Lifts & Hoists

Best Lifts & Hoists in the UK: Where to Buy, What to Choose, and How to Save

Why the right lift or hoist matters for your business

Picking the right lift or hoist is a bit like choosing the right toolbox for a job — get it wrong and the work drags on, safety becomes a worry, and costs balloon. Whether you’re moving heavy machinery in a workshop, lifting engines in a garage, or shifting stock on a warehouse mezzanine, the right equipment speeds work up and keeps people safe. In the UK market there are mainstream general suppliers, specialist lifting companies, and online comparison sites that help you find the best deal. Knowing where to look and what to check turns a confusing purchase into a confident one.

Featured supplier: Expert Electrical — what they offer

Expert Electrical is a solid place to start if you’re sourcing components for lifts and hoists. They stock electrical and accessory items that are frequently needed when installing and maintaining lifting systems: busbar forks for power distribution, PVC sleeving for cable protection, isolators for safety cut-offs, cable entry kits, hook plates, and handy balance tools like the CK Pocket Balance (66 lb). These parts may not be the hoist itself but they keep the whole system running safely and efficiently.

Other top UK stores for lifts & hoists

Beyond Expert Electrical, the UK has several trusted names where you can buy hoists, lifts, and related accessories. Each has strengths depending on whether you want purchase, hire, or specialist service.

RS Components

RS Components is a go-to for professionals who need a wide range of industrial equipment quickly. They carry electric chain hoists, manual chain hoists, and electrical components — great when you need replacement parts fast.

Screwfix

Screwfix is terrific for tradespeople and garages. They stock compact engine hoists, pallet truck lifts, and scissor lifts for workshop use. If you want straightforward tools and quick local pickup, they’re hard to beat.

Toolstation

Toolstation blends competitive pricing with wide availability; you can find portable hoists and lifting accessories there. They’re useful for small businesses that need reliable, no-fuss equipment without a long lead time.

HSS Hire and equipment rental companies

Not every job needs a permanent hoist. For short-term projects, HSS Hire and specialist hire houses let you borrow electric hoists, gantry cranes, and scissor lifts by the day or week — a sensible cost-saving move for infrequent or one-off tasks.

Lifting Gear Direct

For specialist lifting equipment, Lifting Gear Direct is focused on hoist-grade products, certified slings, shackles, and inspection services. If you’re buying equipment to meet strict safety standards, a specialist supplier often offers better guidance and certification than a general retailer.

Types of lifts & hoists — choose by job, not by brand

There’s a whole alphabet of lifts and hoists. Picking the right type depends on weight, height, frequency, and environment. Think about what you lift and how often you lift it — that tells the story.

Electric chain hoists

Electric chain hoists are workhorses for frequent lifting. They’re fast, reliable, and can be mounted on a beam or trolley. Ideal for lifting loads like motors, frames, and palletised items — typical capacities range from a few hundred pounds to several thousand pounds.

Manual chain and lever hoists

Manual hoists are simple, robust, and inexpensive. When you need precision and don’t mind a little elbow grease, manual chain or lever hoists are the answer. They’re common in garages and small workshops for lifts under a few thousand pounds.

Wire rope hoists

Wire rope hoists handle heavier, continuous-duty work. They’re often used in factories and repair shops and pair with larger cranes or gantries. If you’re lifting bulky loads regularly, wire rope hoists deliver long-term durability.

Pallet lifts and scissor lifts

Pallet lifts and scissor lifts move goods and people vertically for stocking, servicing, and access tasks. They’re commonly used in retail, warehouses, and for light maintenance. For lifting pallets or raising work platforms a few feet, these are efficient choices.

Key specifications to check before buying

Don’t fall for shiny photos. Check the specs. A few numbers will tell you whether a hoist suits your needs: capacity in pounds, maximum lift height in feet, duty cycle, and mounting compatibility.

Capacity (in pounds)

Always choose a hoist with a working load limit comfortably above your heaviest load. If you lift a 1,000 lb engine, a 1,500 lb rated hoist gives you a safe margin. Remember that a larger capacity often costs more but reduces wear and extends service life.

Lift height (in feet)

How far do you need to lift? If you regularly lift to a mezzanine, measure in feet and choose a model with enough travel. Some hoists are limited to a few feet while others can lift loads tens of feet high when paired with the right reeving.

Duty cycle and duty rating

Duty cycle tells you how often a hoist can run before cooling is necessary. For heavy daily use pick a hoist with a high duty rating; for occasional lifts, a light-duty model is fine.

Mounting and compatibility

Think about where the hoist will live: fixed beam, trolley, gantry, or mobile crane. Check mounting bolt patterns, beam widths in inches, and trolley compatibility so installation is straightforward.

Accessories and spare parts you shouldn’t skip

Accessories turn a hoist into a complete system. The components listed by Expert Electrical — busbar forks, PVC sleeving, isolators, cable braces, and hook plates — are the unsung heroes of safe installs. They protect power delivery, ensure tidy cable routing, and secure the lift point.

Hook plates and shackles

Hook plates distribute loads and make mounting sleeker and safer. Paired with certified shackles, they form the direct link between hoist and load — make sure every connection is rated in pounds for your load.

Electrical components: busbars and isolators

Electric hoists need dependable power feeds. Busbar forks and isolators let you safely connect and isolate power, simplifying maintenance and protecting operators. PVC sleeving and cable clamps keep wiring neat and reduce abrasion risk.

Balancers and tension tools

Small balance tools like the CK Pocket Balance (66 lb) are great for lightweight items and repetitive tasks. They’re perfect when you need a steady hand and quick positioning without a full hoist setup.

Installation, safety checks, and maintenance — do these first

Installing a hoist is more than hanging it on a beam. Inspect the mounting structure in inches for beam thickness and check that the hoist’s rated load matches or exceeds the load you’ll lift. Always run a proof test and carry out regular inspections as per UK industry guidance.

Daily and periodic checks

Quick daily checks — look for frayed chains, worn hooks, and loose fasteners. A thorough inspection every few months (or more often for heavy use) should examine chain wear, brake function, and electrical components. Log each inspection in a simple maintenance book so there’s a paper trail.

Professional installation and certification

For heavier or permanent installations, get a certified installer to fit and test the hoist. They’ll issue certificates and lift plans that protect your team and meet compliance expectations. Think of this like getting an MOT for your lifting system — essential if you’re lifting people or sensitive machinery.

How to get the best deals on lifts & hoists in the UK

Saving money doesn’t mean skimping on safety. Here are practical tips to keep costs down while getting a reliable hoist.

Compare across types of sellers

Compare specialist suppliers, general retailers, and hire companies. Specialist suppliers often give better technical advice and certification, while general retailers may be cheaper on basic models. If you’re unsure, use a comparison site like ZoneOffer to scan prices quickly and spot special offers.

Buy used or hire for short-term jobs

Used hoists from reputable sellers can be a sensible option for tight budgets, but only after a full inspection and service. For one-off projects, hire equipment — you avoid storage, maintenance, and long-term costs.

Bulk purchases and service plans

If you manage multiple sites, negotiate bulk pricing and service contracts. Many suppliers will offer discounts or include routine inspections when you buy several units, which saves money and keeps downtime low.

Common mistakes buyers make — and how to avoid them

Several pitfalls pop up again and again. Avoid these common mistakes to get equipment that lasts and keeps your team safe.

Undersizing the hoist

Picking a hoist that’s just big enough for the job is tempting, but it often leads to premature wear. Always leave a margin — picking a hoist rated 25% to 50% above your typical load is a good rule of thumb.

Ignoring duty cycle and mounting constraints

Buy a hoist rated for your workload and check beam sizes in inches. A heavy-duty hoist on a light-duty beam is a recipe for costly failure. Match the hoist to the job and the mount to the hoist.

Skipping proper maintenance

Hoists that aren’t inspected and maintained fail sooner and can be unsafe. Schedule routine checks, keep a maintenance log, and replace worn parts promptly.

When to call a specialist

If your lifting needs involve unusual loads, lifting people, or intricate rigging over public areas, call a specialist. They’ll design a lift plan, specify certified equipment, and deliver signed-off installations that reduce liability and keep operations running smoothly.

Choosing the right supplier — whether that’s Expert Electrical for components or a specialist hoist vendor for complete systems — paired with careful specification and sensible maintenance, will keep your lifts running longer and your team safer.

Now you’ve got the map: know your load in pounds, measure your lift in feet, pick a supplier who backs their product, and don’t skimp on safety. Think of a hoist as an investment, not just a purchase — the right choice pays back in speed, reliability, and fewer headaches.

Conclusion: Buy smart, install safe, and maintain regularly — that’s the short guide to getting the best lifts and hoists in the UK. With thoughtful specification and reputable suppliers you’ll lift more, worry less, and keep your operation humming.