Most workshops are built around fixed lifting equipment.

Two-post lifts, four-post lifts and scissor lifts handle the majority of day-to-day work, and for most jobs, they’re exactly what you need.

But every garage has times when the standard setup isn’t ideal.

• A vehicle doesn’t quite sit right on a lift

• You’re waiting for a ramp to free up

• You’re moving jobs around just to make space

• Access isn’t ideal, so the job takes longer

None of these are major issues on their own…But they add up.

And over time, they slow the workshop down more than you realise. That’s where a set of Mobile Column Lifts starts to make a real difference, not as a replacement, but as something that gives your workshop more options when the usual setup doesn’t quite work.

What a Set of Mobile Column Lifts Actually Changes

A set of Mobile Column Lifts allows you to lift vehicles by the wheels using individual columns, positioned exactly where you need them. Instead of working around a fixed bay, you can set the lift up around the vehicle in open space, whether that’s inside the workshop or in a clear area that suits the job.

This means you’re not limited by where your lifts are installed or how your bays are laid out. You can adapt your setup depending on the type of vehicle and the work being carried out.

It’s a different way of thinking compared to fixed lifts, and once you’ve used it, it becomes clear where it fits your workflow.

Built for Commercial Work, Not Just Standard Vehicles

This is where a set of Mobile Column lifts really stands out.

Each column in our BVL8000M range has a lifting capacity of 8,000kg.

That level of capacity is what makes these systems common in commercial garages and fleet workshops, where lifting larger vehicles is part of the daily workload.

This allows you to comfortably handle:

• Vans

• Commercial vehicles

• Multi-axle setups

For garages starting to take on heavier jobs, this is where mobile column lifts move from being “useful” to “essential”.

Keeping Everything Level and Controlled

When lifting larger or longer vehicles, keeping everything level is critical. With traditional setups, this can sometimes rely on positioning and operator awareness. With mobile column lifts, this is handled automatically.

These Mobile Column Lifts use microchip-controlled synchronisation, which keeps all columns lifting at the same rate.

This means:

• The vehicle stays level throughout the lift

• No manual balancing

• Safer operation on larger vehicles

For anything with length or multiple axles, this makes a big difference.

Safety Built Into the System

When you’re lifting heavy vehicles, safety isn’t something you can compromise on. Mobile column lifts are designed with multiple layers of protection built in. 

Each column uses both mechanical and hydraulic locking systems, which means the load is physically supported even if hydraulic pressure drops.

Alongside that, you’ve got:

• Emergency stop buttons on every column 

• Audible warnings when lowering 

• DC24V safe control voltage.

All of this works together to give you a controlled and stable lifting process, even when dealing with heavier lifting vehicles.

Why Commercial Garages Use Mobile Column Lifts

If you look at how commercial garages operate, flexibility is a big part of it. They don’t always have the luxury of working with standard-sized vehicles in fixed positions.

Instead, they need to:

• Handle different vehicle sizes every day

• Work on longer wheelbases

• Lift heavier loads safely and consistently

That’s why Mobile Column Lifts are widely used in commercial environments.

They allow the workshop to adapt to the vehicle, not the other way around.

For independent garages, adding this type of equipment brings that same level of capability into your workshop.

Practical Features That Make a Difference Day-to-Day

It’s not just about lifting power; it’s about how easy the mobile column lift is to operate in a real workshop. Each column includes a touchscreen control system that shows real-time lifting height and system status, so you always know where you are in the lift.

Additionally, the access ID system allows any column in the group to serve as the control unit, which is useful depending on how the vehicle is positioned.

Wireless communication between a set of mobile column lifts means there’s no need for linking cables across the floor, keeping the working area cleaner and safer.

No Fixed Installation Required

Each column is battery-powered, meaning:

• No permanent wiring

• No cables across the floor

• No fixed install required

They can be charged using a standard single-phase supply, making them easy to integrate into most workshops.

This also means you can move and store them when not in use, something fixed lifts can’t offer.

Designed for Real Vehicle Sizes

The adjustable wheel pick-up forks accommodate tyre diameters from 600mm to 1250mm covering a wide range of vehicles.

So whether you’re working on:

• Standard vans

• Larger commercial vehicles

• Mixed fleet work

You’ve got the range to handle it without needing extra adjustments or workarounds.

Choosing Between 4 Column and 6 Column Setups

The main difference comes down to the type of work you’re doing.

4 Column Setup

• Ideal for vans and general commercial work

• More than enough for most independent garages

Learn more about the set of 4 mobile columns

6 Column Setup

• Better suited for multi-axle vehicles

• Gives extra flexibility for larger and heavier jobs

Both setups use the same system; it’s just about how much capacity and coverage you need.

Learn more about the set of 6 mobile columns

Supporting Your Existing Lifts

Your fixed lifts should always be the fastest and most efficient option for standard servicing work. A set of mobile column lifts isn’t there to replace that. 

It’s there for the jobs where the standard setup isn’t ideal, whether that’s due to vehicle size, layout, or availability of lifts.

It gives you another option when you need it. 

Final Thoughts

Most garages don’t think about their lifting setup until something doesn’t quite fit.

A set of Mobile Column Lifts gives you another option when that problem occurs.

Not just for flexibility, but for handling heavier vehicles, improving access, and making better use of your workshop space.

For the right garage, it’s not something you use on every job.

But when you need it, it solves problems that nothing else does.

View available mobile column systems here

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Mobile Column Lifts used for?

Mobile Column Lifts are used to lift larger vehicles such as vans, trucks and commercial vehicles by the wheels, allowing more flexibility than fixed lifts.

Are Mobile Column Lifts safe?

Yes. They use both mechanical and hydraulic locking systems, along with synchronised lifting and emergency stop controls for safe operation.

How many columns do I need?

Most garages use 4 columns for general work, while 6 columns are used for larger or multi-axle vehicles.

Do they need installation?

No. Mobile Column Lifts are battery-powered and do not require fixed installation, making them easy to use in different areas of the workshop.