04 · Lifting Equipment

Material Lift

Also called Contractor lift · Duct lift · Sumner lift

A manually winched lift that raises and positions pipework, joists, beams and ducting overhead.

Manual / non-powered

Sizes & models we rent

10 ft12 ft20 ft25 ftTallest we rent
View in the rental catalogue ↗Compare →

Overview

A material lift is a hand-winched mast on a wheeled base. It raises something heavy to height and holds it there while it is fixed, instead of a second person standing on a ladder taking the weight.

We rent four heights: 10 ft, 12 ft, 20 ft and 25 ft, the tallest we have.

Ductwork and HVAC units, pipework and conduit runs, joists and steel beams are the usual loads. The point is as much holding as lifting — the lift keeps material in place while the fixings go in.

Extend and lock the legs before loading. Raise the load a little, roll the lift into position at a low height, and only then wind it the rest of the way up.

Catalogue specifications

  • HVAC contractors
  • Electrical contractors
  • Industrial maintenance
  • Steel erectors
  • Facility Management
  • Height max. (forks up) ;12' 11-3/4" (4.0 m)
  • Height max. (forks down) ;12' 0" (3.7 m)
  • Includes Fork Extensions which can be extended from 23.3" to 29.8".
  • when using the Fork extensions, weight capacity reduces to 200 lb
  • Lift capacity; 450 lb (200.0 kg)
  • Height stowed; 62.8" (159.4 cm)
  • Length stowed ; 23.0" (58.4 cm)
  • Length operating; 48.0" (21.9 cm)
  • Width stowed; 26.4" (67.1 cm)
  • Width operating; 26.4" (67.1 cm)
  • Winch cranks per foot; 8 (24/m)
  • Basic weight; 195 lb (88.5 kg)

Best uses

  • Ductwork and HVAC units
  • Pipework and conduit runs
  • Joists and steel beams
  • Holding materials in place while fixing overhead

Troubleshooting

Mast won't raise

Checks to try, in order

  1. Check the winch cable is wound neatly on the drum and not jumped off the pulleys.
  2. Make sure the mast section locks are released.
  3. Confirm the load is within the rated capacity for that height.

If the winch brake slips or the load drifts down, lower it and tag the unit out.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Lift feels unstable

Checks to try, in order

  1. Extend the legs or outriggers fully and pin them.
  2. Work only on a firm, level floor.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?

Safety

  • Never stand under a raised load.
  • Don't move the lift with the load raised high.

For manual / non-powered

  • Inspect for damage before every use and never exceed the rated load.

Videos & links

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