Ladder Hoist vs Inclined Material Hoist: Which is Right for Your Jobsite?

What is a Ladder Hoist?

A ladder hoist, also known as a ladder lift or a shingle hoist, is a cost-effective solution for lifting materials on a jobsite. It consists of multiple rail sections and a winch system that are assembled on-site to create a small hoist. These units are often used on smaller-scale construction and roofing jobs where the hoisting capacity of large equipment isn’t needed.

Key Features of a Ladder Hoist:

• Assembly Required: Ladder hoists come in pieces and must be assembled on each jobsite. This can be time-consuming and requires additional labor.
• Electric Motor: Ladder hoists typically run on electricity, so they need to be plugged into a power source to operate.
• Limited Reach & Capacity: Most ladder hoists have a maximum mast extension of around 40 ft, with a lifting capacity of up to 400 lbs. This may be sufficient for smaller jobs, but for larger jobs, you’ll likely need to break up your materials and hoist them in multiple trips.

What is an Inclined Material Hoist?

An inclined material hoist, often referred to as an inclined lift, is a more advanced solution designed for lifting materials using a rail and winch system. Unlike ladder lifts, inclined lifts have a compact, trailer-mounted configuration that can be quickly set up in less than 10 minutes, making them a huge time saver on busy job sites. Böcker inclined lifts even have versatile platform options for hoisting specific types of materials, such as the scaffolding platform and solar platform.

Key Features of an Inclined Material Hoist:

• Quick Setup: Unlike ladder hoists, inclined lifts come pre-assembled and are mounted on a trailer. Simply unhitch the trailer, position the lift on your jobsite, raise the rails against a stable structure, and you are ready to hoist!
• Gas-Powered Engine: Böcker inclined material hoists are powered by gas engines, eliminating the need for a nearby power source. Some models offer dual gas and electric power for use indoors.
• Higher Reach & Capacity: Inclined lifts offer significantly more reach and lifting capacity than ladder hoists. For example, the Böcker Arriva 119 H has a maximum mast extension of 119 feet and can hoist up to 880 lbs, over double the capacity of a standard ladder hoist.
• Crane Replacement: With its impressive reach and weight capacity, the Böcker inclined lift can even replace cranes or telehandlers for certain applications. While you may need to lift materials in smaller increments, the savings in equipment and transport costs are substantial compared to using a large crane or telehandler.