The PF-310 is our most compact scissor hoist; the PF-416 offers substantially more lifting capacity when your build has the mounting space. Choosing between them means comparing the room beneath your dump body, the space inside the chassis frame, and the lifting geometry of your installation.
The PF-310 is a popular choice for pickup truck dump-bed conversions and smaller dump trailers. The PF-416 is worth considering when you need more lifting capacity and can accommodate its larger installation envelope. This guide compares both models using their mounting drawings and published capacity charts.
Shop PF-310 scissor hoist kits | Shop PF-416 scissor hoist kits
PF-310 vs. PF-416 at a glance
| Comparison | PF-310 | PF-416 |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal hoist class | 3-ton class | 6-ton class |
| Typical dump-body length | 8–10 ft | 10–14 ft |
| Cylinder bore | 3.5 inches | 5.5 inches |
| Cylinder stroke | 10 inches | 16 inches |
| Upper vertical dimension shown | 5.51 inches | 6.97 inches |
| Lower frame intrusion shown | 2.05 inches | 3.80 inches |
| Sum of those vertical dimensions | 7.56 inches | 10.77 inches |
| Side-view length shown | 32.14 inches | 46.83 inches |
| Main selection advantage | Compact fit where space is limited | Greater lifting capacity with more mounting space |
The vertical dimensions describe the angled arrangement shown in the drawings. Their sum is a comparison of that arrangement, not a universal minimum frame spacing or a structural beam specification. Mounts, crossmembers, body construction and moving clearance must also fit.
Why the PF-416 is a substantial step up in lifting capacity
The cylinder changes from a 3.5-inch bore on the PF-310 to a 5.5-inch bore on the PF-416. Piston area increases with the square of the bore diameter. At the same hydraulic pressure, the larger bore provides approximately 2.47 times the theoretical cylinder extension force, before losses.
That does not translate directly into 2.47 times the dump-body payload. The two hoists also have different linkage geometry, stroke and mounting dimensions. Use the model's capacity chart for your body length, rear overhang and dump angle.
How much mounting space does each hoist need?
PF-310: compact fit for smaller dump bodies
In the PF-310 drawing, the upper portion occupies 5.51 inches of vertical space in the dump-body rail area. The lower end extends another 2.05 inches below the illustrated reference line into the chassis-frame area.
This compact arrangement is one reason the PF-310 works well for many pickup conversions. Check usable clearance between the moving dump body's rails and crossmembers, as well as the space available inside the truck or trailer frame.
PF-416: more capacity, with a larger mounting envelope
The PF-416 drawing shows 6.97 inches above the reference line and 3.80 inches below it. The lower measurement describes the end that tucks into the frame in the illustrated angled position; it does not mean the entire hoist sits 3.80 inches below the frame top.
Compared with the PF-310, those two vertical dimensions total 3.21 inches more. The PF-416 is also longer in the side-view drawing, so check longitudinal space as well as height.
Measure actual free space, not just nominal I-beam height. Fuel tanks, drivetrain components, brake lines, hoses, wiring and crossmembers can obstruct the hoist or its travel. A beam's height alone does not establish that it provides adequate structural support.
View the PF-310 mounting drawing — manual page 24
View the PF-416 mounting drawing — manual page 26
Why the hoist is shown at an angle
The angled installation lets part of the folded hoist tuck into the chassis frame while preserving the intended mounting geometry. It is part of the compact arrangement shown in the manual.
A flatter arrangement may be possible when obstructions prevent that lower end from tucking into the frame, but it generally requires more space above the chassis. It also changes the layout that must be checked. Do not assume the same clearances, dump angle or chart capacity apply after changing the mounting geometry. Have Primary Mover review an alternative arrangement before fabrication.
The lower mounting points, rear support tab, crossmembers and dump-body structure must all be supported as specified. See the manual's hoist location and mounting instructions on pages 12–13.
What is the M dimension, and can the hoist face either direction?
M is the distance shown between the lower hoist pivot centerline and the rear dump-body hinge pivot. It is a key mounting dimension for obtaining the intended dump angle and lifting geometry.
| Maximum dump angle shown | PF-310 M | PF-416 M |
|---|---|---|
| 45° | 52 inches | 75 inches |
| 50° | 47 inches | 68 inches |
The drawings specify dump angles within approximately ±2°. Use the appropriate model drawing and reference points when measuring.
Both models can be installed facing either direction in an appropriately designed layout. Reversing the hoist can help avoid chassis obstructions. Preserve the specified lower-pivot location and M dimension, along with the required upper attachment geometry, mounting height and structural support.
Measure from the designated pivot, not whichever end of the hoist happens to face forward. Direction alone does not determine capacity; the complete mounting geometry does. Contact Primary Mover to confirm a reversed layout and full-travel clearance before welding the mounts.
Compare lifting capacity on the same 10-foot dump body
A 10-foot body falls within both models' typical applications, making it a useful comparison. The figures below reproduce the published hoist-capacity chart values in tons. They are installation-dependent selection figures, not a vehicle payload rating or a promise that every build can lift that amount of material.
The chart assumes a level, non-diminishing load, at least 3 inches vertically between the rear hinge pivot and the body floor, and hydraulic relief pressure set to 3,200 PSI. Account for the moving dump body's weight, attachments and material load when selecting a hoist.
| Rear overhang | Dump angle | PF-310 | PF-416 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 inches | 45° | 2.8 tons | 9.3 tons |
| 18 inches | 45° | 3.2 tons | 10.6 tons |
| 24 inches | 45° | 3.7 tons | 12.4 tons |
| 12 inches | 50° | 2.5 tons | 8.4 tons |
| 18 inches | 50° | 2.8 tons | 9.6 tons |
| 24 inches | 50° | 3.3 tons | 11.2 tons |
At 45° with 12 inches of overhang, the chart moves from 2.8 tons for the PF-310 to 9.3 tons for the PF-416. With 24 inches of overhang, it moves from 3.7 tons to 12.4 tons. That is approximately 3.3 times the published capacity in these examples, reflecting the larger cylinder and different hoist geometry.
These figures do not increase the rating of your truck, trailer, dump body, hinges or supporting structure. The lowest applicable vehicle, hoist, hydraulic-system and component rating still controls the completed installation.
Read the complete Prime Force capacity charts and assumptions.
Why can a 6-ton-class hoist have a chart value above 6 tons?
The 3-ton and 6-ton descriptions identify the models' nominal classes. Actual chart values change with body length, rear-hinge overhang, dump angle and hydraulic pressure.
That is why the PF-310 can show less than 3 tons in one arrangement and more than 3 tons in another, while the PF-416 can show values above its 6-ton class in a favorable installation. Choose from the applicable capacity information and installation requirements, not the class name alone.
How rear overhang changes lifting capacity
Rear overhang is the distance from the rear hinge pivot to the back edge of the moving dump body. It is not the distance to the bumper or the end of the chassis.
For the same body length and level load, moving the hinge farther forward changes the load's leverage about the pivot. This is why the published capacity increases as overhang grows from 12 to 24 inches in the examples above.
A zero-overhang design has different geometry and generally less lifting capacity than an otherwise comparable design with rear overhang. Do not apply the 12-inch-overhang chart row to a zero-overhang installation.
Use the Scissor Hoist Selector for your body length, overhang, load and hydraulic pressure. Enter moving body weight separately from material payload. Its results are preliminary selection estimates; confirm the proposed installation before fabrication.
Should I choose a 45° or 50° dump angle?
We generally recommend planning for at least a 45° dump angle. Shallower angles can make unloading more difficult, particularly with material that sticks or bridges. The angle needed also depends on the material and body surface.
A 50° setup provides a steeper dumping position, but the corresponding mounting arrangement has a lower published capacity. For a 10-foot body with 12 inches of overhang, the PF-310 changes from 2.8 tons at 45° to 2.5 tons at 50°; the PF-416 changes from 9.3 to 8.4 tons.
Compare both the required unloading angle and the intended load. Use the M dimension for the selected angle.
Why the hydraulic power unit matters
The capacity charts are based on 3,200 PSI hydraulic relief pressure. A lower-pressure system can provide less lifting force, even when the hoist and mounting dimensions are otherwise suitable.
The power unit must be correctly matched to the cylinder and able to provide the required operating pressure and flow under load. Battery condition, cable sizing, connections and hydraulic-system condition also affect performance.
Read Why Your Scissor Dump Isn't Dumping — and How to Fix It.
Cylinder construction matters, too
Cylinder wall thickness is one part of a cylinder's ability to resist deformation during repeated pressure cycles. Material, end construction, seals and the complete assembly's working-pressure rating matter as well.
Watch the Prime Force cylinder wall-thickness comparison on our video page.
Thicker walls are not permission to increase system pressure. The linked scissor-hoist manual specifies a maximum working pressure of 3,200 PSI. Stay within the approved pressure settings and all component ratings; do not turn up relief pressure to compensate for an overloaded or incorrectly installed system.
Which hoist should I choose?
- Choose the PF-310 when its compact dimensions fit your pickup conversion or smaller dump trailer, and its capacity chart supports the complete moving load in your installation.
- Consider the PF-416 when you need the additional lifting capacity and your dump-body rails, chassis clearance, mounting length and supporting structure can accommodate it.
- Ask us to review the layout if you have zero rear overhang, an unusual body, obstructions, a reversed installation or a different mounting angle.
Compare all seven PF-310 kit configurations and included equipment.
View PF-310 kits | View PF-416 kits | Compare all Prime Force scissor hoists
For help choosing, call 985-888-6554 or email sales@primarymover.com. Have your moving body dimensions, body weight, material load, rear overhang, desired angle, available mounting space and hydraulic pressure ready.