By Olympic Equipment
A compact four-post lift and a larger storage lift answer different space questions. Olympic's 4PC-6 Little Buddy and 4PML-9 are useful examples: one emphasizes a smaller configuration, while the other provides a different combination of capacity and dimensions. Choose by comparing the complete vehicle-and-garage arrangement, not by assuming that larger is always better.
Begin with a few documented differences
Olympic lists the Little Buddy at 6,000 pounds of rated capacity, with 145-inch runways and a 78-inch drive-through width. Its manual also identifies the 6,000-pound rating and 145-inch runway length. The 4PML-9 listing gives a 9,000-pound rating, 165.95-inch runways and an 81.85-inch drive-through width.
These are reference figures from the sources checked October 28, 2026. They are not an application approval. Confirm the drawing and identification for the equipment offered in your quote, including any revision that changes its dimensions or accessories.
Separate runway length from overall length
Runways support the vehicle's tires, while the complete lift and its approach ramps occupy additional garage space. A comparison based only on runway length can overlook the room required to enter the bay, approach the ramps and move around the equipment.
Measure the usable bay from real obstructions rather than exterior building dimensions. Include door travel, cabinets, workbenches and any route you need to keep available. Ask for overall dimensions with and without removable ramps, then have the intended arrangement reviewed.
Compare the vehicle package
Bring the vehicle's actual configuration, weight information, wheelbase and width details to Olympic. Ask how the tires will be supported within the permitted runway arrangement. Drive-through width and width between posts are different dimensions, so do not substitute one for the other.
For a low-clearance vehicle, also ask for an approach review. The Little Buddy's compact positioning does not guarantee clearance for every sports car or modified vehicle. A longer runway does not automatically solve a low front overhang or other approach concern either.
Plan the lower parking space separately
If another vehicle will be stored below, include that vehicle in the comparison from the beginning. The complete vertical arrangement includes the upper vehicle, runway structure, selected permitted storage position, lower vehicle and building obstructions. An advertised maximum clearance is not a complete stacked-vehicle fit calculation.
Avoid choosing a lift solely because a single published height appears greater than the height of the lower car. Ask Olympic and the installer to review the proposed configuration using the exact current drawing.
Confirm what arrives with each model
The Little Buddy page describes an optional caster portability package. The 4PML-9 page lists a portability package among included equipment. Confirm the actual order contents rather than assuming both packages are identical. Accessories such as trays, ramps and bridge jacks also need model-specific confirmation.
Portability does not authorize moving a loaded lift. Any movement must follow the supplied instructions and permitted conditions.
Make the comparison practical
A useful decision record has four parts: the vehicles, the bay drawing, the intended storage or service work, and the exact quoted equipment. Ask Olympic to compare both models against that same record. Explore the Little Buddy and 4PML-9 product pages, or call 866-774-4531 for current application help.
Sources and application help
Olympic product reference 1 · Olympic product reference 2 · Manufacturer manual (PDF) 3 · Olympic manual library 4. Sources checked October 28, 2026.
For current product documentation and application help, visit Olympic Equipment or call 866-774-4531. This article provides purchasing questions; qualified professionals must review the exact equipment, vehicle and site before installation or use.
Company educational article prepared with AI assistance. Olympic Equipment sells equipment discussed here and has a commercial interest in these products. No firsthand testing, independent endorsement or human technical review is claimed.
