A vehicle hoist is one of the biggest investments you'll make in your workshop. The right choice improves productivity, safety, and profitability for years. This guide helps NZ workshop owners understand the options, costs, and requirements for vehicle hoists.
2-Post Hoist
$4-12k
most common type
4-Post Hoist
$8-15k
with alignment option
Service Life
15-25
years with maintenance
🔧 Types of Vehicle Hoists
Each hoist type has advantages and trade-offs. Your choice depends on the work you do, 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 ($4,000-$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 (3.5-4m+)
| 2-Post Specification | Entry Level | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 3.5-4 tonne | 4-4.5 tonne | 5+ tonne |
| Price Range (NZ) | $4,000-$6,000 | $6,000-$9,000 | $9,000-$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/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 ($8,000-$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.
Price: $15,000-$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) | 1,000-1,300 kg | 3.5 tonne |
| Mid-size cars (Camry, Accord) | 1,400-1,700 kg | 3.5-4 tonne |
| SUVs (RAV4, CX-5) | 1,500-2,000 kg | 4 tonne |
| Large SUVs (Prado, Patrol) | 2,200-2,800 kg | 4.5 tonne |
| Utes (Ranger, Hilux) | 2,000-2,500 kg | 4.5 tonne |
| Vans (Hiace, Transit) | 2,500-3,500 kg | 5 tonne |
⚠️ Safety Warning
Never exceed the rated capacity. Vehicle weights are increasing — modern EVs and utes are significantly heavier than older equivalents. A Tesla Model S weighs 2,100+ kg. A loaded ute can exceed 3,000 kg. Choose capacity with margin for safety.
🛡️ Safety and Certification Requirements
Vehicle hoists are regulated equipment in New Zealand. Compliance is both a legal requirement and essential for safety.
NZ Regulatory Framework
Vehicle hoists fall under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and the Health and Safety in Employment (Pressure Equipment, Cranes and Passenger Ropeways) Regulations 1999 (PECPR Regulations).
Certification Requirements
Annual Certification:
Vehicle hoists should be inspected and certified annually 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 100-150mm reinforced concrete
- Ceiling height: 2-post hoists typically need 3.5-4m+ 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.
motorexhoist.com
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.
advancedhoists.co.nz
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:
| Cost Item | Typical Cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | $500-$2,000 | Once |
| Concrete work (if needed) | $1,000-$5,000 | Once |
| Electrical connection | $300-$1,000 | Once |
| Annual certification | $200-$400 | Yearly |
| Maintenance & repairs | $200-$500 | Yearly average |
✓ Buying Recommendations
General Mechanical Workshop
- Type: 2-post clear floor
- Capacity: 4-4.5 tonne
- Budget: $6,000-$10,000
- Why: Best access, handles most vehicles
WoF Station / Alignment Shop
- Type: 4-post with jacking beam
- Capacity: 4-5 tonne
- Budget: $10,000-$15,000
- Why: Quick throughput, alignment capable
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓ Buy from suppliers who offer installation and certification
- ✓ Check warranty terms — quality hoists offer 2-5 year warranties
- ✓ Consider used/refurbished hoists for budget savings (with fresh certification)
- ✓ Get multiple quotes — prices vary significantly between suppliers
- ✓ Factor in all installation costs before committing
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