Auto Shop Equipment Checklist: Everything You Need to Open in 2026

Opening an auto shop is one of the most capital-intensive steps in the automotive service industry. Get the equipment right from day one and you'll build a profitable, efficient operation. Get it wrong and you'll be replacing underpowered equipment within two years.

This checklist covers everything you need — from the essential lifts and tire service equipment to the accessories that make daily operations smoother. We've organized it by shop type so you can build the right setup for your budget and business model.

⏱️ Quick Overview: 2026 Auto Shop Launch Checklist

• Phase 1: Select a reliable vehicle lifting infrastructure based on your fleet mix.
• Phase 2: Match your tire changer and wheel balancer to your daily tire service volume.
• Phase 3: Equip ancillary systems (air compressor, bi-directional diagnostics, rolling jacks).
• Phase 4: Budget for critical post-purchase expenses (220V electrical circuits, concrete verification).

The Three Shop Types

✅ Category 1: Vehicle Lifts

A vehicle lift is the single most important piece of equipment in any shop.

For Home Garage / Light Use

Katool H105 10,000 lb 2-Post Lift — from $1,897
CE certified, dual hydraulic chain-drive, handles all passenger cars, crossovers, and light SUVs.

For Professional Shops (1–2 Bays)

Katool M110 11,000 lb Clear-Floor 2-Post Lift — from $2,097
The most popular professional shop choice. Clear-floor design for easy jack access.

Katool AS110D 11,000 lb Asymmetrical 2-Post Lift — from $2,597
Asymmetrical arms allow wider door opening in tight bays.

For Full-Service Shops (Trucks & Heavy Vehicles)

Katool M120 12,000 lb Clear-Floor 2-Post Lift — from $2,597
Handles full-size trucks, large SUVs, and cargo vans.

Katool M140XD 14,000 lb 2-Post Lift — from $3,697
For shops regularly servicing 3/4-ton and 1-ton trucks.

Katool M150D 15,000 lb 2-Post Lift — from $4,297
Maximum capacity for heavy commercial vehicles and fleet service operations.

For Tire Shops & Quick-Service Bays: Scissor Lifts

Scissor lifts are the most space-efficient lifting solution for tire and brake service. No ceiling height concerns, compact footprint, and fast vehicle access. Our lineup covers 6,600–8,000 lb capacity in mid-rise and full-rise configurations:

• KT-X66 — 6,600 lb portable mid-rise, move between bays
• KT-X77 — 7,000 lb drive-on mid-rise, no ramps needed
• KT-X85 — 8,000 lb electric mid-rise
• KT-X90E — 8,000 lb full-rise electric
• KT-X99 — 7,716 lb full-rise surface-mounted

Read our complete Scissor Lift Buying Guide to find the right model for your shop.

✅ Category 2: Tire Changers

Entry Level

Katool KT-T800 Tire Changer — from $1,097
Wheel clamp design, handles 13–26" wheels. Best entry-level choice.

Katool KT-T810 Tire Changer — from $1,194
Industrial-grade upgrade from the T800. Stronger construction.

Mid-Range (Professional Shop)

Katool KT-T830 Premium Tire Changer — from $1,544
Double arm design. Handles low-profile and run-flat tires more easily.

Katool KT-T835 Elite Tire Changer — from $1,744
Double arm with enhanced bead blaster. Ideal for performance wheels.

Katool KT-T850 Premium Tire Changer — from $2,497
Tilt-arm design for easier wheel loading.

High-Volume / Leverless

Katool AK-T900 Fully Automatic Leverless Tire Changer — from $4,497
Fully automatic, leverless hydraulic operation. Zero rim damage risk.

Heavy-Duty (Truck & Commercial)

Katool KT-T160 Electro-Hydraulic Tire Changer — from $4,397
For truck, bus, and agricultural tires.

Katool KT-T260 Heavy Duty Tire Changer — from $5,997
Handles up to 26" truck tires.

Katool KT-T260PRO Professional Truck Tire Changer — from $6,997
Professional-grade, highest capacity for commercial fleets.

✅ Category 3: Wheel Balancers

Entry Level

Katool B700 Wheel Balancer — from $897
Precision sensor, professional-grade accuracy. Best value entry point.

Katool KT-B760 Entry-Level Wheel Balancer — from $1,094
Reliable and accurate for standard passenger car wheels.

Mid-Range

Katool KT-B750 Professional Wheel Balancer — from $1,390
Professional-grade accuracy, faster cycle times.

Heavy-Duty

Katool B795L Heavy Duty Wheel Balancer — from $2,287
Laser-guided, handles light truck, bus, and car wheels.

Katool KT-710G Portable Wheel Balancer — from $692
7-second cycle. Ideal as a secondary balancer.

✅ Category 4: Tire & Wheel Balancer Combos

Starter Combo

KT-T800 + KT-B700 Combo — from $1,697
Complete tire service setup for under $2,000.

KT-T810 + KT-B760 Combo — from $1,897
Step up in durability and accuracy.

Professional Combo

KT-T835 + KT-B750 Combo — from $2,597
Double-arm changer + professional balancer.

KT-T850 + KT-B750 Combo — from $3,297
Tilt-arm changer + professional balancer.

Premium Combo

AK-T900 + KT-B750 Combo — from $5,897
Fully automatic leverless changer + professional balancer.

KT-TV910 + B795L Premium Combo — from $8,097
Top-of-the-line hydraulic truck tire changer + laser balancer.

✅ Category 5: Shop Accessories

Katool Four Post Lift Jack Tray — $174
Heavy-duty hydraulic jack support for 4-post lifts.

Katool KT-RJ50 5,000 lb Rolling Jack — from $999
Rolling jack for 4-post lifts. Allows brake work without lowering the vehicle.

Katool KT-RJ60 6,000 lb Rolling Jack — from $1,149
Higher capacity rolling jack for heavier vehicles.

Katool KT-RJ70 7,000 lb Rolling Jack — from $1,197
Maximum capacity rolling jack for full-size trucks.

Katool KT-MC2 Motorcycle Wheel Adaptor — from $199
Expands your wheel balancer to handle motorcycle wheels.

Complete Shop Setup Budgets

Home Garage Setup — ~$3,594

• H105 10,000 lb 2-Post Lift: $1,897
• KT-T800 + KT-B700 Combo: $1,697

Light Professional Shop (1 Bay) — ~$5,543

• M110 11,000 lb Clear-Floor Lift: $2,097
• KT-T830 + KT-B760 Combo: $2,447
• KT-RJ50 Rolling Jack: $999

Ready to Build Your Shop?

All equipment ships free freight to the contiguous US. Not sure which combination is right? Contact our team — we'll help you plan.

Browse our full equipment lineup:

• All Vehicle Lifts
• Scissor Lifts
• Tire Changers
• Wheel Balancers
• Tire Service Packages