Lift’n Cart FAQs
How hard is it to push a generator up a hill or ramp?
We recommend starting at the highest elevation point and working your way down. A 600lb generator is heavy no matter how large the tires are, so it pays to plan your job ahead of time. It’s much easier to go downhill first to get up momentum before heading uphill.
To calculate how much pushing force you would have to apply to the cart handle to push a generator up a hill or ramp (assuming no rolling friction at all), you can use the equation:
F (in lb-ft) = Weight (in lbs) x sin (incline angle in degrees).
Example 1: It would take approximately 300lb-ft of force to push a 600lb generator up a 30deg ramp or slope. So, you would effectively have to be strong enough to lift 300lbs to whatever final height you need it at, to do this.
Example 2: If you can lift 100lbs, what is the steepest slope or trailer ramp you can push a 600lb generator up by yourself? You can use the formula [Ramp Angle = arcsin (F/W)], so the approximate answer for this would be = arcsine (100lbs/600lbs) = arcsine (0.1666) = 9.6 Degrees.
Note: Most smart phones have a level app that you can check your trailer ramp angle with, and calculators with the “sin” function and “arcsine” function. Sometimes the “arcsine” function is labeled “sin-1”.
What is the maximum ramp or slope a motorized cart should go up?
Like most powered equipment including scissor lifts, excavators, ride on lawn mowers ect., there is a limit to the slope you can safely operate on. For your safety, we strongly recommend not going up any slope greater than approximately 12 degrees. One way to tell if you are trying to go up too steep a ramp or hill is if the generator cannot sit level to the earth (not ramp or hill angle) while ascending the ramp or hill. This is to make sure that you can keep control of the cart if you trip the safety breaker switch or if the battery dies. See “how hard is it to push a generator up a hill or ramp” for the force needed to push a non-motorized cart up a ramp or hill.
Which direction should I install the base?
Every generator size has a different center of gravity based primarily on the engine mass and rotor/stator mass. This means that you may find lifting and moving any generator harder or easier based on which end you lift from. The base mounting holes are designed, in general, to put more of the load in front of the tires when lifted so the generator doesn’t tip back. However, each generator is different, so try picking up from each end to establish which procedure balances the generator best for you.
With this said, PLAN YOUR APPROACH before you put the base on. It helps greatly to figure out which direction you want to approach the pad from so that you’re not trying to drive over a trench or through shrubbery. Also, if you need to push a heavy generator over soft ground, you will want if possible to keep the cart moving all the way to the pad without stopping.
Do I need to tighten the base nuts with a wrench?
We suggest hand-tightening only the nuts on the ends of the rods going through the base of the generator.
What design factors went into making the Lift’n Cart?
We designed the Second Generation “G2” Lift’n Cart with stainless-steel tubular hand and base side rails with internal stiffeners to be as strong, durable and light as possible. The handle design also acts as two torsion bars that flex as needed vs. breaking if you run the cart fully loaded over a curb. In addition, the handle rods are hollow to save weight, with steel threaded ends for durability.
We also designed our carts to conserve storage space. They can be hung on a wall at the shop, in a box truck, or landscape trailer when not in use. Stainless steel fasteners are used wherever possible to prolong the life of the carts, especially near ocean use, and the electronics are either encapsulated or conformal coated. For quick repair in the event of an accident, most of the fasteners used can be easily purchased either through our website, or from BoltDepot, Fastener Superstor, etc.
Will the “Skinny” 42” wide Lift’n Cart work with the new 26kWatt Generac?
We have already incorporated the new base holes to fit the new Generac models we believe will be coming out late this year, and we are in the process of changing all the base rods over for all of the G2 carts to a smaller diameter to fit the new smaller lifting holes, but we have not been able to verify the width of the new Generac frame. We believe it is slightly wider but will use the same dimension pad and will have a removable front. Therefore, our “skinny” base may still fit but, if you are concerned, we recommend moving up to our “Mid” size 48” cart. As soon as we know more, we’ll post it here.
Can I upgrade my base rails to fit new generator models?
Yes, please contact us by phone or email until we add this to our website. We’re aware that each generator manufacturer may change their products from time to time, and this includes the lifting holes. To keep the cost of your upgrade down, we sell sets of plain 48” base rails (without hardware) that have all the latest hole patterns and features needed to move your existing base hardware over from. This includes any G1, G1.5 or G2 earlier base side rails made since 2023, and should take you about 20min.
Can I use any battery pack?
No, we only recommend using the DeWalt FlexVolt 60/20 battery pack. This is because lower voltage battery packs lack the power output needed. For example, if you assume most commercially available tool battery packs max out at about 20 Amps, a 20Vdc battery pack’s maximum power output would be about 400Watts. A 60Vdc battery pack, however, at 20Amps, would be about 1200Watts. That’s the difference between our motorized Lift’n Cart being able to barely move a 600lb generator on level ground vs. being able to push the same 600lb generator up a 12-degree trailer ramp or hill with a 60Vdc battery pack. 600Watts per hub motor vs 200Watts per motor is a huge difference!
With this said, we anticipate more commercially available battery brands will include 60Vdc options in the future, and we’ll work to incorporate them as options if possible.