I have been told that you do not need to use 110 or 220 motors for car lifts, but that you can install a 12 volt system that is just as good. Can you give me some thoughts...

Something such as this: ?

Amazon.com: InstaJack JK-100 Instant 12 Volt Automatic Car Jack: Automotive

I am thinking you want omething along these lines, right? Two Post Lifts | Mohawk Lifts Consumer Site | Mohawk Lifts Consumer Site I have several 120 volt units, never seen a 240 vac. I am sure someone makes a 12 vdc unit that works just fine. I lift my boat out on a Shore Station unit with a 12 vdc lift. If you have access to 120 vac I'd go that route rather than 12 vdc. Batteries fail and need recharging, 120 is always there and fairly cheap. Here is the one 12 vdc I did find http://www.asedeals.com/portable_lift.html