Gas Cylinder Lifting Cages for Crane and Hoist Lifts
Compressed gas cylinders are tall, heavy, and easy to tip, and moving them one at a time takes extra trips. A bottle lifter is a cage that holds the cylinders upright and lets a crane or hoist raise them together, so a full set can move from one level or work area to another in a single lift. This collection features M&W bottle lifters made in the USA: a 2-tank model rated at 750 lbs. and a 4-tank model rated at 1,500 lbs.
Compare the Two Models
Both listings give the same maximum cylinder size, so measure the cylinders you handle against it. Then add up the weight of a full load of cylinders. The cage's own weight counts against your crane, hoist, and rigging capacity, so plan for it as well.
How the Listings Describe Them
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Adjustable straps: The straps adjust to fit different cylinder sizes.
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Lockable doors: The doors lock to keep the cylinders in the cage during the lift.
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Safety yellow finish: The yellow paint makes the cage easy to see around a crane lift.
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RFID chip: Each unit has a chip for asset tracking.
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American made: Both cages are manufactured by M&W stateside.
Proof Loading and Certification
Both listings state that every unit gets its own proof load test to OSHA requirements and is sent out with certification paperwork. Keep those records with the cage and review the page for the model you buy. Meeting the rules that cover your lift is up to you and your site.
Choosing Between 2 Tanks and 4 Tanks
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Trips and lift frequency: The 4-tank model moves twice as many cylinders per lift. The 2-tank model is the lighter cage to rig.
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Crane or hoist capacity: Check that your equipment can handle the cylinders plus the cage. The 4-tank lifter weighs 525 lbs. before anything goes in it.
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Cylinder size: Confirm that the diameter and height of your cylinders fall within the listed maximums.
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Space: Think about where the cage will be set down and loaded, and how much room you have to maneuver it.
Handling Cylinders Safely
- Read the manufacturer's instructions on loading the cage, setting the straps, and latching the doors.
- Check your gas supplier's and your site's rules for moving cylinders, including how valves should be protected during transport.
- Close and lock the doors and tighten the straps before the cage leaves the ground.
- Do not go over the working load limit, and do not add more cylinders than the cage is made to hold.
- Nobody should be under the cage or along its route while it is raised.
- Look the cage over before each use for bent members, damaged welds, and worn straps or latches. If you find a problem, stop using it until it is repaired or replaced.
- Use it for cylinders only, never for lifting people.
Rigging to Pair With a Bottle Lifter
The cage needs suitable rigging above it. Start with nylon lifting slings or wire rope slings, plus shackles. If a crane will sit on soft ground, outrigger pads are worth considering. The full range is under rigging supplies and hardware.
More Lifting Devices
Not moving gas cylinders? Our material handling collection covers lifting clamps, beams, baskets, and other below-the-hook equipment for different loads.
Bottle Lifter FAQs
How many cylinders does each model hold?
The 2-tank model holds two cylinders, and the 4-tank model holds four.
What are the working load limits?
The 2-tank lifter is rated at 750 lbs., and the 4-tank lifter is rated at 1,500 lbs.
What size cylinders fit?
Both listings give a maximum cylinder size of 10" in diameter and 60" tall.
Do the doors lock?
Yes. The listings describe lockable doors and adjustable straps that hold the cylinders in place.
Are these made in the USA?
Yes. Both are domestic M&W products, and the listings carry a Made in USA badge.
Does certification come with them?
The listings say yes. Each unit is proof tested on its own and ships with certification paperwork.
Can a bottle lifter be used for people or other loads?
No. It is made for gas cylinders only and should never be used to lift people.
Need Help Choosing?
Want help matching a bottle lifter to your cylinders and your lifting equipment? Our Product Experts can answer product questions before you order.
