mid-rise lifts usually carry the plate on the base frame or the power-unit console. Inground lifts are the awkward ones — the plate is typically on the control panel or the superstructure, because the lift itself is under the floor.
How to read the data plate
A complete data plate answers most of the questions we would otherwise ask you on the phone. Here is a Challenger plate that shows everything in one shot:
Read it top to bottom: Model No. is the part-fitment key. Serial No. pins the lift to a production run — manufacturers revise parts mid-model without renaming the lift, so the serial settles which revision fits. Date produced is a shortcut for the same thing. Capacity matters for arm and adapter ratings, and the electrical spec (volts, phase, amps) is what you need when ordering a motor, contactor, or power unit.
Model number vs serial number – why you want both
The car lift model number gets you to the right parts family; the serial number gets you to the right revision. A lift sold under one model name for fifteen years may have three different cable lengths or two different cylinder designs across that run. When you call any parts supplier with model AND serial, you skip the guesswork entirely. Write both in your phone right now while you are standing next to the lift – future you will be glad.
What to do when the plate is missing or painted over
Plates go missing on older lifts – painted over, pressure-washed off, or removed. Our field process when that happens, and what we ask customers to do: take a clear photo of the whole lift from the front and another from the back, measure the overall height and the width between columns, and photograph any casting numbers on the arms or carriage. Between the column profile, the latch style, and those dimensions, a crew that services lifts weekly can usually identify the model. Send the photos to us and we will identify it before you order anything.
Brand notes: Rotary, Challenger, BendPak, Forward
A few brand-specific pointers. Rotary models often start with SPO/SPOA (2-post symmetric/asymmetric) or AR/ARO (alignment) – and the suffix characters on the plate matter for cables and height variants. Challenger plates include the date produced, which substitutes nicely when the serial is worn. BendPak encodes width and height variants into the model itself (HD-9, HD-9XW, HD-9XL are different lifts sharing a family). Forward models on the plate are longer than the marketing name, like the FCHW418U200 above. In every case: read the plate, not the brochure.
Have the number? Here is what to do with it
With model and serial in hand, you can find every part that fits your lift in our parts lookup – it filters our catalog by lift model – or call 800-674-9302 and we will pull the parts breakdown for your exact production run. We install, inspect, and repair these lifts every week, so a photo of your plate is enough for us to confirm the right car lift model number and the right parts before any money changes hands.
Where we work
We are based in Iowa and support shops across the country. Some work we do on site regionally; for the rest of the U.S. we handle equipment, parts, and phone diagnosis, and we coordinate service calls where it makes sense. Call and we will tell you honestly what we can do for your location.
We would rather give you a straight answer than overpromise a truck roll that does not make sense. Tell us where you are and what you need.
Car Lift Model Number – FAQ
What if my lift has no data plate?
Photograph the lift from front and back, measure overall height and width between columns, and note any numbers cast into the arms. A lift-service company can identify most models from that – we do it weekly.
Is the serial number really necessary for ordering parts?
Often, yes. Manufacturers change parts mid-model without renaming the lift. The serial dates your lift to a production run, which decides which revision of a cable or cylinder fits.
What does the ALI label next to the plate mean?
It is the Automotive Lift Institute certification label, showing the lift design was third-party tested to the ANSI/ALI safety standard. Inspectors check that it is present and legible.
Where is the model number on a 2-post car lift?
On the data plate riveted or stickered to one of the columns at roughly eye level, usually the column with the power unit. It lists model, serial, capacity, and electrical spec.
Can’t find or read your plate? Text or email photos of the lift (front and back) to us and call 800-674-9302 – we identify lifts from photos every week and will confirm the right parts for it.
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Josiah Ragsdale
Founder, Automotive Lift Services
Josiah has installed, repaired, and inspected automotive lifts and hydraulic equipment since he was 18. He founded Automotive Lift Services in Iowa, and his team now serves shops, dealerships, and fleets across the state and nationwide. Read more
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