Marathon Lift ML500: chain-based hoisting system lifts 500 kg at just 170 mm construction height
We are expanding our maintenance-free rigid chain system Marathon Lift with a particularly compact model. The ML500 lifts loads of up to 500 kg at a construction height of just 170 mm. The new model has been available since July 2026 and opens up application areas in which hydraulic, spindle-driven or rack-and-pinion-driven hoisting systems would require too much installation space.
The chain-based hoisting system Marathon Lift is now available in three performance classes with the ML500. The new model adds a particularly compact variant to the maintenance-free product range and covers load capacities of up to 0.5 t. The model was first presented at Bühnentechnischen Tagung 2026.
“With the ML500, we are opening up applications in which a lifting function could previously not be implemented at all, or only with considerable design effort, due to space constraints. Whether in a driverless transport vehicle, on an assembly platform or as a stage platform, the system delivers its technical and economic advantages wherever construction height is severely restricted.”
Christian Hamann
Managing Director of Wippermann jr. GmbH
170 mm construction height thanks to rigid chain and chain box
The technical basis for the low construction height is our rigid chain with a pitch of 3/4" or 19.05 mm, the smallest pitch in the Marathon Lift product range. When extending, its U-profile outer plates stand up to form a highly stable column, as in the larger models; when retracting, the chain box stores the chain in a space-saving manner. This results in a construction height of just 170 mm for the ML500 and a total system length of 535 mm including the optional chain box.
“With the ML500, we are now meeting the demand from many customers for a low construction height. We achieved this by using the smaller chain pitch and a correspondingly more compact deflection system without compromising the stability and performance of the system.”
Dr.-Ing. Jakob Küpferle
Managing Director of Wippermann jr. GmbH
Rigid chain system for more than one million movement cycles
The rigid chain operates with self-lubricating sintered bushings. No relubrication is required throughout the service life, and the hoisting system does not require regular maintenance interruptions. Even after more than one million movement cycles, the rigid chain, deflection system and special sprocket show no significant wear. The actual service life depends on the application and load profile.
Energy is consumed only during the lifting movement. Unlike hydraulic systems, the ML500 does not have to maintain pressure when stationary. Every position reached is maintained with millimetre precision, without rebound or lowering, even when loads remain stationary for extended periods.
Chain-based hoisting system as an alternative to hydraulic cylinders, spindle hoisting drives and rack and pinion drives
Hydraulic cylinders require additional installation space for the power unit and lines in addition to the cylinder itself. Spindle hoisting drives and rack and pinion drives require regular lubrication; rack and pinion systems also require continuous gearing over the entire lifting length. By contrast, the Wippermann rigid chain system is maintenance-free, consumes energy only during movement, and operates without lubricants or hydraulic fluids.
The system comparison shows the differences according to the criteria of maintenance, installation space requirements, energy efficiency, environmental compatibility, service life and smooth operation.
Maintenance-free hoisting systems for confined installation spaces in intralogistics, special-purpose machinery and stage technology
The ML500 moves loads at up to 150 mm/s over an unguided lift of 0.5 m. In addition to vertical applications, Marathon Lift systems can also be installed horizontally. This makes them suitable wherever there is very little construction height available beneath the load platform:
- Intralogistics and driverless transport systems
- Special-purpose machinery and plant engineering
- Delivery and shipping logistics
- Building services engineering and architecture
- Stage and event technology
Our engineering team will work directly with your design department to determine the suitable configuration for each individual case.
Three performance classes from 0.5 to 2.0 tonnes
With the ML500, the Marathon Lift product range now covers three performance classes. All three models are based on the same principle: our patented, maintenance-free rigid chain with U-profile outer plates and its likewise patented deflection system, each dimensioned for the respective performance class. All models comply with the requirements of RoHS and REACH and are supplied with a Declaration of Incorporation in accordance with Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.
| Model | Max. load capacity | Min. construction height | Max. unguided lift |
| ML500 | 0,5 t | 170 mm | 0,5 m |
| ML1000 | 1,0 t | 200 mm | 1,0 m |
| ML2000 | 2,0 t | 370 mm | 2,0 m |
Developed and manufactured at Wippermann’s headquarters in Hagen, the Marathon Lift combines engineering and production at one location. As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of industrial chains and sprockets, Wippermann can adapt the system to specific requirements without detours.
More about the Marathon Lift rigid chain system
- Maintenance-free rigid chain and patented rigid chain drive
- Marathon Lift system comparison with hydraulics, spindle drives and rack and pinion drives
- Technical data for the Marathon Lift models
- Examples of applications for chain-based hoisting systems
- Frequently asked questions about our rigid chain systems
- Marathon Lift brochure (PDF)
- Contact
For hoisting applications with limited installation space, we will review the suitable configuration based on your requirements.
Request your individual hoisting solution
