In today's fast-paced industrial and commercial environments, cargo lifts play a critical role in ensuring the smooth and efficient movement of goods between floors. Whether you're operating a multi-level warehouse, a busy manufacturing facility, a hotel, or a retail center, a reliable cargo lift can dramatically improve productivity, reduce labor costs, and enhance workplace safety. From transporting pallets and heavy equipment to safely moving stock in retail spaces, these lifts are essential across a wide range of sectors in Australia.

However, not all cargo lifts—or their providers—are created equal. Choosing the right cargo lift supplier can mean the difference between seamless daily operations and constant maintenance headaches. Key factors such as build quality, lift capacity, compliance with Australian safety standards, after-sales service, and customization options all play a major role in long-term value. That's why selecting from the best cargo lift brands is crucial, especially in a competitive and regulation-driven market like Australia.

In this article, we've done the research for you. We present the Top 10 Cargo Lift Suppliers in Australia – Reviews & Comparison 2025, a comprehensive guide to the leading providers in the industry. Whether you're searching for industrial lift suppliers for a large-scale operation or a more compact solution for your small business, this list will help you make an informed and confident decision.

What Is a Cargo Lift?

A cargo lift, also known as a goods lift or freight elevator, is a vertical transportation system specifically designed to move heavy materials, goods, or equipment between different levels of a building. Unlike passenger elevators, cargo lifts are built with reinforced platforms, higher load capacities, and durable enclosures to handle industrial or commercial loads safely and efficiently.

So, what’s the difference between a goods lift vs cargo lift? While the terms are often used interchangeably, “cargo lift” generally refers to larger, heavy-duty lifts used in industrial settings, whereas “goods lifts” can also describe smaller, lighter-capacity systems often found in retail or hospitality environments. Importantly, cargo lifts are typically not intended for transporting people unless specifically designed as a dual-purpose system that complies with relevant safety standards.

Cargo lifts are widely used across various sectors, including:

• Factories and warehouses – for moving pallets, machinery, and bulk inventory

• Hotels and restaurants – for handling laundry, kitchen supplies, or waste bins

• Shopping centers – for stock movement between storage and retail floors

• Residential conversions – in multi-storey homes or garages for lifting items like furniture or groceries

There are several types of cargo lifts available in Australia, each suited to different needs:

• Hydraulic lifts: Popular for their smooth operation and reliability; ideal for low to mid-rise applications (hydraulic lift Australia)

• Traction lifts: Efficient and faster, suitable for taller buildings and high-frequency use

• Scissor lifts (electric platform lifts): Flexible, cost-effective options for low-height material handling

Choosing the right type of lift depends on load weight, frequency of use, height, and available space. Understanding the basics helps you evaluate what best fits your operational needs before choosing a supplier.

How to Choose a Cargo Lift Supplier

Selecting the right cargo lift supplier is a critical decision that can directly impact the efficiency, safety, and long-term cost-effectiveness of your operations. With many options available across the country, making the right choice requires more than just comparing prices. This section offers a practical cargo lift buying guide to help you assess suppliers based on what matters most.

1. Product Quality and Certification

A high-quality cargo lift must comply with Australian safety and performance standards, particularly the AS1735 series, which governs elevator and lift systems. Choosing a supplier that offers certified products ensures reliability, safety, and legal compliance, especially in commercial or industrial environments.

2. Installation and After-Sales Support

A lift is a long-term investment, and the quality of installation can significantly affect performance and lifespan. Look for suppliers who offer end-to-end services—including site assessment, installation, and routine maintenance. Responsive after-sales support is essential for minimizing downtime and addressing issues quickly.

3. Customization Capabilities

Not every operation has the same needs. A good supplier should offer custom solutions tailored to your site layout, load requirements, and usage frequency. Whether you need a compact lift for a small warehouse or a high-capacity lift for heavy industrial use, flexibility in design is key.

4. Customer Reviews and Case Studies

When comparing options, real-world performance matters. Check for customer testimonials, online reviews, and case studies that showcase past projects. These insights can reveal a lot about a supplier’s reputation, response time, and reliability.

5. Transparent Pricing

Clear, upfront pricing helps avoid unexpected costs later. A reliable supplier should provide detailed quotes that include delivery, installation, maintenance plans, and any optional upgrades. Watch out for vague or overly generic estimates.

When doing a lift supplier comparison in Australia, evaluate vendors across all these dimensions—not just on cost. The right supplier will combine certified quality with technical expertise, responsive service, and solutions tailored to your operational needs.

Choosing carefully today means fewer breakdowns, better performance, and a safer workplace tomorrow.

Top 10 Cargo Lift Suppliers in Australia – Reviews & Comparison 2025

1. Safetech Australia – one of the most trusted suppliers

Location: Melbourne, VIC

Specialties: Australian‑made freight hoists, goods lifts, attended freight elevators for retailers, mining, manufacturing 

safetech.com.au

Pros: Locally manufactured with fast lead times; high safety standards and robust build; turnkey installation and maintenance.

Cons: Premium pricing versus imported alternatives; limited national branch network.

Notable Projects / Clients: Experience with major retailers, self-storage facilities, and mining operations nationwide.

Customer Reviews Summary: Clients note “efficient, cost-effective and safe” solutions with “excellent aftersales care” 

safetech.com.au

2. Lifts Australia – one of Australia’s top goods-lift experts

Location: Sydney, NSW

Specialties: Hydraulic goods and warehouse lifts, mezzanine lifts, stocked for customization 

Pros: Full Australian ownership with deep local knowledge; specialist in hydraulic systems ideal for low-to-mid-rise buildings.

Cons: Focused on hydraulic lifts only; heavier systems that need solid structural support.

Notable Projects / Clients: Numerous warehouse and light-manufacturing installations across Eastern states.

Customer Reviews Summary: Trusted as “Australia’s trusted goods lift supplier” for solid build quality 

liftsaustralia.com.au

3. Southwell Lifts & Hoists – one of the most adaptable industrial providers

Location: Brisbane, QLD

Specialties: High-capacity goods-only and goods‑&‑personnel hoists up to 10 000 kg; custom scissor/car hoists 

Pros: Broad capacity up to 10 tonnes; built for harsh environments; flexible designs.

Cons: Mid-to-high price bracket; may need specialist civil works.

Notable Projects / Clients: Industrial plants and vehicle service centres using multi-floor hoists.

Customer Reviews Summary: Clients praise “local manufacturing” and “design flexibility” 

southwell.com.au

4. Volkslift – one of Australia’s reliable freight‑elevator vendors

Location: Melbourne, VIC (service nationwide)

Specialties: VH‑Series cargo freight elevators, indoor/outdoor, mid-range capacities 

Pros: Offers robust safety features; adaptable to indoor/outdoor settings; built for frequent use.

Cons: Few custom-heavy configurations; may require add-on controls.

Notable Projects / Clients: Wide usage in logistics and multi-storey storage centres.

Customer Reviews Summary: Known for “fast, efficient and safe” freight-handling models 

volkslift.au

5. Phoenix Lifting – one of the most customer-focused hoist specialists

Location: Perth, WA

Specialties: Small to large goods lifts and modular Freight Mate hoists 

Pros: Modular hoists offer fast installations; scalable to load needs; good WA coverage.

Cons: Modular systems may have smaller load heights; more suited to mid-weight handling.

Notable Projects / Clients: Businesses using Freight Mate modular hoists in varied industries.

Customer Reviews Summary: Customers appreciate flexibility and professional install support 

phoenixlifting.com.au

6. Huichuang Lift – one of the largest global cargo-lift manufacturers

Location: Headquarters in Shandong, China; exports globally, including Australia 

Specialties: Hydraulic guide‑rail and scissor cargo lifts; warehouse platforms; loading ramps 

Pros: Vast range of customizable hydraulic cargo solutions; certified (CE, ISO); factory-direct pricing.

Cons: No local manufacturing—import lead times apply; limited on-site Australian service teams.

Notable Projects / Clients: Applications in factories, warehouses; global installations.

Customer Reviews Summary: Known for “top-tier cargo lifts” and comprehensive support 

jnhclift.com

7. Total Lifting Solutions – one of Australia’s comprehensive material‑handling goods‑lift providers

Location: Melbourne, VIC (national coverage)

Specialties: Goods lifts, goods hoists, scissor platforms, pallet-handling systems, and more for warehouses and manufacturing plants 

Pros: Offers full range of products—from cranes and hoists to custom goods lifts; strong supplier and brand partnerships; experienced in handling large national accounts.

Cons: Not strictly a cargo-lift manufacturer—they act as equipment integrators, so direct-to-factory pricing may vary.

Notable Projects / Clients: Serves major warehousing, distribution, and auto-dealership groups across Australia.

Customer Reviews Summary: Long-standing industry presence and reputed for tailored lifting solutions and service.

totallifts.com.au

8. Sitecraft – one of the most user-friendly mezzanine lift specialists

Location: Melbourne, VIC (with Sydney & Brisbane warehouses)

Specialties: Mezzanine freight lifts (goods hoist), hydraulic goods lifts without pit requirements; CAD‑customized for warehouses, auto-dealers, and retail 

Pros: Pitless installation reduces civil work; modular CAD design allows flexibility; local warehouses enable fast service.

Cons: Focuses on mid-rise mezzanine solutions—less suitable for heavy industrial lifts.

Notable Projects / Clients: Popular among distribution centres and retail storage facilities for mezzanine setups.

Customer Reviews Summary: Users praise “innovative design and easy installation,” with diagnostics-enabled for maintenance ease.

sitecraft.net.au

9. Kevrek / Cargolift – one of the most compact non‑passenger cargo lift specialists

Location: Nationwide (headquartered Australia)

Specialties: Ricon-branded compact cargo lifts for parcel, luggage, light freight handling; electro‑hydraulic, non‑passenger, up to 500 kg 

Pros: Compact footprint for tight spaces; safe non‑slip platform and manual backup; 5‑year warranty.

Cons: Lower weight capacity, not ideal for pallets or heavy industrial use.

Notable Projects / Clients: Used in parcel, logistics, and commercial buildings requiring light cargo movement.

Customer Reviews Summary: A practical, reliable solution praised for “simple and reliable operation.”

kevrek.com.au

10. Direct Lifts – one of the most versatile hydraulic goods‑lift suppliers

Location: Australia‑wide (offices in key metro areas)

Specialties: Single‑ to multi‑column hydraulic goods lifts certified for goods or attendant; capacities from 300 kg to 5 000 kg 

Pros: Offers a broad capacity range; certified for goods plus attendant (SPB models); retractable-roof models ideal for outdoor/underground use.

Cons: Hydraulic systems require periodic maintenance; larger models may need structural modifications.

Notable Projects / Clients: Installed across automated industrial plants and multi-level loading facilities.

Customer Reviews Summary: Known for flexible products (UP, DL series) and thoughtful design for varied industrial contexts.

directlifts.com.au

Comparison Table: Top Suppliers at a Glance