TL;DR
- Scissor hoists are faster, very stable, and cost effective, making them ideal for frequent loading and unloading or rental fleets.
- Telescopic hoists lift higher and at a steeper angle, making them suitable for heavy, sticky, or uneven loads that need strong lifting power.
When we are renting the trailers, every time we often found one question comes up more than any other: is a scissor lift or a telescopic lift — which one is better?
We know you are curious to know, and although it’s an important question. But here is the truth most people miss.
Both scissor hoists and telescopic hoists are high-quality dump trailer lift systems. If you choose either one, you are not choosing wrong. These are the two best hoist systems available today.
We run dump trailers with both systems in our rental fleet, and that experience is what we are sharing with you in this guide.
This page explains how each system works, the pros and cons, and how to choose the right hoist for your dump trailer rental or job.
What is Scissor Hoists
A scissor lift is a dump trailer lift system that uses crossed steel arms that open and close like scissors to raise the trailer bed. When the hydraulic cylinder pushes these arms, the trailer bed rises evenly from the middle.
The first six inches of lift require the most force, but as the bed angle increases. As the bed rises, the system becomes faster, helping the load dump quickly.
Scissor lifts are best for users who need quick loading and unloading, such as rental fleets or contractors who load and unload their trailers constantly.
If you want to learn more about scissor lifts, read our in-depth guide on how scissor lifts work.
What Are Telescopic Hoists
A telescopic hoist is also a type of hydraulic lift, like Scissor Hoists. But it is used on dump trailers to raise the trailer bed in multiple stages. It works like a telescope, with one cylinder section sliding out of another.
This allows the trailer bed to lift higher and at a steeper angle, making it easier to dump heavy or sticky materials. Telescopic hoists are strong and precise. They are good for heavy-duty dump trailers or jobs that need full clearance for unloading.
Telescopic vs. Scissor Hoists: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Scissor Hoist | Telescopic Hoist |
|---|---|---|
|
Lift speed |
Faster |
Slower |
|
Dump angle |
39 degree |
45 degree |
|
Stability |
Very stable |
Stable at full lift |
|
Maintenance & cost |
Affordable & Easy |
Higher and complex |
|
Best for |
Rentals, mixed loads |
Heavy or sticky loads |
We hope you now have a clear idea of the key differences and can pick the hoist that fits your needs best. But wait — we’re not done yet! There’s still more to know.
Yes, there are a few drawbacks we haven’t mentioned. Below are the pros and cons of each system.
Scissor Hoist: Pros and Cons
Pros of Scissor Hoist
- Stability: The wide scissor arms help keep the trailer stable during lifting. This reduces movement when dumping on uneven ground.
- Speed: It typically offers faster lifting than other hoist systems. Best choice for quick day-long loading and repeated unloading.
- Strong Initial Lift: Compared to others, it is more powerful at the start of the lift. This helps break loose heavy material early in the dump cycle.
- Cost-Effective: Moreover, they are usually more affordable and great options at this price stage. That’s the reason everybody prefers to choose it.
Cons of Scissor Hoists
- Lower Dump Angle: The dumping angle is around 39 degrees, which may sometimes cause sticky material to get stuck in the bed.
- Reduced Power With Forward Loads: If the load is heavy toward the front, the hoist can lose lifting strength and struggle to raise the bed.
- Limited Under-Bed Space: The scissor structure takes up room under the trailer bed, which limits clearance.
- More Maintenance Points: Because the system has pins and pivot points, it needs regular lubrication and inspections.
- Heavier System Weight: Scissor hoists are often heavier than telescopic systems, which can slightly reduce overall payload capacity.
Telescopic Hoist: Pros and Cons
Pros of Telescopic Hoists
- High Lifting Capacity: They offer extreme lifting capacity and can handle heavy loads with ease.
- Steeper Dump Angle: The dumping angle is around 45 degrees, helping material slide out fully during dumping.
- Strong Front-End Lift: Because the hoist is mounted at the front, it provides strong lifting power and reduces stress on the trailer frame.
- Lower Maintenance Needs: The design is durable and usually requires less routine maintenance.
- Clean and Efficient Dumping: Smoother to unload and cleaner dumping.
Cons of Telescopic Hoists
- Higher Initial Cost: They are generally more expensive to install than other options.
- Reduced Stability: While stronger, they can be less stable if the load is not properly centered.
- Slower Operation: Operates slower than the Scissor Hoists.
- Higher Center of Gravity: The design can sometimes make the loaded trailer less stable on uneven ground.
So, Which Hoist Is Best for Your Dump Trailer?
- Scissor Hoist: Best for fast cycles and frequent loading/unloading on rental jobs or daily work.
- Telescopic Hoist: Best for heavy, uneven, or hard-to-dump loads where strong lifting power matters most.
Is a telescoping hoist better than a scissor hoist?
Both are high-quality dump trailer lift systems. Telescopic hoists are better for heavy or sticky loads, while scissor hoists are better for fast cycles and frequent use.
What are the disadvantages of telescopic cylinders?
Telescopic cost more, operate slower, and can be less stable if the load is not properly centered.
What is a disadvantage of a scissor lift?
The lower dump angle (39 degree) can cause sticky material to stay in the bed, especially with forward-heavy loads.
What is the best lift style for a dump trailer?
Scissor hoists suit frequent loading and rentals, while telescopic hoists suit heavy or hard-to-dump materials.
Final Takeaway
Both scissor hoists and telescopic hoists are proven systems. There is no bad choice, and you have to choose only the right one for your suitable job.
If you are renting a dump trailer and are not sure which hoist you need, our team can help match you with the right one. Until then, happy hauling. 🚚
