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Getting Shingles To The Roof: How The Equipter 4000 Helps Maximize Your Efficiency

The Equipter 4000 is a versatile, self propelled and towable piece of equipment widely known for its ability to catch and dump debris, but it can also be used at the start of residential roofing jobs to transport materials from a roofing supplier to the jobsite and lift shingles up to the roof. In this article we’ll look at the most common ways crews get materials to the roof and the benefits and drawbacks of these methods.


The cheapest and most labor-intensive way to get asphalt roofing shingles to the roof is by manually carrying them up a ladder. It can be a viable option for smaller-scale projects or when the use of a lift is not feasible but can lead to fatigue, strains, and injuries. In larger roofing projects or for roofs with complex designs, a crane or boom truck can be utilized to lift and position materials on the rooftop. However, their use may be subject to space constraints and equipment availability. For extensive roofing projects, scaffolding systems combined with hoists can be used to transport roofing materials to higher levels.

A shingle lift, also known as a roofing conveyor or shingle elevator, can be used to lift and transport shingles or other materials to the roof. A shingle lift offers numerous benefits in terms of efficiency, safety, accuracy, and productivity in roofing projects but does have some limitations. If the jobsite has limited space, obstacles, or uneven terrain, it may be challenging to position and maneuver the lift properly. Shingle lifts work best on roofs with moderate slopes and easy accessibility. Steep roofs or roofs with complex designs, multiple levels, or obstructions can pose challenges for shingle lifts. Adverse weather conditions, such as high winds or rain, can affect the safe operation of shingle lifts. Strong winds can make it challenging to operate a shingle lift.

Equipter 4000 lifting supplies to a roof

The Equipter 4000 addresses many of the challenges of getting materials to the rooftop in a safe and efficient manner. The Equipter 4000 is self-driving and is able to navigate through tight access spaces where cranes may be unable to reach. The Equipter can quickly and easily be repositioned to deliver materials where they are needed when they are needed. Many pieces of equipment in this article have weight and capacity limitations. Roofing projects that involve heavy materials, such as slate or tile, may be more than a shingle lift can handle. The Equipter 4000 can lift and lower a two ton payload. Additionally, when towed by a pick-up truck, the Equipter can be used to get roofing materials from a distributor at the start of the job. There is no need to wait for materials to be delivered when the Equipter can move materials to a jobsite on your schedule.

The self propelled and towable Equipter 4000 is available to rent at over 300 rental locations in the United States and Canada. If you are interested in purchasing an Equipter, contact our sales team.