• Two-post lift — two upright posts with arms; common in repair shops for full underbody access.
• Four-post lift — four posts with runways; good for storage, alignment, and long-term parking.
• Scissor lift — crossed-linking platforms that raise straight up; available in single- or double-scissor versions for space-saving.
• In-ground (undercarriage) lift — cylinders or platforms recessed into the floor; clean look and unobstructed access when lowered.
• Mid-rise lift — lower-profile lift that raises vehicles a moderate height (often used where ceiling height is limited).
• Full-rise (full-height) lift — raises vehicle to high clearance for full underbody work.
• Mobile/portable lift — wheel-mounted units that can be moved around the shop; used for limited lifting tasks.
• Column/multi-column (e.g., mobile column lifts) — individual powered columns used in sets for heavy vehicles or buses.
• Parking stacker/pallet lift — lifts vehicles vertically for parking/storage in tight spaces.
• Drive-on/parking lifts (mechanical or hydraulic) — for stacking or valet parking systems.

By lifting mechanism / power source

• Hydraulic lifts — use hydraulic cylinders; common for smooth, powerful lifting.
• Mechanical (screw/chain) lifts — use screw jacks or chain-drive mechanisms; simpler, sometimes lower cost.
• Electric lifts — use electric actuators or motors; often combined with hydraulic systems.
• Pneumatic lifts — use air pressure normally for car washing lift (less common for heavy vehicles).

By application / vehicle class

• Passenger-car lifts — capacities commonly 2–6 tons.
• Light-truck/SUV lifts — higher capacity and sometimes wider platforms.
• Heavy-duty/Commercial lifts — mobile column lifts, bus/truck lifts with much higher capacity and different configurations (in-ground, platform, or heavy four-post).
• Alignment lifts — four-post or two-post variants with turnplates, slip plates, or integrated sensors for wheel alignment work.
• Tire changer/jack lifts — small scissor or crane-type lifts for wheel/tire service.