A vehicle hoist is one of the biggest equipment purchases a workshop makes, and you’ll live with the choice for 15 years or more. This guide covers the options, what they cost in NZ, and the certification and installation requirements.
A note on the prices below: they’re indicative NZ figures from supplier price lists and quotes we’ve seen, not a survey. Get current quotes from two or three suppliers before you budget.
2-Post Hoist
$4-12k
most common type (indicative)
4-Post Hoist
$8-15k
with alignment option (indicative)
Service Life
15-25
years with maintenance
In this guide
Types of Vehicle Hoists
Your choice depends on the work you do, the space available, and budget.
2-Post Hoists (Clear Floor)
The most common choice for general mechanical workshops. Vehicles are lifted by the chassis or body lift points, with nothing between the posts.
Advantages
- Full access to underside of vehicle
- Clear floor for easy positioning
- Relatively affordable (around $4,000 to $12,000)
- Good for most mechanical work
- Takes up less floor space
Disadvantages
- Need correct lift points for each vehicle
- Not suitable for wheel alignment
- Posts can limit door opening
- Requires solid concrete floor
- Higher ceiling needed (3.5 to 4m+)
| 2-Post Specification | Entry Level | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 3.5 to 4 tonne | 4 to 4.5 tonne | 5+ tonne |
| Indicative price (NZ) | $4,000 to $6,000 | $6,000 to $9,000 | $9,000 to $15,000 |
| Best For | Home/light use | General workshops | Heavy commercial use |
| Brands | Budget imports | Quality Asian brands | BendPak, Rotary |
4-Post Hoists
Vehicles drive onto ramps. Excellent for wheel alignment, WoF inspections, and when you need to roll vehicles on and off quickly.
Advantages
- Can add alignment equipment
- Quick drive-on positioning
- No need to find lift points
- Can be used for storage
- More stable platform
Disadvantages
- Limited underside access (need jacking beam)
- Takes more floor space
- Higher cost (around $8,000 to $15,000+)
- Jacking beam adds cost
- Harder to work under centre of vehicle
Scissor Lifts
Low-profile lifts that rise from floor level. Options include in-ground (flush) and surface-mounted.
Advantages
- Low ceiling height OK
- In-ground option saves space
- Quick positioning
- Good for high-volume WoF
Disadvantages
- In-ground requires pit installation
- Less underside clearance
- Higher cost for in-ground
- Surface mount takes floor space
Mobile Column Lifts
Portable columns for lifting heavy vehicles. Mainly used for trucks, buses, and large commercial vehicles.
Indicative price: $15,000 to $40,000+ for a set
Best for: Truck workshops, fleet maintenance, mobile service
Choosing the Right Capacity
Capacity is the maximum weight the hoist can safely lift. Always choose capacity above your heaviest expected vehicle.
| Vehicle Type | Typical Weight | Recommended Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Small cars (Yaris, Swift) | 1,000 to 1,300 kg | 3.5 tonne |
| Mid-size cars (Camry, Accord) | 1,400 to 1,700 kg | 3.5 to 4 tonne |
| SUVs (RAV4, CX-5) | 1,500 to 2,000 kg | 4 tonne |
| EVs (Atto 3, Model Y) | 1,700 to 2,100 kg | 4 to 4.5 tonne |
| Large SUVs (Prado, Patrol) | 2,200 to 2,800 kg | 4.5 tonne |
| Utes (Ranger, Hilux) | 2,000 to 2,500 kg | 4.5 tonne |
| Vans (Hiace, Transit) | 2,500 to 3,500 kg | 5 tonne |
Safety Warning
Never exceed the rated capacity. Vehicle weights are climbing: EVs and modern utes are significantly heavier than the cars they replace, and the battery pack also moves the weight distribution, so check the manufacturer’s lift points. A Tesla Model S weighs 2,100+ kg; a loaded ute can exceed 3,000 kg. Look up the kerb weight of the heaviest vehicle you expect to see and choose capacity with margin.
Safety and Certification Requirements
NZ Regulatory Framework
Vehicle hoists are plant under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, so you have a duty to keep them safe to use. Inspection, maintenance and safe use are guided by AS/NZS 2550.9 (the standard for the safe use of vehicle hoists). Standard automotive hoists are generally not “cranes” under the Pressure Equipment, Cranes and Passenger Ropeways Regulations 1999, so confirm your specific obligations with WorkSafe rather than assuming either way.
Certification Requirements
Annual Certification:
Accepted practice, and what insurers and suppliers expect, is an annual inspection and certification by a competent person. This inspection covers:
- Structural integrity
- Safety locks and mechanisms
- Hydraulic system condition
- Control systems
- Cable/chain condition (if applicable)
Keep records of all inspections and certifications. These may be required for insurance claims, WorkSafe inspections, or WoF site audits if you’re an inspecting organisation.
Installation Requirements
- Concrete floor: Most hoists require minimum 100 to 150mm reinforced concrete
- Ceiling height: 2-post hoists typically need 3.5 to 4m+ clearance
- Electrical: Three-phase power for most commercial hoists
- Professional installation: Many suppliers require installation by authorised technicians
Key Safety Features to Look For
- Automatic safety locks: Engage at multiple heights
- Lowering safety: Controlled descent even if hydraulics fail
- Arm locks: Secure swing arms in position
- Overload protection: Prevents operation beyond capacity
- Emergency stop: Immediate halt capability
NZ Hoist Suppliers
Several suppliers service the New Zealand market. Here are established options:
Precision Equipment NZ
Range of 2-post and 4-post hoists. Based in Auckland.
precisionequipment.co.nz
Motorex Hoist
Sales, installation, and compliance testing. Started as compliance specialists.
Kelston Machinery
2-post and 4-post hoists for NZ workshops. Auckland-based.
kelston.nz
Heavylift NZ
2-post, scissor, and specialty lifts.
heavylift.co.nz
Advanced Hoist Services
Sales, installation, and annual certification services.
Predator Automotive
Vehicle lifts including scissor, 2-post, 4-post, and portable column lifts.
automotive.predator.co.nz
Major Brands Available in NZ
- BendPak: Premium US brand, known for quality and durability. Higher price point.
- Rotary: Another premium brand, popular in commercial workshops.
- Levanta: Heavy vehicle specialists, Australian-based.
- Various Asian brands: Good value options for budget-conscious buyers.
Total Cost of Ownership
Beyond the purchase price, factor in these costs (indicative):
| Cost Item | Indicative Cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | $500 to $2,000 | Once |
| Concrete work (if needed) | $1,000 to $5,000 | Once |
| Electrical connection | $300 to $1,000 | Once |
| Annual certification | $200 to $400 | Yearly |
| Maintenance & repairs | $200 to $500 | Yearly average |
Buying Recommendations
General Mechanical Workshop
- Type: 2-post clear floor
- Capacity: 4 to 4.5 tonne
- Budget: $6,000 to $10,000 (indicative)
- Why: Best access, handles most vehicles
WoF Station / Alignment Shop
- Type: 4-post with jacking beam
- Capacity: 4 to 5 tonne
- Budget: $10,000 to $15,000 (indicative)
- Why: Quick throughput, alignment capable
Before you sign
- Buy from suppliers who offer installation and certification
- Check warranty terms; quality hoists offer 2 to 5 year warranties
- Consider used or refurbished hoists (with fresh certification) if budget is tight
- Factor in all installation costs before committing
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