A Safer Way to Change Cylinders in Welding and Fabrication Shops
In most welding and fabrication shops, changing a gas cylinder still means one person wrestling it from the storage rack onto the welder. A large argon or mixed-gas cylinder can weigh around 176 to 220 lb. The usual method is to hug it, or "walk" and churn it across the floor, then heave it onto the welding machine's cylinder carrier by hand.
Why lifting by hand is a problem
NIOSH's recommended weight limit for a manual lift under ideal conditions is 51 lb, and that limit drops further when the lift is repeated, far from the body or done in an awkward posture. A full welding cylinder weighs several times that and has no handles. The lift onto a welder is exactly the kind of awkward, off-balance lift that leads to back, shoulder and elbow strain. One slip can also mean a dropped cylinder on a busy shop floor.
How the Cylinder Lifter helps
The Cylinder Lifter was designed by welders, for welders, to take the lifting out of this job.
- Strap it on. A 2" ratchet strap holds the cylinder against the steel frame.
- Roll it over. The 10" puncture-proof wheels carry it from the rack to the welder, including over uneven floors.
- Set it in place. At the welder, the pivot lets you raise the cylinder onto the cylinder carrier or a platform up to 10" high. Only about 31 lb of the load reaches the handle, so nobody has to hug or carry the cylinder.
It takes cylinders up to 220 lb and about 10" in diameter, including large argon and mixed-gas cylinders. There's no motor or battery to look after: just a powder-coated steel frame, an anti-slip foot grip and a pivot. At 55" x 20" x 18.5" and 57 lb, it can stay parked next to the cylinder rack, ready for the next change.
Is it right for your shop?
It's a good fit if your welders run full-size cylinders and change them regularly on welders with a carrier or platform up to 10" high. Unlike a basic welding cylinder cart, it doesn't stop at moving the cylinder; it lifts it into place too. If you only handle small cylinders now and then, a cheaper cart may be all you need. Our comparison of cylinder carts, grabbers and lift trucks sets out the options honestly.
Order one, or get a quote for your whole shop
The Cylinder Lifter costs $1,750, with free shipping across the USA in 3-5 business days. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 12-month warranty. It's made in Dayton, Ohio, and protected by US Patent No. 10,173,704 B2.
Need one for every welding bay? Send us the quantity and your ZIP code, and we'll send you a quote.