People use several names for equipment that moves stock, pallets, trolleys and other goods between floors. “Goods hoist” is the term most commonly used by Wesant and within the South African lift industry, while “goods lift”, “cargo lift”, “cargo hoist” and “freight lift” are also widely used in searches and project discussions.
The terms can overlap, but the name alone does not determine a unit’s design, capacity or compliance requirements. The most important question is what the equipment must move and how it will be used.
What is a goods hoist?
A goods hoist is a permanently installed lifting unit designed to move goods between fixed levels in a building. Typical applications include retail stores, warehouses, factories, distribution facilities and other commercial or industrial environments.
Wesant goods hoists are designed for goods only and are not intended to carry passengers. They are manufactured in Durban for independent lift installation companies and are designed and manufactured to comply with SANS 1545-5.
Is a goods lift the same as a goods hoist?
“Goods lift” is often used as an alternative name for a goods hoist. In ordinary conversation and online searches, the two terms may refer to the same general type of equipment.
For a real project, however, the specification matters more than the wording. Capacity, platform size, travel, number of floors, loading method, entrance arrangement and duty all affect the correct solution.
What do cargo lift, cargo hoist and freight lift mean?
“Cargo lift”, “cargo hoist” and “freight lift” are common international terms for equipment used to move goods. Depending on the supplier and country, they may describe equipment similar to a South African goods hoist or a different product category.
If a drawing, tender or online search uses one of these terms, confirm whether the requirement is for goods only, whether people are permitted to enter or travel with the load, and which local regulations apply. Wesant can review the intended application and advise whether a SANS 1545-5 goods hoist is the appropriate product.
What is not a goods hoist?
A goods hoist should not be confused with:
- a passenger lift, which is designed and certified to carry people;
- a dumbwaiter, which is a smaller goods-only unit for lighter loads and compact shafts;
- a portable chain hoist, construction hoist or crane used for different lifting tasks.
Wesant’s current standard dumbwaiter range carries 100 kg to 300 kg. For larger loads, palletised goods, trolleys or demanding daily use, a goods hoist is usually the more suitable starting point.
What information helps when selecting a goods hoist?
Useful project information includes the intended load, approximate platform size, number of floors, travel height, loading method and available shaft space. It is also helpful to know whether forklifts, pallet jacks or trolleys will approach the entrances and how frequently the unit will operate.
You do not need a completed specification before getting in touch. A simple enquiry stating that you need a goods hoist is enough to start the conversation.
Built for demanding use
Goods-handling equipment is often used hard, and downtime can disrupt an entire operation. Wesant focuses on robust construction, straightforward maintenance and replaceable components so the equipment can remain supportable over a long working life.
Nearly 1,500 Wesant goods hoists have been supplied over more than 30 years. Wesant can also supply compliant landing gates and picket car gates, replacement entrance components and other spares from its Durban factory.
Are you an installer or looking for one?
Lift installation and maintenance companies can contact Wesant for pricing, drawings, entrances, spares and engineering support.
If you are an owner, architect, consultant or contractor, send Wesant a simple enquiry. We can put you in contact with a suitable independent lift installer who serves your area.
Learn more about Wesant goods hoists and dumbwaiters.
