Shop frame machines and auto body frame racks built for collision repair shops of every size. Whether you need a compact frame straightening machine for a growing shop or a heavy-duty truck frame rack for fleet work, Car Lift Direct carries models from Star-A-Liner, Signature American Freedom, iDEAL and Katool.
Compare frame machines by length (15' benches up to 60' truck racks), number of pulling towers and platform style, including drive-on, tilt-deck, scissor-lift and in-floor systems. Many models include hydraulics, clamps and chain packages so you can start pulling right away, and you can add frame machine tools and accessories as your shop grows. Not sure which frame rack fits your bay or budget? Financing is available through Approve and Shop Pay, or request a quote and our team will help you choose.
Auto Body Frame Machines for Collision Repair Shops
A frame machine, also called a frame rack, frame straightener or frame straightening machine, anchors a damaged vehicle to a rigid platform and uses hydraulic pulling towers to return the frame and unibody to factory specifications. Car Lift Direct carries auto body frame machines from Star-A-Liner, Signature American Freedom, iDEAL and Katool, from compact frame racks for smaller shops to 60' heavy-duty truck frame machines for fleet and commercial repair.
How to Choose the Right Frame Machine
- Length: 15'–24' frame machines cover cars, SUVs and light pickups. For semi trucks, buses and other large vehicles, our heavy-duty truck frame racks run 27' to 60'.
- Pulling towers: A 2-tower frame machine handles most collision pulls. 3- and 4-tower setups let you pull in several directions at once, and heavy-duty truck racks offer 6 to 14 towers.
- Platform style: Drive-on and tilt-deck frame racks, such as the Signature American Freedom Tilt and iDEAL FR-77 series, make loading non-running vehicles easy. Scissor-lift frame racks like the iDEAL FR-55 raise the car to working height. In-floor systems like the Star-A-Liner Cheetah Floor Rack keep your bay clear when you're not pulling.
- Hydraulics, clamps & tools: Many models include hydraulics and clamp-and-chain packages. Add more with our frame machine tools & accessories.
Frame Machines by Brand
- Star-A-Liner: Cheetah frame machines from 15' to 24', in-floor rack systems and heavy-duty truck frame racks.
- Signature American Freedom: 20'–24' frame machines in standard, Tilt, GT and GT MAXX models.
- iDEAL: tilt-deck and scissor-lift frame racks.
- Katool: affordable auto body frame machines for growing shops.
Outfitting a full body shop? Browse all collision repair equipment, including paint spray booths and paint mixing rooms.
Frame Machine FAQs
What is a frame machine?
A frame machine is collision repair equipment that holds a vehicle securely in place while hydraulic towers pull damaged frame rails and unibody structures back into alignment. Body shops use frame machines to restore a vehicle to the manufacturer's dimensions after an accident.
Is a frame rack the same as a frame machine?
Yes. "Frame rack," "frame machine," "frame straightener" and "frame straightening machine" all describe the same kind of equipment. Some people say "frame rack" for drive-on or platform-style units, but they all do the same job.
How much does a frame machine cost?
Frame machines on our site currently range from about $7,700 for a compact Katool auto body frame machine to roughly $19,000–$39,000 for Star-A-Liner Cheetah models and $31,600–$76,300 for Signature American Freedom systems. Heavy-duty truck frame racks run about $130,100–$276,100. Price depends on length, tower count and the hydraulics, clamps and tools included. Financing is available through Approve and Shop Pay, or request a quote for exact pricing, including freight.
How does a frame machine work?
The vehicle is driven or winched onto the platform and locked down with pinch-weld clamps at its anchor points. Chains run from the damaged area to one or more hydraulic pulling towers, and the technician applies controlled force while measuring until the structure is back to spec.
What types of frame machines are there?
The main types are drive-on or tilt-deck platform racks, scissor-lift frame racks, in-floor (anchor-pot) rack systems, and heavy-duty truck frame machines. Portable frame pullers are a lighter-duty option for smaller pulls.
What size frame machine do I need?
Match the length to the longest vehicles you repair and check the full footprint against your bay, leaving room to swing towers around the vehicle. Many collision shops choose an 18'–22' frame machine. Shops that repair semis, buses or other large trucks need a heavy-duty truck frame rack.
Do you sell frame machines for trucks?
Yes. Star-A-Liner heavy-duty truck frame racks come in 27', 40', 50' and 60' lengths with 6 to 14 pulling towers, built for semi trucks, buses and other commercial vehicles.
Do I need a measuring system with my frame machine?
Measuring is how you confirm a vehicle is back to factory dimensions, so most shops pair their frame machine with gauges or an electronic measuring system. Packages like the Star-A-Liner Mo-Pro gauge tool package are available in our tools & accessories collection.
Do you offer financing on frame machines?
Yes. We offer equipment financing through Approve, and you can split eligible purchases into payments with Shop Pay at checkout. For a custom quote on a single frame machine or a full shop setup, request a quote.