QuickJack vs MaxJax: Portable Car Lift Comparison

QuickJack and MaxJax are both members of the BendPak family, and both solve the same fundamental problem: getting a vehicle off the ground in a home garage without a permanent lift installation. But they take fundamentally different approaches.

QuickJack is a low-profile frame lift that slides under the vehicle and raises it about 21 inches. MaxJax is a portable 2-post lift that bolts to the floor and raises the vehicle to full standing height. The right choice depends on how you work on cars, how often you need the lift, and whether you can commit floor space.

At a Glance

| Feature | QuickJack | MaxJax M7K | |---|---|---| | Type | Low-profile frame lift | Portable 2-post lift | | Max capacity | 3,500 - 8,000 lbs | 7,000 lbs | | Rise height | ~21 inches | ~69 inches | | Power | 110V standard outlet | 110V standard outlet | | Installation | None -- place on floor | Bolt to concrete (removable) | | Storage | Flat against wall (~5") | Columns can be unbolted | | Setup time | 5-10 minutes | Semi-permanent | | Ceiling req. | Any (8'+ works) | 11'+ recommended | | Price range | $1,775 - $2,375 | $5,195 - $5,695 | | Working position | On a creeper (lying down) | Standing |

QuickJack: The Truly Portable Option

QuickJack consists of two low-profile hydraulic frames that slide under the vehicle from each side. A portable power unit pumps fluid to both frames simultaneously, raising the vehicle evenly. When you are done, the frames lay flat and store vertically against a wall.

QuickJack Models

QuickJack 3500SLX -- $1,775

• 3,500-lb capacity
• Best for: Sports cars, sedans, and compacts
• Entry-level option for weekend warriors

QuickJack 6000TL -- $1,925

• 6,000-lb capacity
• Best for: Most passenger vehicles including midsize SUVs
• The sweet spot for most home users

QuickJack 7000TL -- $1,850

• 7,000-lb capacity
• Best for: Full-size sedans, SUVs, and light trucks
• Our most recommended model

QuickJack 8000TLX Extended Frame -- $2,375

• 8,000-lb capacity with extended frame
• Best for: Full-size trucks and SUVs with long wheelbases
• Maximum capacity in the QuickJack lineup

QuickJack Strengths

True portability. QuickJack is the only lift you can store in 5 inches of wall space and have ready to use in 5 minutes. There is nothing else on the market that comes close to this level of portability.

No ceiling restrictions. QuickJack works in any garage, including standard 8-foot ceilings. The vehicle only rises about 21 inches, so ceiling height is irrelevant.

No installation. Place the frames on the floor, plug in the power unit, and start lifting. No drilling, no anchoring, no electrical work.

No concrete requirements. QuickJack works on any flat, level surface. No minimum concrete thickness or anchor points needed.

Price. At $1,775 to $2,375, QuickJack is less than half the cost of a MaxJax and a fraction of a permanent 2-post lift.

QuickJack Limitations

Low rise height. At roughly 21 inches of rise, you are working from a creeper on the ground. This is fine for oil changes, brake jobs, and many suspension tasks, but it is less comfortable than standing and limits access for some jobs.

No wheel-off work by default. The vehicle is lifted by the frame, and the wheels remain at roughly ground level. You need jack stands or the optional crossbeam adapters for wheel-off service.

Setup each time. While setup is quick (5-10 minutes), it is still something you do every time. If you use a lift daily, this adds up.

MaxJax: The Portable 2-Post

MaxJax is a different concept entirely. It is a genuine 2-post lift with vertical columns, adjustable swing arms, and full-rise capability. The "portable" aspect means the columns bolt to the floor with removable anchors rather than being permanently embedded.

MaxJax Models

MaxJax M7K 110V -- $5,195

• 7,000-lb capacity
• 110V operation (standard household outlet)
• Base model with all core functionality

MaxJax M7K Deluxe Package -- $5,295

• Includes additional accessories and adapters

MaxJax M7K Supreme Package -- $5,595

• Enhanced package with more accessories

MaxJax M7K Ultimate Package -- $5,695

• Complete package with all available accessories and adapters
• Best value if you want everything

MaxJax Strengths

Full-rise capability. MaxJax raises the vehicle to roughly 69 inches -- full standing height. You work on the vehicle from a standing position, just like in a professional shop. This makes a dramatic difference in comfort and access for longer work sessions.

Complete undercar access. With the vehicle at full rise and wheels hanging free, you have unrestricted access to every component underneath. Transmission drops, exhaust replacement, subframe work -- nothing is out of reach.

110V operation. Unlike most permanent 2-post lifts that require 220V, MaxJax runs on a standard 110V household outlet. No electrical upgrades needed.

Removable installation. While MaxJax bolts to the floor, the anchors can be removed. The bolt holes can be filled with epoxy if you move the lift or sell the house. This makes it acceptable for rental situations where permanent modifications are negotiable.

Feels like a real lift. Because it IS a real 2-post lift. The working experience is identical to using a BendPak or any other quality 2-post lift.

MaxJax Limitations

Higher cost. At $5,195 to $5,695, MaxJax costs 2-3x more than QuickJack.

Requires concrete anchoring. You need to drill into the concrete and set anchors. This requires a minimum 4-inch concrete slab in good condition. The MaxJax Epoxy Anchor Bolt Kit at $360 or Standard Anchor Bolt Kit at $210 are sold separately.

Ceiling height requirements. Like any 2-post lift, MaxJax needs adequate ceiling height. Plan for at least 11 feet to comfortably raise most vehicles.

Semi-permanent footprint. While technically removable, MaxJax columns occupy floor space when installed. You cannot quickly clear them for parking like you can with QuickJack.

Not truly portable. Despite the branding, MaxJax is a semi-permanent installation. You would not move it frequently.

Side-by-Side Comparison

For Brake Jobs

QuickJack: Adequate. Raise the vehicle, use jack stands to support, remove wheels, and work from a creeper. Gets the job done but you are on the ground.

MaxJax: Superior. Raise to full height, remove wheels at standing level, and work comfortably. Access both calipers, rotors, and brake lines without contortion.

Winner: MaxJax

For Oil Changes

QuickJack: Excellent. 21 inches of rise is more than enough for drain plug and filter access. Quick setup makes it ideal for regular oil changes.

MaxJax: Also excellent but overkill for a 20-minute job.

Winner: QuickJack (faster setup for a quick task)

For Suspension Work

QuickJack: Limited. Low rise height makes strut replacement and control arm work awkward. Possible but not comfortable.

MaxJax: Excellent. Full rise puts suspension components at a comfortable working height.

Winner: MaxJax

For Space Flexibility

QuickJack: Unbeatable. Stores in 5 inches. Set up and tear down in minutes. The garage is fully available for parking when the lift is stored.

MaxJax: Moderate. Once installed, the columns stay in place. You can work around them for parking, but they consume floor space.

Winner: QuickJack

For Cost-Effectiveness

| Item | QuickJack 7000TL | MaxJax M7K | |---|---|---| | Lift | $1,850 | $5,195 | | Anchor kit | $0 | $210 - $360 | | Installation | $0 | $0 - $300 | | Total | $1,850 | $5,405 - $5,855 |

Winner: QuickJack (by a wide margin)

Decision Guide

Buy QuickJack If:

• Your budget is under $2,500
• You need true portability and quick storage
• Your ceiling is under 10 feet
• You rent your garage or may move
• You primarily do oil changes, brakes, and light maintenance
• You are comfortable working from a creeper
• Your garage must serve as both a shop and daily parking

Our recommendation: QuickJack 7000TL at $1,850. Best balance of capacity, price, and versatility.

Buy MaxJax If:

• You want full-rise 2-post lift capability
• You do regular, involved maintenance (suspension, exhaust, transmission)
• You have at least 11 feet of ceiling height
• You have 4+ inches of concrete
• You value working from a standing position
• You want a lift that stays set up and ready to use
• You may eventually upgrade to a permanent BendPak but want 110V operation now

Our recommendation: MaxJax M7K Ultimate Package at $5,695. The Ultimate Package includes all adapters and accessories, giving you maximum versatility from day one.

What About a Permanent 2-Post Lift?

If you have the ceiling height, concrete, and budget, a permanent BendPak 2-post lift is still the best option for a dedicated home shop. The BendPak 10AP-168 at $7,545 gives you 10,000 lbs of capacity (vs. 7,000 for MaxJax) and is engineered for decades of daily use.

See our Best Car Lifts for Your Home Garage guide for the full comparison across all lift types.