Albott 7000 LBS Portable Car Lift, Heavy Duty Quick Jack with 28" Max Height, Locking Levers & Wheels, Adjustable Scissor Lift for Cars, SUVs, Light Trucks, Garage or Shop Use, Black

Why I reached for a portable lift

I spend a lot of time in a single-bay garage juggling brake jobs, fluid changes, and suspension work across a couple of cars and a light truck. Floor jacks and stands get the job done, but they’re slow, fussy, and don’t offer the best ergonomics. I picked up the Albott lift to split the difference between a permanent two-post and a set of jack stands: portable, stowable, and able to get a vehicle high enough to work comfortably underneath.

Setup and first impressions

The lift arrived in three very heavy boxes—two platforms and a power unit with hoses and hardware. Expect each platform to be a workout; they’re closer to “two-person lift” than “one-hand carry.” The steel construction feels substantial, with clean welds and an anti-corrosion finish. Mine had the usual shipping scuffs you get with big steel, nothing that affects function.

Assembly is straightforward if you’re mechanically inclined. A few notes from my bench:

• Hydraulic oil isn’t included. You’ll need ISO 46 (AW46) hydraulic oil. My power unit took roughly three-quarters to one gallon to sit nicely in the sight glass.
• Before filling, I went over every fitting and fastener on the pump and hoses. A couple of the male connectors at the pump body were not fully snug from the factory; tightening them prevented weeping once under pressure.
• The quick couplers are solid—easy to seat, no fumbling, and they sealed cleanly after the first bleed.
• The included wheels are serviceable for light rolling, but they’re basic plastic. They install “up” relative to the ground when the lift is in use. If you install them flipped, the weight sits on the wheel faces and they’ll deform. I upgraded to rubber wheels later for frequent moving on rough concrete.
• The manual is usable, but terse. The diagrams carry most of the explanation. If you’ve assembled shop equipment before, you’ll be fine; if not, take it slow and lay out the parts.

Bleeding was simple: I cycled the lifts to a few inches of height, held the down button to draw fluid back with air into the tank, topped off, and repeated until the motion was uniform and quiet. The pump runs both platforms in sync without needing to meter each side, which is a big convenience.

Design, height, and accessories

This is a scissor-style, twin-platform system built from Q235B steel. The spec sheet says 7,000 lb capacity, and in use it feels appropriately overbuilt. Multiple mechanical locks engage as you rise; you can set them at several increments and there’s a positive release when lowering. I always raise onto the locks rather than leaving a car hanging on hydraulics, and the locks here are confidence-inspiring.

Lift height tops out around 28 inches with the included blocks and extension panels. The kit includes a mix of stackable rubber blocks and taller adjustable-height adapters (170–260 mm). Between those and the panel extensions, I could get a sedan high enough to sit on a rolling stool and comfortably service exhaust, driveline, and suspension. For tire/brake work, the scissor architecture keeps things rigid and planted.

One note: the system requires a minimum load (roughly 220 lb) to descend cleanly. That’s common with portable hydraulic lifts. Don’t expect it to retract crisply with no weight on the platforms.

Performance in the garage

I ran the Albott lift under three vehicles: a low-slung compact, a mid-size coupe, and a body-on-frame SUV. Once I had the right pad combination for each lifting point, the pump raised both platforms smoothly and in unison. The ascent is not lightning fast, but it’s steady and controlled. Engagement of the locks is audible, and there’s no side-to-side drama.

Stability is excellent on a proper slab. The manufacturer specifies a flat surface, and I agree: anything with a noticeable pitch (over 4 degrees) is asking for creeping. On flat concrete, once the locks are engaged, I can push on a quarter panel and get barely any wiggle.

Lowering is predictable. Release the locks, feather the down button, and it eases off the stops without jerks. The spring-assisted retraction helps it return to the floor without leaving you to muscle it closed.

Noise-wise, the pump is about “shop-vac loud.” Not obnoxious, but you wouldn’t run it during a midnight wrench session in a shared space.

Clearance and low-profile cars

Base height matters. With the platforms fully retracted, they’re still too tall for some very low cars to drive over and for some to slide under if your jacking points are particularly tucked. On my compact, I needed to roll the front wheels up onto a pair of 2x10 ramps to give myself the extra inch or two to position the platforms correctly. If you work on track toys or cars with aero, plan on either ramps or low-profile blocks. The included blocks are sturdy but not ultra-low.

Mobility and storage

Each platform is heavy. You can scoot them around a garage, but it’s a “roll and slide” move, not a one-handed tug. The wheels make it manageable over smooth floors. The power unit is compact and has a carrying handle; hoses coil neatly, and the couplers cap to keep dust out.

Storage is a strong point. Folded, the platforms slide under a car or against a wall without eating much footprint. In a tight garage, I store both under one vehicle and the power unit on a shelf.

Maintenance, leaks, and longevity

Beyond the initial snugging of fittings and a quick wipe of shipping oil from the pump housing, my unit has been dry. I check the sight glass before long sessions, keep the couplers clean, and give the pivot points a periodic inspection. The steel frame and hardware look ready for years of DIY and light shop duty. If you’ll roll it around often, upgrading the wheels to rubber or polyurethane is cheap insurance.

Safety and workflow tips

• Always lift on a flat, solid surface. Avoid slopes.
• Verify pad placement at factory jacking points and use the mechanical locks at working height.
• Before first use, go over every fitting and fastener on the pump and platforms; it takes 10 minutes and can prevent drips.
• Use ISO/AW 46 hydraulic oil and bleed the system carefully after filling.
• For very low cars, use short ramps or lower-profile pads to achieve initial clearance.
• Keep fingers clear of the handle mechanisms when moving the platforms; ground clearance is tight and it’s a pinch point.

What I liked

• Strong, confidence-inspiring steel construction with positive mechanical locks
• Genuine 7,000 lb capacity handles cars, SUVs, and light trucks
• Simple, tidy hydraulic setup with quick couplers and an easy-to-read sight glass
• Up to 28 inches of lift with included extensions, enough room to work comfortably
• Folds and stores under a car; footprint is small for the capability

What could be better

• The platforms are legitimately heavy; the included plastic wheels aren’t ideal for frequent moves
• Documentation is sparse; clearer guidance on wheel orientation, bleeding, and pad setup would help first-timers
• Arrives dry; you must buy hydraulic oil separately
• Base height can challenge very low vehicles without ramps or alternate pads
• Some fittings benefited from a post-shipping snug—worth making part of your setup routine

The bottom line

The Albott lift hits the sweet spot I was hoping for: serious lifting capability, real safety features, and just enough portability to suit a home garage. It isn’t a featherweight, and the out-of-box experience benefits from a careful once-over and a jug of ISO 46. But once set up, it raises evenly, locks securely, and makes common undercar work faster and more comfortable.

Recommendation: I recommend this lift to DIYers and small shops that need a portable, mid-rise solution without the cost or permanence of a full install. It offers excellent capacity, solid build quality, and practical height at a fair price. If most of your work is on very low cars, plan on ramps or different pads; and if you’ll move it constantly, budget for better wheels. With those considerations, it’s a reliable, confidence-inspiring tool that will see a lot of use.