Choosing the right hydraulic scissor hoist starts with one important measurement:
Dump body length.
A hoist designed for a 10–14 ft body should not automatically be used on a much longer body, even if its rated capacity appears sufficient. As the body gets longer, the lifting geometry, center of gravity, mounting position, and required dump angle all change.
DAT HOIST offers different scissor-hoist configurations for dump bodies from approximately 10 ft to 24 ft.
Quick Hoist Selection Guide
| Dump Body Length | DAT HOIST Model | Rated Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 10–14 ft | DH-516 | 8 Ton |
| 12–16 ft | DH-520 | 10 Ton |
| 16–18 ft | DH-620 | 12 Ton |
| 16–20 ft | DH-625 | 13 Ton |
| 18–24 ft | DH-630 | 14 Ton |
This table is a starting point. Final selection should also consider the loaded body weight, mounting geometry, and intended application.
10–14 ft Dump Body: DH-516
For dump bodies between approximately 10 and 14 ft, the DH-516 family is a common starting point.
It is well suited for many compact and medium-size dump-body applications, including landscaping, construction, property maintenance, and general material hauling.
Because 14 ft is near the upper end of the range, payload and body weight should still be checked before selecting the final configuration.
12–16 ft Dump Body: DH-520
For approximately 12–16 ft dump bodies, the DH-520 family provides a higher-capacity 10-ton option.
This size range is common on larger dump trailers and medium-duty dump bodies.
A 12 ft or 14 ft body may fit both DH-516 and DH-520 length ranges. In that case, the decision should be based on the actual loaded weight, application, mounting space, and hoist geometry—not body length alone.
16–18 ft Dump Body: DH-620
For longer dump bodies in the 16–18 ft range, the DH-620 provides a 12-ton scissor-hoist option.
Longer bodies create different leverage around the rear hinge, so they require a hoist designed for the longer body geometry rather than simply a higher-capacity short-body hoist.
16–20 ft Dump Body: DH-625
The DH-625 is designed for approximately 16–20 ft dump bodies and provides a 13-ton rated capacity.
At this size, proper mounting position, rear hinge location, cylinder stroke, and dump angle become especially important.
18–24 ft Dump Body: DH-630
For approximately 18–24 ft dump bodies, the DH-630 provides a 14-ton option for longer-body applications.
Long dump bodies require more carefully matched lifting geometry to achieve the required dump angle and lifting performance.
Why Dump Body Length Matters
A dump body rotates around its rear hinge.
When the body is loaded and horizontal, the hoist must generate enough lifting force and leverage to start rotating the body upward.
As the body becomes longer:
- The center of gravity may move farther from the rear hinge.
- The required hoist position changes.
- More lifting travel may be needed.
- Dump-angle requirements become more difficult to achieve.
This is why the hoist should be matched to the body length and installation geometry.
What If My Body Fits Two Hoist Ranges?
Some DAT HOIST ranges overlap.
For example, a 14 ft dump body fits both:
DH-516: 10–14 ft
and
DH-520: 12–16 ft
The larger hoist is not automatically the better choice.
Compare the maximum loaded weight, body construction, material being hauled, available mounting space, and desired dump angle.
The goal is to choose the correctly matched hoist, not simply the largest model.
What About Short Lower Arm Models?
For installations with limited underbody space, DAT HOIST also offers short-lower-arm configurations for certain DH-516 and DH-520 applications.
These versions can help when frame or mounting space is restricted.
However, arm length affects lifting geometry, so the short-arm version should be selected based on the actual installation requirements.
Five Things to Know Before Choosing a Hoist
Before selecting a hydraulic scissor hoist, confirm:
- Dump body length
- Maximum loaded body weight
- Empty body weight
- Rear hinge location
- Available mounting space
The desired dump angle and typical material being hauled are also useful when choosing the correct system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hoist should I use for a 12 ft dump trailer?
A 12 ft body falls within both the DH-516 and DH-520 ranges. The correct choice depends on payload, body weight, mounting geometry, and application.
What hoist should I use for a 14 ft dump trailer?
A 14 ft body also overlaps the DH-516 and DH-520 ranges. For heavier applications, the higher-capacity option may be appropriate, but the complete installation should be evaluated.
What hoist should I use for a 16 ft dump body?
A 16 ft body is at the upper end of the DH-520 range and also overlaps with larger hoist applications. Trailer or truck configuration, load, and mounting geometry should be considered.
Can I use a larger hoist than I need?
A larger hoist is not automatically better. It can add unnecessary weight, cost, hydraulic-oil requirements, and installation complexity.
Conclusion
Dump body length is one of the best starting points for choosing a hydraulic scissor hoist.
As a general DAT HOIST guide:
10–14 ft → DH-516
12–16 ft → DH-520
16–18 ft → DH-620
16–20 ft → DH-625
18–24 ft → DH-630
Final selection should also consider loaded weight, body construction, mounting space, rear hinge position, and required dump angle.
The right hoist is not necessarily the largest one—it is the one properly matched to the dump body and application.