Choosing between the Hoyer HPL700, Hoyer Calibre 850, Hoyer Presence Pro 500, and Hoyer HPL450 depends on patient weight, transfer environment, sling requirements, available room, caregiver needs, and whether bariatric-specific features are required.
These four electric Hoyer lifts cover very different capacity classes. The HPL450 is a 450 lb mid-range lift, the Presence is a 500 lb professional lift, the HPL700 provides 700 lb bariatric capacity, and the Calibre is Joerns' highest-capacity Hoyer floor lift at 850 lb.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | HPL450 | Presence Pro 500 | HPL700 | Calibre 850 |
| Safe Working Load | 450 lb | 500 lb | 700 lb | 850 lb |
| Lift Type | Passive full-body | Passive full-body | Passive bariatric full-body | Passive bariatric full-body |
| Powered Boom | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Base Operation | Powered or foot-operated manual base | Powered | Powered | Powered |
| Smart Monitor | No | Yes | Available on current Smart Monitor configurations | Yes |
| Patient Scale | Optional | Optional | Optional integrated scale | Standard |
| Primary Strength | Compact mid-range versatility | Professional 500 lb versatility | 700 lb bariatric capacity | 850 lb bariatric capacity and standard scale |
Hoyer HPL450 – Mid-Range 450 lb Electric Lift
The Hoyer HPL450 is the smallest and lowest-capacity lift in this comparison, with a 450 lb safe working load.
Joerns designed the HPL450 as a crossover lift for both nursing and homecare environments. It combines a relatively compact footprint with electric lifting and a 6-point sling cradle.
The HPL450 is available with either a powered base or a foot-operated manual base, allowing buyers to choose the configuration that best fits the care environment.
Why Consider the HPL450?
- 450 lb safe working load
- Electric raising and lowering
- Choice of powered or manual base
- 6-point sling cradle
- Two removable batteries and off-board charger
- Optional patient scale
- Smaller footprint than the HPL700 or Calibre
- Suitable for many homecare and facility environments
HPL450 Dimensions
Current Joerns specifications list the HPL450 at approximately:
- 51.1 inches maximum overall length
- 48.4 inches external width with the legs open
- 44.9 inches internal width with the legs open
- 25 inches external width with the legs closed
- 73.5 inches maximum spreader-bar height
- 22.2 inches minimum spreader-bar height
The HPL450 is therefore easier to position in smaller environments than the larger bariatric lifts in this comparison.
Hoyer Presence Pro 500 – Professional 500 lb Lift
The Hoyer Presence Pro 500 increases capacity to 500 lb and adds professional features including powered base adjustment and Hoyer Smart Monitor technology.
Joerns designed the Presence to handle a wide variety of patient-handling tasks, including floor lifting and transfers to higher surfaces.
It uses lightweight engineered aluminum construction and has a long lifting range while remaining substantially smaller and lighter than dedicated bariatric lifts such as the HPL700 and Calibre.
Why Consider the Presence?
- 500 lb safe working load
- Powered boom
- Powered base
- Smart Monitor technology
- Floor-transfer capability
- Long lifting range
- Optional scale
- Multiple sling attachment configurations
- Lightweight aluminum construction
Presence Sling System Flexibility
One major advantage of the Presence is its ability to use different sling attachment systems.
Depending on configuration, the Presence can use:
- A 6-point spreader bar for compatible Hoyer loop-style slings
- A 4-point Securi3 positioning cradle for compatible Hoyer Comfort clip-style slings
Always identify the attachment system installed on the lift before ordering a sling.
Hoyer HPL700 – 700 lb Bariatric Capacity
The Hoyer HPL700 moves into the bariatric category with a 700 lb safe working load.
It has a powered base, wide cradle design, oversized push handles, and compatibility with bariatric loop-style sling systems.
Joerns also offers the HPL700 with an integrated patient scale, allowing the patient to be weighed during the transfer process.
Why Consider the HPL700?
- 700 lb safe working load
- Powered boom
- Powered base
- Wide bariatric cradle design
- Oversized maneuvering handles
- Optional integrated patient scale
- Smart Monitor-equipped configurations
- Designed for higher-weight patients
HPL700 Dimensions
Current Joerns specifications list the HPL700 at approximately:
- 56 inches maximum overall length
- 46.25 inches external width with the legs open
- 42.25 inches internal width with the legs open
- 27.5 inches external width with the legs closed
- 23.5 inches internal width with the legs closed
- 150 lb total lift weight
Although the HPL700 provides significantly more capacity than the Presence, its closed external width remains under 28 inches according to current Joerns specifications.
Hoyer Calibre 850 – Highest-Capacity Hoyer Floor Lift
The Hoyer Calibre 850 is the highest-capacity lift in this comparison, with an 850 lb safe working load.
Joerns designed the Calibre specifically for higher-weight bariatric transfers. It includes Smart Monitor technology, an integrated patient scale as standard equipment, articulated front casters, and an extra-wide wrap-around handle that allows multiple caregivers to assist with maneuvering.
Why Consider the Calibre?
- 850 lb safe working load
- Powered boom
- Powered base
- Smart Monitor technology
- Integrated scale included as standard
- Extra-wide wrap-around caregiver handle
- Articulated front casters
- Swan-neck-style legs
- Designed specifically for bariatric patient handling
Calibre Dimensions
Current Joerns specifications list the Calibre at approximately:
- 64 inches maximum overall length
- 55.25 inches external width with the legs open
- 33.25 inches external width with the legs closed
- 37 inches maximum reach
The Calibre requires substantially more maneuvering and doorway space than the other lifts in this comparison.
Capacity Comparison
- Hoyer HPL450 – 450 lb
- Hoyer Presence Pro 500 – 500 lb
- Hoyer HPL700 – 700 lb
- Hoyer Calibre – 850 lb
Patient weight is only one factor in lift selection.
Body dimensions, sling size, weight distribution, transfer type, room size, doorway width, caregiver needs, and the patient's care plan should also be considered.
HPL450 vs Presence – Which Is Better for Standard-Capacity Transfers?
The HPL450 is a strong choice when a 450 lb safe working load is sufficient and a smaller, simpler electric lift is preferred.
The Presence provides an additional 50 lb of capacity plus a powered base, Smart Monitor technology, longer lifting range, and more sling attachment flexibility.
The Presence is generally more professionally equipped, while the HPL450 may fit better where compact size and simpler operation are priorities.
Presence vs HPL700 – When Is Bariatric Capacity Needed?
The Presence is rated to 500 lb, while the HPL700 increases safe working load to 700 lb.
The HPL700 should be considered when the patient exceeds the capacity of the Presence or when bariatric-specific cradle and sling geometry are needed.
The Presence remains the smaller and lighter professional lift when 500 lb capacity is sufficient.
HPL700 vs Calibre – 700 lb vs 850 lb
The HPL700 and Calibre are both designed for higher-capacity bariatric transfers, but the Calibre provides an additional 150 lb of safe working load.
The HPL700 has a 700 lb safe working load and an optional integrated scale.
The Calibre has an 850 lb safe working load and includes its weigh scale as standard equipment.
The Calibre also adds a wider wrap-around handle and articulated front casters to help caregivers maneuver heavier loads.
Which Lift Is Easier to Fit Through Doorways?
Closed external base widths are approximately:
- HPL450 – 25 inches
- Presence – 26.4 inches
- HPL700 – 27.5 inches
- Calibre – 33.25 inches
These numbers make the Calibre substantially wider than the other three lifts even with its legs closed.
Do not rely on published width alone. Door trim, hinges, caster position, approach angle, thresholds, and nearby furniture can reduce usable clearance.
Which Lift Requires the Most Room?
The Calibre has the largest overall footprint in this comparison.
Its approximately 64-inch overall length and 55.25-inch open external base width require significantly more room than the HPL450, Presence, or HPL700.
Facilities considering the Calibre should measure bedrooms, hallways, bathrooms, doorways, and turning areas before purchase.
Which Lift Is Best for Home Use?
When patient capacity allows, the HPL450 is generally the most compact lift in this comparison.
The Presence offers more professional functionality while still remaining much smaller than dedicated bariatric models.
The HPL700 and Calibre can be used in appropriate home environments, but their larger size and bariatric design require more available maneuvering space.
Which Lift Has the Best Scale Setup?
The Calibre includes a patient weigh scale as standard equipment.
The HPL700 can be configured with an optional integrated scale.
The Presence and HPL450 also offer optional scale configurations.
Adding a scale does not increase the safe working load of any lift.
Which Lift Has Smart Monitor Technology?
The Presence and Calibre include Hoyer Smart Monitor technology.
Current HPL700 configurations are also available with Smart Monitor control systems.
Smart Monitor functionality can track lift activity, overload events, battery condition, and preventive service information depending on the specific lift configuration.
Which Lift Is Best for Bariatric Transfers?
The HPL700 and Calibre are the bariatric-focused lifts in this comparison.
The HPL700 provides up to 700 lb safe working load, while the Calibre provides up to 850 lb.
The appropriate choice should consider not only patient weight, but also patient body dimensions, sling size, room dimensions, caregiver access, and maneuvering requirements.
Sling Compatibility
Sling selection is different across these four lifts.
The HPL450 uses compatible Hoyer loop-style slings with its 6-point cradle.
The Presence can use either loop-style slings with a compatible 6-point spreader bar or Hoyer Comfort Securi3 clip-style slings with a compatible 4-point positioning cradle.
The HPL700 uses compatible bariatric loop-style sling systems for higher-capacity transfers.
The Calibre also requires properly rated bariatric-compatible sling systems.
Do not assume a sling that fits one lift is automatically compatible with another.
Use our Hoyer Sling Compatibility Chart to verify sling attachment type and compatibility before ordering.
HPL700 Bariatric Sling Options
Common bariatric Hoyer sling options include:
Verify the sling's safe working load, size, attachment type, and suitability for the individual patient before use.
Which Hoyer Lift Should You Choose?
- Choose the Hoyer HPL450 when 450 lb capacity is sufficient and a relatively compact electric lift is preferred.
- Choose the Hoyer Presence Pro 500 when you need up to 500 lb capacity plus powered legs, Smart Monitor technology, long lifting range, and professional sling-system flexibility.
- Choose the Hoyer HPL700 when bariatric transfers require up to 700 lb capacity and a powered bariatric lift with optional integrated weighing is appropriate.
- Choose the Hoyer Calibre 850 when the highest Hoyer floor-lift capacity, standard integrated scale, and bariatric-specific maneuvering features are required.
The final selection should consider patient weight, body dimensions, mobility, sling needs, transfer surfaces, doorway and room dimensions, caregiver requirements, and the patient's overall care plan.
Need Help Comparing Hoyer Patient Lifts?
Call 877-33-HOYER for help comparing safe working loads, dimensions, sling compatibility, scale options, powered-base configurations, genuine accessories, and Joerns manufacturer resources for the Hoyer HPL450, Hoyer Presence Pro 500, Hoyer HPL700, and Hoyer Calibre 850.
