Hoist Comparison: Ceiling, Mobile & Gantry Lifts (2026 Guide)

Moving & Handling: How to Lift Safely at Home

For carers, the physical strain of lifting a loved one is the number one cause of back injury. For the person being lifted, the fear of being dropped or handled roughly is terrifying.

When manual lifting becomes unsafe, you need a mechanical solution. But the market is full of confusing terminology: X-Y Tracks, Mobile Cranes, Spreader Bars, Gantries.

At EA Mobility, we specialise in the structural installation of lifting equipment. We don’t just sell the box; we ensure your home can support it safely.

Here is our honest comparison of the 4 Main types of hoists to help you decide which is right for your home (and your back).

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1. The Ceiling Track Hoist (The Gold Standard)

What is it? A motor unit that glides along a permanent rail fixed to your ceiling joists.
How it works: The user is lifted in a sling and glides effortlessly from bed to chair, or bedroom to bathroom.

The Setup Options:

• Monorail (Linear): A straight A-to-B track (e.g., Bed to Wheelchair).

• X-Y System (H-Frame): Two parallel rails with a moving cross-beam. This allows the hoist to reach every single inch of the room. This is the ultimate solution for flexibility.

The Pros:

• Zero Floor Space: It hangs from the ceiling, leaving the floor clear for wheelchairs and carers.

• Effortless: The motor takes 100% of the weight. Even a small carer can move a heavy adult.

• Dignity: The movement is smooth and gliding, unlike the jerky movement of a floor hoist.

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2. The Mobile “Floor” Hoist (The Crane)

What is it? A wheeled crane unit (like the classic “Oxford Hoist”) that you push along the floor.
How it works: You wheel the hoist to the user, hook up the sling, pump/power the lift, and push the unit to the destination.

The Pros:

• No Installation: No drilling, no structural checks. Ready to use immediately.

• Cost: Cheaper to buy upfront (£500 – £1,500).

The Cons:

• Hard Work: Pushing a heavy hoist plus the user across a thick carpet is physically exhausting.

• Leg Clearance: The legs of the hoist need to slide under the bed or bath. If you have a boxed-in bath or divan bed, it won’t work.

• Space Hungry: It takes up huge amounts of space to store.

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3. The Gantry Hoist (The “No-Drill” Compromise)

• New Section targeting “Rental/Temporary” keywords

What is it? A freestanding frame (like a goalpost) that sits on the floor and holds an overhead track.
Who is it for? People who need a ceiling hoist but cannot drill into the ceiling (e.g., Renters, or rooms with weak ceilings).

The Pros:

• Structural Safety: It sits on the floor, so the ceiling strength doesn’t matter.

• Temporary: Can be dismantled and moved if you move house.

The Cons:

• Unattractive: The large metal posts in the corners of the room can look industrial.

• Trip Hazard: The feet of the gantry sit on the floor.

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4. The Bath Hoist (Specific Purpose)

What is it? A floor-fixed column with a swivel chair, located next to the bathtub.
How it works: The user sits on the chair outside the bath. The carer winds a handle (or presses a button) to lift the seat, swivel it over the bath, and lower it in.

Verdict: Perfect if you only need help getting into the tub, but useless for getting out of bed.

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Critical Component: The Sling

A hoist is useless without the right sling. Using the wrong one is dangerous.

• Universal Sling: Standard support for general transfers.

• Toileting Sling (Access Sling): Cut away at the bottom to allow clothing removal and hygiene while suspended. Essential for bathroom transfers.

• In-Situ Sling: Made of “Parachute Silk” type fabric. It is thin and breathable, designed to be left under the user while they sit in a wheelchair (so you don’t have to keep taking it on and off).

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Comparison Table: Which System Do You Need?

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The “Safety Critical” Stuff (YMYL)

This is where we differ from online shops. We follow strict UK safety laws.

1. Structural Integrity (The “Noggin” Rule)

You cannot just screw a hoist into plasterboard.

• The EA Method: We access the ceiling void and install structural timber noggins or Unistrut steel channels between the joists to spread the load. We test the Safe Working Load (SWL) before we leave.

2. LOLER Regulations

If you have a carer coming into your home (paid care), your hoist must undergo a LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) inspection every 6 months. This is a legal requirement. We can advise on this maintenance schedule.

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How Much Does a Ceiling Hoist Cost? (2026)

• Straight Track (Monorail): £2,000 – £3,500 (Supply & Install).

• X-Y System (Full Room): £3,500 – £5,500.

• Through-Floor Lifts: £12,000+ (Connecting bedroom to downstairs).

Funding:

• DFG: Ceiling hoists are a top priority for Disabled Facilities Grants.

*Note: Grants wording along the lines of Grant applications can be complex and lengthy, often taking 1-2 years to process and requiring detailed eligibility and project criteria. Therefore, we are unable to support these processes and thus our services are focused on clients funding their projects personally so that we can work in a reasonable timescale to offer our clients the best service. We recommend you contact your local council for assistance.

• VAT: If installed for a disability, you save the 20% VAT.

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Get a Professional Assessment

Lifting incorrectly can lead to serious injury. Let our equipment take the strain instead. We offer a comprehensive range of hoists included within our full mobility adaptation packages.

Note: We do not sell or install hoists individually; they are provided as part of a fully integrated solution.

Book a Free Technical Survey
We will check your ceiling joists, measure your room, and recommend the safest lifting system (and sling type) for your specific needs.