If you’re the type of ATV owner who likes to do their own maintenance or modifications, there’s probably an ATV lift table in your garage. If not, there should be! Nothing beats the convenience of a lift table when it comes to service and maintenance. Not only does it hoist your four-wheeler up to a workable height, it lets you get under it safely to perform undercarriage work.

Despite being a definite worthwhile investment, a good ATV lift table won’t come cheap. It’s smart to shop around for one that’s got the features you need to get the most out of it. Start by looking for a table with the right size and weight capacity, and set your budget based on those all-important specs.

Really, a great ATV lift table investment comes down to the features. Here are five to consider as you start narrowing down your options for the best value.

Drop-out service panel

Drop-out panels are typically located at the back of the lift table and are aptly named because they can be removed to work under the ATV. The panel “drops out” to reveal the chassis and vital suspension components, making them easier to service or replace. A drop-out panel is also useful for cleaning your ATV’s undercarriage thoroughly—an important task no owner should neglect!

The big draw here is maneuverability. The drop-out service panel lets you really get under your ATV and maneuver around freely, with more control over what you’re doing.

Pneumatic/Hydraulic pump

Most low-end or affordable ATV jacks use a hand-crank system to raise your four-wheeler. It’s not difficult—the screw jack will do most of the work; all you need to do is turn it! This can get a little tiring if you’re frequently raising and lowering your lift table, which is why most tables include a pneumatic or hydraulic pump system and a foot pedal. Press the pedal to lift the table, flip a switch and press the pedal again to lower it. Easy as pie!

The benefit is obvious: effortless lifting. Instead of cranking a jack to raise or lower the table manually, a pump system takes the extra work out of the equation.

Wheel chocks/vise

Wheel chocks or vise are a must-have safety feature for your ATV lift table. Without some way to secure the four-wheeler while it’s raised up, you run the risk of it moving. Wheel locking mechanisms like chocks or vise keep the front wheels stationary, so you can work without fear of any movement. This is much safer than lift tables with angular stops or simple grooves for the wheels. Typically, good lift tables will feature front chocks; however, some tables have chocks for all four wheels.

Again, safety is the key benefit here. You need to be able to rattle around under your ATV or work on it without worrying that it’ll accidentally start to roll!

Wheel chocks/vise

How do you plan on getting your ATV on the lift table? A drive-up ramp is a simple, yet convenient feature that’s worth looking for in a lift table. Can you still drive onto a lift table without a ramp? Sure. Will it be more difficult to properly position your ATV? Absolutely. A simple 12” ramp makes a big difference, giving you a more controlled approach and precision placement as you get your ATV loaded onto the table. Most ramps come as standalone pieces, which means you can stow it quickly after you’re done using it.

A simple inclined plane is one of the best features to look for in a lift table. Luckily, even if your choice of ATV lift table doesn’t include a drive-up ramp, it’s easy to find an affordable one.

Drive-up ramp

It’s easy to find a lift table that supports most stock four-wheelers. However, if you’ve made aftermarket modifications or have a particularly heavy-duty model (we’re looking at you, 1000CC owners), you might need more support from your lift table. This is where panel extensions come in. Panel extensions give you the width you need to accommodate larger four-wheelers, so you can work on them safely. They usually bolt on and increase surface area without affecting the lift’s weight capacity.

Panel extensions are another simple feature that adds great versatility to a lift table. While not every table includes or supports them, they’re worth considering if you’ve got a big ‘ol ATV.

If you’ve found an ATV lift table that meets the criteria for your four-wheeler and includes these features, feel confident making the purchase. Not only will you get your money’s worth out of an ATV lift table, these features alone will make it worth the investment the next time you’re servicing your ATV!