In this blog, we share the five numbers you must check before you buy a hoist:
When it comes to picking the right equipment for your workshop or home garage – including vehicle lifts – knowing these key specs will make selecting the perfect hoist easier and ensure you can get the job done safely and efficiently.
Genesis Equipment is one of Australia’s most trusted suppliers of high-quality workshop equipment. Our team have the expertise and industry knowledge to help you select and source the right lifting equipment for your space and needs.
Not only do our sales and servicing team have decades of experience in the automotive and lifting industries, Genesis Equipment is proud to be exclusive Australian distributor for the world’s most reputable hoist manufacturers including Stertil Koni and Bendpak.
Here’s the five numbers you need to pay attention to – and why they’re important:
Lifting capacity is the maximum weight which can be supported by a hoist. It’s crucial that you choose a vehicle lift that can pick up and safely support the weight you need it to.
Expert tip: The lifting capacity of a 4-post hoist can be diminished depending on the vehicle wheelbase length (see point 4), so don’t review these numbers in isolation!
Before investing in a vehicle lift, you’ll want to make sure it will fit your workshop.
It sounds obvious but remember to factor in the combined height of your car and lift once raised.
And for 2-post hoists, don’t forget that you need to allow ceiling clearance for the safety bar which sits above the car.
You don’t want to be that person that has to modify your ceiling or roof because you didn’t check this one!
Expert tip: Stertil Koni’s mobile column lifts can be used in outdoor environments and are IP 65 rated with a splash proof electrical system. They’re also available in a wireless option.
Concrete floor requirements vary for different styles of hoists.
Among the things you need consider, 2-post hoists must be installed on a continuous single concrete slab with specific requirements outlined for:
It’s also unacceptable to install hoists on concrete flooring which is cracked, defective or made from hand-mixed concrete.
Learn more in our concrete reinforcement blog here.
A bigger vehicle lift is not always better. You need to select a hoist based on the wheelbase length of the vehicles you intend to lift.
This one is easy to overlook but could significantly diminish your lifting capacity.
Each hoist has a ‘sweet spot’ for wheelbase length, so to get the best return on investment it’s helpful to know the types and weights of the vehicles you want to lift.
EXAMPLE: Bendpak’s HDS-14
| VEHICLE WHEELBASE | % CAPACITY | LIFTING CAPACITY |
| 3,556 – 5,055mm | @ 100% Capacity | 6,350kg |
| 3,048 – 3,555mm | @ 75% Capacity | 4,762.50kg |
| 2,540 – 3,047mm | @ 50% Capacity | 3,175kg |
| 2,032 – 2,539mm | @ 25% Capacity | 3,175kg |
CASE STUDY: Learn how Genesis helped a mining company select the right hoist model to lift both 4WDs and a minivan here.
Vehicle: The wheel track is the distance from the centre of the left-hand tyre tread of vehicle to the centre of the tyre tread on the right-hand side.
Hoist: The width between runways refers to the distance between two runways.
Compare these two numbers and ensure that the wheel track of the vehicle will comfortably sit on the hoist runways.
As you can see, it’s crucial to know your numbers before you buy a hoist.
Here at Genesis Equipment, we pride ourselves on providing fit for purpose workshop solutions, including helping you with choosing the right hoist for your individual or business needs.
Enquire online here or speak to our experienced team on 1300 694 363.
