Duct lifts and material lifts are compact winch lifts that raise heavy or awkward items and hold them in place so you can fasten them. They look alike, but the right one depends on what you are lifting, how high and how it gets to the job. This guide helps you choose from our material lifts.
What is a duct lift?
A duct lift is a lightweight lift with a cradle or forks, built for HVAC ductwork, pipe and fixtures. It is portable, often fits in a van and sets up by one person. The Genie Duct Lift SLC-18 reaches 18 ft 6 in and carries 650 lb at only 307 lb of machine weight. The 18 ft material / duct lift lifts 800 lb to about 20 ft 9 in with forks up.
What is a material lift?
A material lift is a general-purpose lift for heavier loads and more varied jobs: drywall, pipe, equipment, shelving and pallet-sized items. Our range goes from 10 ft to 25 ft. The Sumner 2025 reaches about 25 ft and carries 650 lb. The Roust-A-Bout carries up to 1,500 lb and moves loads vertically and horizontally.
| Job | Lift to consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Ductwork up to about 18 ft | Genie SLC-18 duct lift | Light, portable, 650 lb capacity |
| Heavier duct or equipment to about 20 ft | 18 ft material / duct lift | 800 lb capacity |
| Very tall ceilings, to about 25 ft | Sumner 2025 | 650 lb at 25 ft |
| Drywall and ceiling panels | 12 ft drywall lift | Built to hold sheets overhead |
| One person, van, stairs | Series 2400 contractor lift | 12 or 16 ft, up to 450 lb, one-piece |
| Pipe against a wall | Series 2500 counterweight lift | No front legs, 10 to 25 ft |
| Heavy loads and horizontal moves | Roust-A-Bout | Up to 1,500 lb |
How to choose
- Weigh the load. Add the item and any accessories, then check capacity at the load center. The 14 in load center on the Sumner lifts is where the rating applies.
- Check the height. Choose a lift that goes about 2 ft higher than where the load will sit.
- Plan the route. Stowed height is about 6 ft and the base is about 31 in wide on the Sumner lifts, which fits most elevators and stairwells. Tell us your door and elevator sizes.
- Use the right lift for the job. Material lifts raise materials, never people. For work at height on a platform use a scissor lift.
Using a material lift safely
Set the stabilizer legs or outriggers on a firm floor, keep the load low while moving, secure the load before raising it and never stand under it. Read the manual before the first lift. We show you the winch and the stabilizers at delivery.
Frequently asked questions
Is a duct lift the same as a material lift?
They are similar machines. Duct lifts are lighter and made for ducts and pipe. Material lifts cover heavier and more varied loads.
How high can a duct lift go?
Our duct lifts reach about 18 to 20 ft, and our largest material lift reaches about 25 ft.
Can one person operate it?
Yes. These lifts are made for one person to move and operate, though a second person helps with long loads.
Will it fit in a freight elevator?
Most stow at about 6 ft tall and about 31 in wide at the base. Check your elevator opening and we will confirm.