Hoyer Lift Assembly Instruction Guide: Safely Complete Equipment Setup Step by Step

When receiving a brand-new Hoyer Lift, many people feel at a loss when faced with loose metal frames, hydraulic rods, casters, and a pile of screws. But rest assured—most household models are designed simply, requiring no professional tools, and can be assembled by 1–2 people within 30–60 minutes.

Combining general assembly logic and safety key points, this article provides you with a step-by-step guide that can be directly followed for operation. Even without the instruction manual at hand, you can still complete the setup smoothly. Of course, it is strongly recommended that you always refer to the attached official instruction manual; this article is for auxiliary reference only.

I. Preparation Before Assembly: Safety Starts with Details

1. Choose a Suitable Location

Operate on a hard, flat, and dry surface (such as tiles or wooden floors);

Ensure there is an open space of at least 1.5m × 1.5m around;

Avoid assembling on thick carpets, slopes, or piles of debris.

2. Inventory All Components

After unpacking, check the following common components against the packing list (slight differences may exist between brands):

Main column (with control handle)

Base frame (usually "U"-shaped or "H"-shaped)

Boom arm

Hydraulic pump unit (with hose)

Casters (4–6 pieces, including brakes)

Support legs (extendable on some models)

Sling hook assembly

Fasteners such as screws, nuts, fixing pins, and hex keys

User manual and warranty card

✅ Tip: Take photos of each part with your mobile phone for easy verification later.

3. Prepare Auxiliary Tools

Attached hex key (most commonly used)

Phillips screwdriver (required for some models)

Gloves (to prevent metal scratches)

Small stool (convenient for installing high-position components)

II. Standard Assembly Steps (Taking a Typical Hydraulic Household Hoyer Lift as an Example)

⚠️ Note: The following steps apply to most manual hydraulic models (such as those from Drive Medical, Medline, Yuwell, etc.). Electric models require additional battery or power connection, and the process is slightly different.

Step 1: Install Casters to the Base

Place the base flat on the ground;

Insert the casters into the mounting holes at the four corners of the base;

Tighten the fixing nuts from above or below (usually with a hex key);

After installation, push the base to test: the casters should rotate flexibly, and the brakes should lock in place when pressed.

Step 2: Connect the Main Column to the Base

Align the bottom of the main column with the central interface of the base;

Insert the fixing pin (if provided) or tighten with bolts from the side;

Gently shake the column to confirm there is no looseness or wobble;

If the base has extendable support legs, keep them retracted at this time.

Step 3: Install the Boom Arm

Slide the end of the boom arm onto the rotating shaft at the top of the main column;

Insert the safety pin (usually a spring pin or R-clip) to prevent the boom arm from falling off;

Test whether the boom arm can swing up and down smoothly (some models support 90°–180° left-right rotation);

Confirm that the hook assembly at the end of the boom arm is securely installed.

Step 4: Connect the Hydraulic System

Locate the hydraulic pump (usually integrated at the bottom of the main column or as an independent unit);

Connect one end of the hydraulic hose to the pump body and the other end to the lifting cylinder inside the column;

Tighten the joints to ensure no oil leakage;

Key Step: Bleeding Operation

Repeatedly press and release the hydraulic handle quickly 20–30 times;

Continue until the boom arm can rise smoothly without "clicking" sounds or jams;

This process discharges air from the pipeline to ensure smooth lifting and lowering.

Step 5: Install the Control Handle and Safety Accessories

Fix the lift/lower control handle at a suitable height on the column (usually 80–100cm above the ground);

Check if the handle operation is sensitive: pressing "lift" should make it rise slowly, and toggling the "lower" valve should allow controlled lowering;

Install the emergency lowering valve protection cover (if provided);

Hang the original sling hooks and confirm that they open and close smoothly and the safety latches function effectively.

III. Must-Do After Assembly: Three Safety Tests

Never skip these! They are crucial for ensuring safe use later.

1. No-Load Lifting Test

Without hanging the sling, operate the handle to raise the boom arm to the maximum height, then slowly lower it to the minimum height;

Observe whether the entire process is smooth, quiet, and free of shaking.

2. Stability Test

Extend the base support legs (if provided);

Lock all casters;

Gently push the top of the equipment by hand—there should be no obvious wobble or tendency to tip over.

3. Brake and Mobility Test

Unlock the casters and push the entire machine to move—it should move smoothly without jamming;

Lock the brakes again and try to push—the machine should remain completely stationary.

IV. Quick Troubleshooting for Common Problems

Symptom Possible Cause Solution

Handle cannot be pressed Air in the hydraulic system Continue bleeding for more than 30 times

Boom arm lowers automatically Poor sealing of the hydraulic valve Contact after-sales service; do not disassemble by yourself

Casters do not rotate Nuts are too tight Loosen the fixing nuts slightly

Bolts do not align with holes Components are misaligned Have two people work together to straighten components before tightening

V. Important Safety Reminders