Harmar vs. Bruno Vehicle Lifts: What’s the Difference?

Harmar and Bruno are two of the best-known names in vehicle lifts for scooters and power chairs. Both make quality products, so the better choice usually comes down to which lift fits your vehicle and your mobility device. Here is how the two lineups compare.

Harmar vehicle lifts at a glance

Harmar offers a broad range of lifts known as the AL series. The lineup covers three main styles:

• Hitch-mounted exterior platform lifts that carry a scooter or power chair behind the vehicle
• Hybrid lifts that use a platform to stow the device inside the cargo area
• Hoist-style lifts that lift the device and swing it into the vehicle

Popular Harmar lift families include the AL100, AL160, AL300, AL300HD, AL301XL, AL500, and AL600. With that many models, there is often a Harmar option for a given combination of device and vehicle.

Bruno vehicle lifts at a glance

Bruno makes lifts for vans, SUVs, cars, and pickup trucks, with a named model for each main use:

• Out-Sider: An exterior platform lift that carries the device behind the vehicle
• Curb-Sider: A hoist lift that raises the device and places it inside the vehicle
• Joey: An interior platform lift that stows the device in the cargo area
• Chariot: An exterior lift that rides on its own wheels behind the vehicle, which can suit compatible cars
• Out-Rider: A lift designed for loading a device into a pickup truck bed

How Harmar and Bruno compare

• Lift styles: Both brands offer exterior platform lifts, interior platform lifts, and hoist lifts.
• Vehicle coverage: Both cover SUVs, vans, and trucks. Bruno’s Chariot and Out-Rider are purpose-built options for cars and pickup beds.
• Model range: Harmar’s AL series includes many models across a wide span of device types and weights.
• Cost: Pricing depends on the model, options, hitch requirements, wiring, and installation, so it is best compared with quotes for your specific setup.

Which brand is better?

A vehicle lift should not be chosen by brand alone. The best lift is the one that is compatible with all of the following:

• The weight and dimensions of your mobility device
• Your vehicle’s hitch class and tongue weight rating
• Your rear hatch, tailgate, or cargo opening
• Whether you want the device carried inside or outside
• How much the user or caregiver can comfortably do when loading

In many cases only a few models from either brand will fit a particular vehicle and device, and the decision becomes clear once compatibility is checked. Our vehicle lift buying guide explains each of these factors.

Compare Harmar and Bruno lifts in Lexington, KY

Mobility Equipment of Lexington can help you compare Harmar and Bruno options based on what you drive and what you need to transport. Learn more about vehicle lifts in Lexington, KY, call (859) 523-0993, or request a free quote.