The drywall lift is an engineering control that may help reduce lifting, carrying, and overhead work.  A drywall lift mechanically raises sheets of drywall into place onto walls and ceilings. 

A drywall lift is designed to move and lift panels of drywall into place prior to installation. Panels of drywall weighing up to 200 lb measuring up to 4 X 16 can be mounted onto most drywall lift models.  The panels can then be moved horizontally by pushing or pulling the drywall lift, which typically sits on a 3-wheel base.  Panels can also be moved vertically using a hand crank mechanism, which allows for easy installation of drywall onto high walls and ceilings.  There are many types of drywall lifts.

Panellift® has several models of drywall lifts.  Standard duty models 138 and 128 have a vertical reach of 11 ft, a load capacity of 150 lb, and are powered manually with a single-stage cable mechanism (Figure 1). 

Figure 1. Panellift® standard duty model 138. (Photo courtesy of Paragon Pro Manufacturing Solutions)

The commercial duty model 439 has a vertical reach of over 14 ft, a load capacity of 200 lb, and is powered manually with a multi-stage chain mechanism (Figure 2). 

Figure 2. Panellift® commercial duty model 439 and multi-stage chain mechanism. (Photo courtesy of Paragon Pro Manufacturing Solutions)

Professional duty model 460 has a vertical reach of over 14 ft, a load capacity of 150 lb, and is powered using a battery and a hydraulically controlled chain (Figure 3). 


Figure 3. Panellift® professional duty model 460. (Photo courtesy of Paragon Pro Manufacturing Solutions)

All Panellift® models are compatible with the Model 195 Loader attachment, allowing for workers to load the lift from as low as 2-4 ft off the ground (Figure 4).  In addition, extensions can be added to each model that allows workers to lift panels over 15 ft. 

Figure 4. Panellift® with Model 195 Loader attachment. (Photo courtesy of Paragon Pro Manufacturing Solutions)

A drywall lift may increase productivity by decreasing the number of workers required for drywall installation tasks and by reducing worker fatigue. 

There are many drywall lift styles available.  However, not all are able to position drywall at higher heights or on ceilings.  Additionally, not all models allow workers to load the drywall onto the lift at low heights.

Working with heavy objects overhead poses a safety risk to workers.  Review the operator’s manual before use to ensure safe handling.

Drywall lifts require assembly.  See operator’s manual for proper and safe assembly.

Panels must be loaded and unloaded onto the drywall lift correctly to ensure that they do not fall off. Review the operator's manual before use to ensure proper loading and unloading. 

Dan Anton, PT, PhD, ATC; and Elizabeth Seidl SPT – Eastern Washington University