What’s the Difference Between Goods & Passenger Hoists, Goods-Only Hoists, and Scaffold/Chain/Rope Hoists?
When it comes to lifting equipment for construction and industrial sites, there are several types of hoists designed to meet different needs. Whether you’re moving materials, tools, or personnel, choosing the right hoist is essential for efficiency, safety, and compliance.
This FAQ page is designed to help you understand the differences between goods and passenger hoists, goods-only hoists, scaffold hoists, chain hoists, and rope hoists. We answer the most common questions to help you make informed decisions for your project or site setup.
If you’re unsure which hoist is right for your needs, this guide is a great place to start.
Take a look at our other Construction Hoist FAQ’s below:
What is a goods and passenger hoist?
A goods and passenger hoist is a robust vertical lifting system designed to safely carry both personnel and materials on construction sites. These hoists are fully enclosed, equipped with safety interlocks, and meet strict regulations for transporting people. They are commonly used on multi-storey projects or high-rise developments.
What is a goods-only hoist?
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.
What’s the main difference between goods and passenger hoists vs. goods-only hoists?
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.
What is a scaffold hoist?
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.
What is a chain hoist?
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.
What is a rope hoist?
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.
When would I use each type of hoist?
- 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.
Are all hoists suitable for every site?
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.
Can these hoists be customised?
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.
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