Most people in the construction industry know this system as "Alimak" — a brand name from a Swedish manufacturer that has become a generic term, much like "jacuzzi" or "escalator." Its correct technical name is personnel and goods hoist — also referred to as a construction hoist, construction elevator, or building site hoist — and it is one of the indispensable pieces of equipment on modern construction sites.
What Is a Personnel and Goods Hoist?
A construction hoist is a vertical transportation system that allows both workers and materials to be moved safely and quickly between floors of a rising structure under construction site conditions. It is used in building construction, renovation projects, bridge and tunnel works, and many other applications.
The system consists of a mast mounted to the structure and a cabin or platform that travels along this mast. It operates on electric motor power and can be controlled by the operator from inside or outside the cabin. Widely known in the industry as an Alimak hoist, this system is the backbone of efficient and safe vertical transport on any construction site.
How Does It Work?
The system consists of four main components:
1. Mast: The load-bearing structure anchored to the building along which the hoist travels vertically. As the project rises, additional mast sections can be added to extend the height.
2. Cabin / Platform: The enclosed or open section where workers or materials are transported. Enclosed type cabins are used for personnel, while open platforms are used for goods. Load capacity ranges from 1,000 kg to 3,200 kg depending on the model.
3. Electric Motor and Rack & Pinion System: The system that moves the cabin up and down along the mast, providing continuous and controlled speed.
4. Control Panel: The section where the operator manages speed, floor stops, and safety systems. Call buttons are located on every floor.
Key Safety Systems
Work safety is the top priority under construction site conditions. Safety systems standard on Aser Makina personnel hoist and goods hoist systems include:
- Overspeed Governor — automatic braking activates if the cabin exceeds the set speed
- Overload Sensor — cabin will not move if the permitted capacity is exceeded
- Door Locking System — cabin will not move while the door is open
- Emergency Stop Button — instant stop from inside and outside the cabin
- Power Failure Protection — cabin is safely secured when power is cut
- Floor Limit Switches — automatic stop at upper and lower limits
All systems meet the requirements of EN 1495 and CE certification.
What Projects Is It Used For?
The construction elevator and building site hoist are used across a wide range of projects:
- Residential and commercial building construction
- Large-scale projects such as shopping malls, hospitals, and hotels
- Bridge, viaduct, and infrastructure projects
- Industrial facility and factory construction
- Facade renovation and refurbishment of existing buildings
- Shipbuilding and shipyard projects
Personnel, Goods, or Both? Combined Systems Are Possible
Systems come in three different configurations depending on intended use:
Personnel Hoist: Enclosed cabin design, primarily intended for transporting workers. Offers a comfortable and safe cabin environment.
Goods Hoist: Open platform design, optimized for transporting heavy materials and equipment. Offers high load capacity.
Combined (Personnel + Goods): Flexible system capable of transporting both workers and materials. Saves time and cost on large construction sites.
Construction Hoist Rental or Purchase?
Construction hoist rental is an economical solution for short-term projects. For companies with long-term or continuous workloads, purchasing is far more cost-effective. Personnel and goods hoist prices vary depending on load capacity, height, and cabin type. Aser Makina offers both options. In case of purchase, spare parts and technical service support are provided by our Ankara-based team.
Conclusion
The personnel and goods hoist — known in the industry as Alimak, construction hoist, or building site hoist — directly affects both work safety and productivity on modern construction projects. Choosing a system with the right capacity and proper certification shortens project duration while minimizing the risk of workplace accidents.
Contact us to get information or request a quote for a personnel and goods hoist or rental options suitable for your project: Get in Touch.
