Hoist Choice

Selecting the correct hoists for lifting four-wheel drive vehicles isn’t just about getting the lifting capacity correct.

If you are buying a 4.5 tonne capacity hoist and lifting a 4-tonne vehicle it could still fall outside of the hoists design parameters. This could lead to premature wear in a best-case scenario and a fallen vehicle in a worst-case scenario. It’s important to understand where the centre of gravity of the vehicles you intend to lift.

An example might be a four-wheel drive ute with a tool tray body full of tools. The weight bias is rearwards, so a symmetrical arm design is very important and so too is ensuring the hoist is capable of lifting an off centre weighted vehicle. For this reason, it may be worth considering a five tonne two post hoist when lifting a 4 tonne vehicle. The post and carriage structure is designed to cope with heavier vehicles. A symmetrical arm design will ensure a more stable lift.

Powerrex Range

Interequip is the sole Australian importer of the Powerrex range of heavy duty two post lifts. The Powerrex range is available in either 4.5 or 5 tonne capacity and in an extended height version. The Korean made hoist has been a very popular choice in Australia for the past 20 years. The SL2950H 4.5 tonne range and the SL25 5 tonne range have long been the professional’s choice.

Bulletpro

Interequip also imports a range of four and five tonne lifting capacity hoists from a more cost effective supplier again available in extended height configuration. The BulletPro BP40M is ideal for DIY user or workshop with low volume lifting and budget.

The Elite JL35A-M and JL50 hoists are a great economical alternative for high volume workshop. The REAL heavy lifter is their 6 tonne extended height two post lift from REAL. With a maximum height of 5.5 metres this hoist is capable of lifting a 3.3m high roofed vehicle to a full 2 metres. Each arm has a maximum radius of over 1800 mm making a total arm spread of 3.6 metres. This gives the flexibility of the vehicle placement on the hoist ensuring even a four-wheel drive with a heavy rearward weight bias can be safely lifted.