Safe cabinet lifting with the RL3500S and RL5000S

In Canadian data centres, moving a fully loaded cabinet is one of the most hazardous tasks on the floor. The old method uses several technicians, downtime to strip the rack, and a real risk of injury or hardware damage. The RL3500S (manual) and RL5000S (battery-electric) are a safer alternative: one technician lifts and relocates cabinets up to 2,268 kg (5,000 lb) without pulling the servers.

The RL3500S and RL5000S are manufactured in Markham and Belleville, Ontario. Frames are 704 aluminum, finished in gunmetal grey hammertone.

Why safe lifting matters

Heavy lifting drives workplace injuries, lost time, and damage to expensive IT. Provincial occupational-health rules and CCOHS guidance are clear: keep people out from under live loads and use a mechanical aid. The RL3500S uses a synchronized pair of units with a frictionless, high-ratio tubular swivel side-wind jack. The RL5000S uses a safety DC battery winch with auto-lock. Both spread the load and take the strain off the operator.

• One-person operation — fewer coordination mistakes, smaller crew.
• Minimal floor loading — weight across eight dual casters.
• Compact footprint — standard doorways, two-tile aisles, about 114–125 lb per side.
• Thirteen inches of lift — enough to clear a pallet or a minor obstacle. Custom 30″ lift on the RL5000S.
• Retractable straps, anti-slip bars, optional pinch blocks and shoes for cabinet width.

Before you lift

• Inspect both units: no bent parts, loose hardware, or worn casters. Do not use a damaged machine — call Markham sales.
• Confirm cabinet weight, contents included, is inside the rated capacity and even.
• Clear the path. Flat, level floor. No ramps. Check sprinklers, lights, and door headers.
• PPE and training. Operators should know the machine and keep clear of pinch points.
• Fit optional shoes or 31″ pinch blocks if the cabinet needs them. Remove doors only if clearance demands it.

How the pair works

Two units, one at each end of the cabinet.

• Position: roll each unit in so the shoe sits under the base. Insertion clearance is about 1.7″.
• Secure: strap the cabinet between the units. Use the E-Track tie-downs. Do not proceed if the load feels off-centre.
• Lift: on the RL3500S, crank one side a little, then the other, until the cabinet is off the tiles — about 4″ for transport. On the RL5000S, use the up switch; the control cable keeps the two sides together.
• Move: steer from the handles. Slow on raised floor, thresholds, and corners. Never leave a loaded lift unattended.
• Set: place the cabinet, lower, strip the straps, pull the units, store them.

During the move

• Hands, feet, and body stay out from under the load and out of pinch points.
• Do not climb on the lift or use it as a platform.
• Lower to a safe height before a long roll.
• Never exceed capacity, never use on an incline, never improvise adapters.

The point

Halls that run these machines report fewer injuries, faster moves, and no deracking. One technician handles what used to take a crew. Safe practice saves time and labour and protects the two things that actually cost money: people and equipment.

Always follow the current operator’s manual for the specific model.