The trailer hitch crank lift is an engineering control that may help reduce lifting and carrying.  The trailer hitch crank lift mounts onto the hitch of a truck and is operated by a hand-controlled crank. It can lift and can rotate to move the load as needed.

The trailer hitch crank lift is made from high strength steel, weighs 26 lbs., provides up to 75 inches of lift, and meets OSHA requirements (figure 1).  Objects weighing up to 500 lb can be lifted or lowered by turning the hand crank (figure 2).  A single turn of the hand crank lifts or lowers objects by 1 inch.  The crank lift can rotate 360 degrees to allow objects to be lifted into, or lowered down from a truck bed.  The trailer hitch crank lift fits into a standard 2-inch class 3 receiver hitch (figure 3).  Numerous attachments are available for the trailer hitch crank lift, including a choke collar, vise hook, nylon lifting strap, and chuck hook.

Figure 1. Trailer hitch crank lift. (Photo courtesy of Attco, Inc.)

Figure 2.  Trailer hitch crank lift being used to lift a load into a truck. (Photo courtesy of Attco, Inc.)

Figure 3. Trailer hitch crank lift mounted on the hitch of a truck. (Photo courtesy of Attco, Inc.)

The trailer hitch crank lift may improve productivity because it only requires one worker to lift and lower heavy loads.

The tailgate of a truck may need to be removed to use the trailer hitch crank lift.

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

• Electrical
  • Load, unload and distribute construction materials
    • Lifting and Carrying (Manual materials Handling)