Hoist Types Explained FAQ’s

A goods-only hoist is specifically built for lifting materials, tools, and equipment—not people. These hoists are often used to move heavy or bulky loads between levels on construction sites, in warehouses, or within industrial settings. They can be rack-and-pinion, gantry-mounted, or building-attached.

The key difference lies in who or what they are designed to carry:

• Goods and passenger hoists are engineered and certified for the safe transport of people and materials.
• Goods-only hoists are intended strictly for transporting materials and are not permitted to carry personnel under any circumstances.

A scaffold hoist (also called a scaffold lift) is a compact hoist that attaches directly to scaffold structures. It uses a winch and cable system to raise and lower loads, typically between 100kg and 200kg, and is ideal for lifting materials to scaffold platforms quickly and safely.

A chain hoist is a manual or electric lifting device that uses a chain and pulley mechanism to raise and lower loads. Often suspended from gantries, scaffold frames, or fixed beams, chain hoists are commonly used for controlled lifting of smaller items or precise positioning tasks.

A rope hoist operates similarly to a chain hoist but uses a steel wire rope instead of a chain. These are often motorised and capable of higher lifting speeds, making them useful in situations requiring faster material movement or when heavier-duty lifting is needed.

A ladder hoist is a lightweight, portable lifting solution designed to transport materials vertically along a track or ladder-like rail. Often powered by an electric or petrol motor, ladder hoists are ideal for roofing, renovation, and fit-out work where quick access to upper levels is needed without the use of scaffolding or cranes.

Commonly used to move items such as tiles, tools, plasterboard, and insulation, ladder hoists are favoured for their ease of setup, minimal footprint, and efficiency on sites with limited space. Models like the GEDA Lift or Bocker are popular due to their reliability and compact design, making them a go-to choice for roofers and tradespeople.

• Use a goods and passenger hoist when both people and materials need to be lifted on-site (e.g., on high-rise buildings).
• Use a goods-only hoist when only materials need to be moved, and personnel access is not required via hoist.
• Use a scaffold hoist for lightweight material lifting directly from ground level to scaffold platforms.
• Use a rope or chain hoist for lifting within confined areas, tight access spaces, or where fine control is needed.
• Use a ladder hoist for fast and efficient lifting of lightweight goods—such as tiles, tools, or insulation—on smaller sites, particularly for roofing and interior fit-out projects where space or access is limited.

No. The right hoist depends on your site’s size, access, load requirements, and whether you need to lift personnel. Site-specific risk assessments and planning will help determine the most suitable hoist type.  Contact us for expert hoist advice and site surveys.

If you’re deciding between several hoist options, our Hoist Comparison Table is a helpful resource. It gives a side-by-side breakdown of key specifications like lifting capacity, max height, speed, usage type, and unique features—making it easy to identify which model is best suited for your project.

Yes. Many hoists can be tailored to meet specific height, load, and site requirements—including platform size, lifting speed, and mounting options. Contact us for expert hoist advice and site surveys.

GEDA hoists are high-quality vertical transport systems manufactured by German company GEDA-Dechentreiter GmbH & Co. KG. Renowned for their reliability and engineering precision, GEDA hoists are widely used across construction and industrial sectors. The range includes goods-only hoists, passenger & goods hoists, ladder hoists, and rope hoists—each designed to meet varying site requirements. GEDA hoists are known for their modular design, compact footprint, fast assembly, and compliance with the latest safety standards.

MABER hoists are Italian-engineered lifting platforms manufactured by Maber Hoist s.r.l., known for their rugged build quality and efficient performance in demanding environments. Available as goods-only or dual-purpose (goods and personnel), MABER hoists are a popular choice for construction, renovation, and infrastructure projects. Models like the MBC2000 offer heavy-duty lifting capacities and spacious platforms, making them ideal for large-scale applications requiring the safe and reliable vertical movement of materials and site personnel.

A Böcker hoist is a high-quality lifting solution manufactured by Böcker, a well-established German company known for innovation in vertical transport systems. Böcker hoists are commonly used in construction, roofing, and logistics for moving materials such as tiles, panels, and tools to elevated work areas.

Böcker offers a range of hoist types, including:

• Inclined ladder hoists – ideal for roofers and fit-out contractors needing a compact, portable lifting option.
• Trailer-mounted hoists – for easy mobility and fast setup on-site.
• Rack and pinion hoists – suitable for heavier loads and higher lifting heights in larger construction projects.

Known for their reliability, safety features, and user-friendly design, Böcker hoists are a popular choice for professionals seeking efficient, low-maintenance lifting solutions.