The Prime Force PF-416 and PF-516 are closely matched hydraulic scissor hoists for suitable 10–14 ft dump truck and trailer bodies. Both current models use a 5.5-inch-bore cylinder with a 16-inch stroke. The choice comes down to available mounting space, hoist geometry and the capacity required for your particular build.
Which should you choose? Start with the PF-416 when mounting height is tight. Consider the PF-516 when its taller arrangement fits and its modest lifting advantage is useful. Check the drawings and the capacity chart for either model before choosing.
At Primary Mover, we choose between these models by the installation. Neither is our automatic preference for every truck or trailer.
Same cylinder, different lifting geometry
A cylinder's bore and stroke do not tell the whole story of a scissor hoist. At the same hydraulic pressure, the shared bore produces the same theoretical cylinder extension force. The hoist's arms, pivot locations and cylinder angle determine how that force translates into lifting the dump body.
The PF-416 has less closed mounting height and a slightly longer arrangement. The PF-516 is a little taller and shorter, with geometry that gives it a modest advantage in the published lifting-capacity comparisons.
Earlier PF-416 configurations used a 4-inch-bore cylinder. Upgrading the PF-416 to the 5.5-inch-bore cylinder used by the PF-516 narrowed the performance gap. That is why these two models are closer today than their familiar 6-ton and 8-ton class labels might suggest.
| Feature | PF-416 | PF-516 |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal hoist class | 6-ton class | 8-ton class |
| Typical dump-body length | 10–14 ft | 10–14 ft |
| Current cylinder bore × stroke | 5.5 inches × 16 inches | 5.5 inches × 16 inches |
| Closed height, drawing dimension G | 9 inches | 10 inches |
| Main selection advantage | Less closed mounting height | Modest lifting advantage when the taller arrangement fits |
The linked Prime Force dimension drawings show a one-inch difference in dimension G. This is a hoist drawing dimension, not a complete chassis-to-body clearance requirement. Check the mounting brackets, supporting structure, obstructions and movement through the full lift cycle. Confirm that the drawing and cylinder configuration match the equipment being installed.
When we recommend the PF-416
We often start with the PF-416 for truck installations where the space beneath the body matters. Its smaller closed height can make the arrangement easier to accommodate, provided the applicable capacity and mounting requirements suit the build.
That does not make it exclusively a truck hoist. A dump trailer with similar space constraints may benefit from the same arrangement. Choose it for the fit and capacity your installation needs.
When we recommend the PF-516
If your build has the space for the PF-516, its geometry can provide a little more lifting capability. When both models fit, that additional margin may make the PF-516 a sensible choice.
Compare the full mounting arrangement before deciding. Extra height alone does not confirm that the PF-516 will fit, and a small capacity advantage does not make an otherwise overloaded or unsuitable installation acceptable.
How much lifting difference is there?
Compare both models using the same body length, rear overhang and dump angle. For example, the published chart lists the following for a 12-foot body with 12 inches of rear overhang at a 45° dump angle:
PF-416: 7.4 tons
Published chart capacity for this example.
PF-516: 7.7 tons
About 4% more chart capacity in the same example.
The chart is a general guide based on a water-level, non-diminishing load, at least 3 inches between the rear-hinge pivot and trailer floor, and hydraulic relief pressure of 3,200 psi. These are the chart's assumptions, not instructions to change your equipment's approved settings.
This example is not a guaranteed material payload. Account for the moving dump body's weight, installation geometry and the vehicle or trailer's ratings. Other chart rows give different capacities. The 6-ton and 8-ton class labels do not mean that the PF-516 will lift 33% more in every installation.
A practical way to make the choice
- Measure the build. Check closed mounting height, fore-and-aft space, rear-hinge location, crossmembers and moving clearances against both drawings.
- Compare the matching chart rows. Use your body length, rear overhang and required dump angle, accounting for body weight and intended load.
- Compare equivalent packages. Match Hoist Only, Standard or Premium and the same power-unit option when checking current prices.
- Choose the arrangement that fits. Tight mounting height often favors the PF-416. If both fit and meet the requirements, consider the PF-516's modest lifting advantage.
Common questions about the PF-416 and PF-516
Does the PF-516 have a bigger cylinder than the PF-416?
Both current models use a 5.5-inch-bore cylinder with a 16-inch stroke. Older PF-416 configurations used a smaller cylinder, so check the specifications of the actual hoist when comparing existing equipment or older documents.
Is the PF-516 always the better choice?
No. The PF-416 may be the better fit when mounting height is limited. The PF-516 offers a modest lifting advantage when its taller arrangement and the rest of its mounting requirements suit the installation.
Can I replace a PF-416 with a PF-516 using the same mounts?
Do not assume they are interchangeable because they share a cylinder size. Compare the complete mounting drawings, supporting structure and moving clearances. Contact Primary Mover before modifying an existing installation.
Is the PF-416 only for trucks and the PF-516 only for trailers?
No. Either can suit an appropriate truck or trailer build. Available space, mounting geometry and required lifting capacity determine the choice.
Compare the kits for your build
View PF-416 hoist and kit options | View PF-516 hoist and kit options
Have your body length and weight, expected material load, rear overhang and available mounting space ready. Use our Scissor Hoist Selector, or call 985-888-6554 or email sales@primarymover.com for help choosing.