Ladder hoists

Ladder hoists are powered or manual material-lifting systems that attach to a ladder to raise and lower tools, building materials, and supplies to height — eliminating manual carrying and reducing manual handling injury risk on construction and renovation sites.

Drabest ladder hoists are compatible with standard aluminium extension ladders, available in electric versions with load capacities from 100 kg to 250 kg, and widely used by roofers, builders, and tilers across the UK.

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What Do Ladder Hoists Lift and Where Are They Used?

Ladder hoists are used to raise roofing materials (tiles, slates, battens), bricks and blocks, insulation boards, plasterboard, scaffolding components, and general construction supplies from ground level to roof or elevated working areas. They are primarily used by roofers and roof-tilers, external render and insulation contractors, chimney repair specialists, and builders working on multi-storey renovation projects where carrying materials by hand on a ladder is unsafe or impractical.

Types of Ladder Hoist Available

Manual (hand-winch) ladder hoists are the most affordable and simplest to operate, suitable for lighter loads and occasional use. Electric ladder hoists with motor-driven mechanisms increase productivity significantly for high-volume material lifting, with load capacities up to 250 kg and speeds of 12–25 m/min. Both types mount to a standard extension ladder rail using integrated rail clamps and require a stabilised ladder with appropriate base support.

Safety Compliance for Ladder Hoist Use

Ladder hoists must be operated in accordance with LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998), which requires that lifting equipment is designed for its intended load, properly maintained, and inspected regularly. The ladder carrying the hoist must be secured at top and base, with the hoist weight and rated load factored into the combined load on the ladder structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a ladder hoist be used on any extension ladder?
Drabest ladder hoists are designed for use with standard aluminium extension ladders meeting EN 131 specifications. The ladder must be correctly rated for the combined weight of the hoist and its maximum load capacity, and must be securely fixed at top and base before hoist operation begins.