Choosing a scissor hoist for a 16-foot dump trailer or truck body takes more than checking the bed-length range. The material you haul, the weight of the moving body, your mounting layout, and the dump angle you need all affect which hoist makes sense.
The quick answer: The PF-520 is a popular, versatile choice for 12–16-foot dump bodies. On a 16-foot body used frequently for heavy gravel, concrete debris, or other demanding loads, the PF-616-6 deserves a closer look—especially when both lifting reserve and dump angle matter. Neither model should be selected from its advertised tonnage alone.
Why the PF-520 is a popular crossover hoist
The PF-520 bridges the gap between shorter-stroke scissor hoists and the larger 600 series. Its 5.5-inch cylinder and 20-inch stroke provide useful flexibility when laying out a dump body. That extra travel gives a builder more room to balance lifting leverage and dump angle than a shorter-stroke hoist with otherwise comparable geometry.
For many builds, the PF-520 delivers the lifting performance and angle the application needs without moving to a larger-cylinder hoist. It is a strong candidate for 12–16-foot dump bodies, but the upper end of that range is where the details deserve particular attention.
PF-520 vs. PF-616-6: the main differences
| Feature | PF-520 | PF-616-6 |
|---|---|---|
| Advertised capacity class | 10 tons | 11 tons |
| Typical dump-body range | 12–16 feet | 12–16 feet |
| Cylinder bore | 5.5 inches | 6.5 inches |
| Cylinder stroke | 20 inches | 16 inches |
| Cylinder wall thickness | 7.5 mm | 10 mm |
| Primary selection consideration | Long-stroke mounting flexibility and a balanced fit for many dump applications | Larger-cylinder lifting capability for heavier, more demanding applications |
This comparison covers the current PF-616-6 with the 6.5-inch cylinder. It should not be confused with the older PF-616-5. Capacity classes are model descriptions, not guaranteed material payloads for every installation.
Mounting position: lifting leverage versus dump angle
On a rear-hinged dump body, moving the lifting point farther forward from the rear hinge can improve leverage. However, the same lifting travel at a point farther from the hinge generally produces less body rotation. That means a forward mounting position can trade dump angle for lifting capability.
The PF-520’s longer stroke gives you flexibility to work with that trade-off. It does not eliminate it. Moving the hoist forward should not be described as automatically increasing both capacity and angle.
The complete scissor geometry, rear hinge location, body length, and mounting dimensions determine the result. Use the model-specific installation instructions and capacity chart to evaluate the layout before locating or welding the mounts.
A 16-foot body does not automatically have a 10-ton lifting capacity
For a useful example, the Prime Force capacity chart lists a PF-520 on a 16-foot body with 12 inches of rear overhang at 7.3 tons at 45 degrees and 6.7 tons at 50 degrees. Under the same listed body length, overhang, and angle conditions, the PF-616-6 is listed at 9.0 tons at 45 degrees and 8.1 tons at 50 degrees.
These figures show why a model’s headline capacity is only the starting point. Body length, overhang, and target angle change the charted lifting capacity—and the moving dump body itself must be accounted for when evaluating the material load.
About the chart: These are general-guide values based on a water-level, non-diminishing load, at least 3 inches between the rear hinge pivot and trailer floor, and 3,200 PSI hydraulic relief pressure. They are not a vehicle payload rating or a recommendation to change hydraulic pressure. The body, chassis, axles, hinges, hydraulic system, and other components must remain within their applicable ratings.
When the PF-520 is a good candidate
- Your planned moving-body weight and material load fit the capacity chart for the actual installation.
- The mounting layout achieves the dump angle your application needs.
- You want the flexibility of a 20-inch-stroke hoist for a 12–16-foot dump body.
- Your use does not require operating close to the installation’s lifting limit on a regular basis.
A properly selected PF-520 can be an excellent choice for a 16-foot body. The question is whether it fits your load and angle requirements with suitable reserve, rather than simply whether it fits under the bed.
When to consider the PF-616-6
If your 16-foot body regularly carries heavy gravel, concrete debris, or similarly dense material, compare the PF-616-6 early in the planning process. It is particularly worth considering when you need substantial lifting capability while retaining the dump angle required by the job.
Its larger cylinder provides more theoretical cylinder force at the same hydraulic pressure, while the complete hoist geometry determines the usable lifting performance. Frequent heavy dumping is a reason to evaluate additional lifting reserve, not permission to exceed trailer or truck ratings.
Material release also matters. Dense material can be heavy without being especially difficult to discharge; wet soil or other cohesive loads may resist sliding even at a substantial angle. A larger hoist does not guarantee that every load will empty cleanly.
Is the PF-520 faster than the PF-616-6?
A smaller-bore cylinder extends faster than a larger-bore cylinder when both receive the same hydraulic flow, but full travel time also depends on stroke length. The PF-520 has a smaller bore and a longer stroke; the PF-616-6 has a larger bore and a shorter stroke.
The PF-616-6’s shorter stroke offsets part of the additional oil volume required by its larger bore. Do not assume a dramatic cycle-time difference based on bore size alone. Pump flow under load, electrical supply, operating pressure, and the travel needed to reach the chosen dump angle all affect actual raising time.
What to check before choosing either model
- Body dimensions: actual moving-body length, rear hinge position, and rear overhang.
- Moving weight: dump-body weight plus the intended material load and its distribution.
- Dump angle: the angle needed for the materials and jobs you perform.
- Installation space: closed hoist dimensions, cross-members, subframe, and clearances throughout travel.
- Mount support: appropriate reinforcement at the lower mounts, rear mounting area, and body attachment points.
- Hydraulic system: compatible power unit, operating pressure, reservoir capacity, and electrical supply.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a PF-520 on a 16-foot dump trailer?
Does moving the PF-520 forward increase dump angle?
Should heavy-use 16-foot dump bodies always use a PF-616-6?
Does an 11-ton hoist make my trailer legal to carry 11 tons?
Choose the hoist around your build
The PF-520 remains a versatile option for many 12–16-foot dump bodies. The PF-616-6 is worth considering when a demanding 16-foot application calls for more lifting reserve. Bring us the dimensions, planned load, and target dump angle, and we can help compare the two for your installation.
Talk with Primary Mover: 985-888-6554 or sales@primarymover.com.