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Choosing the Right Hoist Based on Vehicles You Need to Lift

4 Post Hoist

November 9, 2020

Choosing the Right Hoist Based on Vehicles You Need to Lift

Genesis Equipment can help take the hassle out of choosing the right hoist based on the vehicle you need to lift!

Our extensive industry experience and wide range of independently certified, reputable lifts mean that we can help pinpoint the best fit-for-purpose equipment that will deliver a solid ROI.

In this blog we explain how we assisted a mining industry client choose a hoist that would work for two very different vehicle styles, and within the safe working limits specified for their team.

It’s just one of the ways we go above and beyond for clients, in this case, closely reviewing both hoist and vehicle specs to recommend the most suitable lift.

Case Study: 4 Post Hoist for Mining Company

A Queensland mining company wanted a heavy-duty 4-post hoist to service their fleet of 4WDs and minivans. They’d done extensive research before connecting with us and had shortlisted a couple of Bendpak models.

Genesis Equipment is proud to be the exclusive Australian distributor of Bendpak – one of the world’s leading manufacturers of automotive lifts.

We compared the numbers for the Bendpak HDS-14 (standard-length) and the HDS-14X (Extended).

Despite the X model offering longer runways – it wasn’t the right choice in this situation.

Car Lift Systems Comparison

As you’ll see below, it’s important to know your numbers before you buy a hoist  – this includes having a good idea of the vehicles you want to lift.  

Genesis Equipment reviewed the types of vehicles they needed to lift and jacking locations to help decide which hoist would be the most suitable – and safest – for their needs prior to purchase.

Bendpak HDS-14X vs Bendpak HDS-14

These were the two heavy-duty four post lifts we assessed.

The only difference was the length of the runways in the X model. And as you’ll see below, the jacking zone for each vehicle type becomes important as it impacted lifting capacity.


  Bendpak HDS-14   Bendpak HDS-14X
Weight capacity 6,350kg 6,350kg
Length of runway 5,055mm 5,817mm
@ 100% Capacity 3,556 – 5,055mm (6,350kg) 4,191 – 5,817mm (6,350kg)
@ 75% Capacity 3,048 – 3,555mm (4,762.50kg) 3,556 – 4,190mm (4,762.50kg)
@ 50% Capacity 2,540 – 3,047mm (3,175kg) 2,921 – 3,555mm (3,175kg)
@ 25% Capacity 2,032 – 2,539mm (1,587.50kg) 2,413 – 2,920mm (1,587.50kg)
Wheel-base capabilities Approx. 1000mm – 2200mm (depending on width of tyres) Approx. 1000mm – 2200mm (depending on width of tyres)


Factors that needed to be considered:

On hoist:

  • Weight capacity
  • Length of runways
  • Usable areas
  • Wheelbase capability

Of vehicle(s):

  • Wheel-base length
  • Wheel track
  • Weight
  • Jacking Zone

Vehicles vs Hoist Comparison

The vehicles the client needed to lift:

  • Landcruiser
  • Rosa Bus (mini-van)

Landcruiser

What we knew from client:

  • Vehicle weighed in at 3700kg loaded
  • Jacking zone: 1400mm from front and back of hoist runway length (within 50% lift capacity zone)
Landcruiser Specs HDS-14 HDS-14X
Wheel-Base Length = 3200mm Puts in 75% range of the HDS-14 (= 4,762.50kg lifting capacity) Puts in 50% range (= 3,175kg Lift Capacity). Not capable of lifting Landcruiser.
Wheel Track = 1585mm Fits within range   Fits within range
Weight = 3300kg 4,762.50kg Capacity, CAPABLE OF LIFTING THESE WEIGHTS NOT CAPABLE OF LIFTING EITHER LANDCRUISER OR MINIVAN
Jacking Zone IF LIFT POINTS WERE 1400MM FROM FRONT AND BACK OF 5817MM RUNWAY LENGTH, THIS GIVES A LIFTING POINT DISTANCE OF APROX 3,017MM. PROVIDING THE VEHICLE LIFTING POINT IS POSITIONED IN THE 75% RANGE (VEHICLE WILL NEED TO BE ROLLED SLIGHTLY FORWARD OR BACKWARDS FROM CENTRE) OR ALTERNATIVE LIFT POINTS ARE USED, THIS LIFT IS CAPABLE OF LIFTING THE VEHICLE ON THE BRIDGE JACKS.   Note: Lifting point height from ground is 390mm with 150mm lift required to raise rear wheels. Total raise height required 540mm. Require jack extensions. – Jacks raise to 554mm, if extensions are required for further lift height, we can supply these additionally to the jacking beam.   NOT CAPABLE OF LIFTING EITHER VEHICLE WEIGHT  

Rosa Bus

  • Jacking zone:1000mm from front and back of hoist runway length (within 75% lift capacity zone)
Rosa Bus Specs HDS-14 HDS-14X
Wheel-Base Length = 4570mm Puts in 100% range (6,350kg)   Puts in 100% range (6,350kg lift capacity)  
Wheel Track = 1585mm Fits within range   Fits within range  
Weight 4165kg (unloaded)
6285kg GVM (fully loaded) –
Capable of lifting both these weights Capable of lifting vehicle  
Jacking Zone 1000mm from front and back of hoist runway length (within 75% lift capacity zone). – IF LIFT POINTS WERE 1000MM FROM FRONT AND BACK OF 5817MM RUNWAY LENGTH, THIS GIVES A LIFTING POINT DISTANCE OF APPROX 3,817MM. THIS PUTS THE LIFTING POINTS INTO THE 100% CAPACITY RANGE. THIS LIFT IS CAPABALE OF LIFTING THE VEHICLE ON THE BRIDGE JACKS AT THIS RANGE.   1000mm from front and back of hoist runway length (within 75% lift capacity zone). Diminished lifting capacity 4,762.50kg Capacity, NOT CAPABALE OF LIFTING ON JACKS  

Car Lift Systems: Recommendation for Client

Despite the HDS-14X offering runways which are 762mm longer than the standard-length model, we determined that it wasn’t suitable for this client’s vehicles.

And while the temptation is to go bigger with the extended model, when it comes to hoists bigger isn’t always better.  The most important thing is that the size of the hoist is compatible with the vehicle specs.

This case study reiterates the importance of knowing your numbers before investing in your next hoist to ensure you don’t get caught out!

Choosing the Right Hoist Based on Vehicles You Need to Lift

The professionals at Genesis Equipment provide fit for purpose lifting solutions. We don’t just sell you a hoist, we go the extra mile to make sure you get the hoist that works for your needs and with safety top of mind.

Get in touch with us today by calling 1300 694 363, to discuss your project or equipment needs.


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