Description
Drive's Heavy-Duty, Bariatric Hoyer Lift With a Lifetime Frame Warranty
When you're caring for a bariatric patient, the capacity number on a lift isn't just a spec — it's the margin between a safe transfer and a dangerous one. The Drive Medical 13244 is a 600 lb. battery-powered bariatric electric patient lift built with heavy-gauge steel, a wide-opening base that reaches 45.75", and the same plug-in-place charging system and Linak-class actuator design found in the 13240 — scaled up for heavier patients and the added physical demands on caregivers. No battery to pull and swap. No separate cradle. Just plug it in, wait for the CHARGE light to go out, and it's ready. If you're comparing bariatric Hoyer lifts, you'll find the 13244 in our full electric patient lift lineup.
At a Glance
HCPCS Code E0635 — may be relevant for private insurance reimbursement. See insurance details below.
Working with home-med-equipment.com was an absolute dream. I received a call from the owner to make sure all was well. Matthew went to work to fulfill an important order for my elderly Mom. I was so impressed.
Why We Like This Lift
We carry the Drive 13244 because bariatric caregiving asks more of equipment — and this lift answers that without overcomplicating the caregiver's routine. The wide base, reinforced steel, and 600 lb. capacity are the obvious credentials. What we appreciate just as much is that Drive didn't change the charging logic: plug it in, walk away, come back to a ready lift. For families managing heavier patients at home, that kind of operational simplicity matters as much as raw capacity. The lifetime frame warranty at this price point is the closer — Drive stands behind the build.
Best for…
- Bariatric patients up to 600 lbs. who require full-body lift support for daily transfers
- Caregivers who want the straightforward plug-in charging routine — no battery removal, no separate cradle
- Home care situations where a durable, warranted bariatric Hoyer lift is the long-term solution
- Caregivers already using or planning to use 4-point bariatric slings
- Settings where a wide, stable base is critical — the 45.75" open width provides extra stability for heavier patient transfers
- Facilities or family caregivers upgrading from a 450 lb. lift and needing the step up in rated capacity
Feature Highlights
600 lb. Bariatric Capacity — Built and Rated for Heavier Patients
The Drive 13244 is rated for patients up to 600 lbs., with heavy-gauge steel construction reinforced throughout for bariatric use. Capacity ratings on patient lifts are working limits, not maximums to approach — operating well within the rated capacity is what makes transfers safe and extends the life of the lift. The 13244's 600 lb. rating gives meaningful margin for patients in the 400–550 lb. range, where a 450 lb. lift leaves no room for error.
Plug-In Charging — Same Simple System as the 13240, Scaled Up for Bariatric Use
The Drive 13244 uses the same plug-in-place charging system as the 13240: connect the charge cord to the controller and a standard wall outlet, and the lift charges without any additional steps. No battery to remove, no separate charging cradle to find or manage. The CHARGE light on the controller illuminates during charging and shuts off automatically when the battery is fully charged. Charging from 50% to full takes approximately 4 hours; a fully depleted battery takes up to 6 hours. Note: the lift will not operate while plugged in — disconnect the charger before use.
Low Battery Alarm at 50% — Advance Warning Before a Transfer Is at Risk
An audible alarm sounds when battery power drops below 50%, giving the caregiver time to complete the current transfer, lower the patient safely, and plan for charging before the next use. This is a meaningful safety feature for bariatric transfers, where mid-lift power failure carries greater consequence. The video transcript confirms: when the warning sounds, charge immediately — the lift cannot lower the patient when the battery is not adequately charged.
Extra-Wide 4-Point Bariatric Cradle With 360° Rotation
The Drive 13244 uses an extra-wide 4-point swivel cradle designed specifically for bariatric sling attachment. The 360° rotation allows the sling and patient to settle into a natural position throughout the arc of the transfer rather than being forced into a fixed orientation. The cradle is designed for 4-point bariatric slings — if you need compatibility with 2-point or 6-point sling configurations, the Drive 13240 uses a 6-point cradle that accepts all three.
Wide Base — Opens to 45.75" for Bariatric Stability
The Drive 13244's base legs open to 45.75" — wider than the 13240's 41" — providing additional lateral stability during transfers of heavier patients. The wider stance is particularly important when working around bariatric beds and furniture, where the center of gravity shifts further during a lift. Base legs open and lock securely with a shifter handle and must be fully open during all transfers.
Emergency Lowering — Two Independent Systems
If power fails while a bariatric patient is suspended, the Drive 13244 has two mechanical failsafe paths. First: an emergency red button on the control unit. Second: the jumbo actuator pump's emergency button, which switches the lift to manual mode. The Quick Release push/pull system then allows the caregiver to retract the actuator under load and lower the patient safely without electricity. In bariatric care, this redundancy matters — the consequences of a failed mid-air lowering are more serious than with lighter patients.
Limited Lifetime Frame Warranty — Drive Medical Stands Behind Bariatric-Grade Construction
The 13244 carries Drive Medical's limited lifetime warranty on the lift frame — the same coverage as the 13240, applied here to a heavier-duty build. Electronics, pump, motor, and battery are covered for 1 year. For a lift that will handle the additional mechanical demands of bariatric transfers day after day, the lifetime frame warranty is a meaningful assurance of long-term value.
See It in Action
VIDEO TRANSCRIPTION
Full Video Transcript — Drive 13244 Bariatric Patient Lift Operation
Thanks for choosing the Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare Bariatric Battery-Powered Patient Lift. This video will enable you to successfully operate the bariatric battery-powered patient lift, which is designed with a weight capacity of 600 lbs. The lift allows a medical professional or attendant to comfortably and safely transfer a patient from one resting position to another. Safety is most important when using a patient lift — your safety as well as the patient's safety. Keep your back straight and in a neutral alignment. Do not twist your back when lifting. Keep your center of gravity stable and low and use your leg muscles.
Operating the lift: Safe transfers begin with a sling inspection. Do not use a sling that is worn, has loose stitching, is frayed, torn, broken, or has been excessively washed and bleached. Broken slings are unsafe.
After the sling is inspected, make sure the sling is positioned correctly on the surface with the patient in the center of the bed. To position the patient correctly, roll the patient to the side away from the attendant — this centers the patient on the sling. Spread the base legs of the lift to the widest possible position. Make sure the base of the lift is under the bed. Press the down button on the control handset to lower the lift. Hook the hanging straps on the hanging bar. If a chain is used, make sure the S-hooks face away from the patient.
Important: Do not lock the casters of the patient lift when lifting an individual. Casters must be left unlocked to allow the lift to stabilize during lifting procedures.
Press the up button on the control handset to lift the patient until the feet swing easily off the bed, ensuring the patient is facing the attendant at all times. Transfer the patient to the commode or wheelchair and position above the seat surface. Lock the brakes of both the lifter and the commode or wheelchair. When the patient is seated, press the down button on the handset to gradually lower the patient. The patient can remain seated in the sling.
Safety tips: The lift is used to transfer patients from bed to wheelchair or commode — do not use to transport patients. When lifting, the base legs must be in the most widely open position and the caster brakes must not be engaged; this prevents tipping. When battery power falls below 50%, an audible beep will engage — charge the battery immediately. The lift cannot be lowered when the battery is not properly charged. With a patient suspended in the sling, do not roll the caster base over raised carpet bindings, door frames, or any uneven surfaces. Use steering handles at all times to maneuver the lift. Push the emergency red button if the control unit system is not functioning properly.
Charging: Insert the power cord plug into the control box and the other end into a wall outlet. The battery is charging when the CHARGE light is illuminated. When charging is complete, the CHARGE light shuts off automatically. On average, it takes approximately 4 hours to charge from 50% to 100%. Remove the power supply cord before operating — the lift is now operational.
Practice transfers often to develop a high level of proficiency before attempting to lift a patient. Should you need any assistance, contact Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare or your registered medical provider.
Your Options at Checkout
Sling (Choose One, or Order the Lift Only)
The Drive 13244 uses an extra-wide 4-point cradle and requires 4-point bariatric slings. You can purchase the lift without a sling if you already own compatible Drive Medical 4-point bariatric slings in the correct size, or add one at checkout:
Note: Slings cannot be returned unless in original unopened packaging for hygienic reasons.
Which Sling Should You Buy?
| Patient need | Recommended sling type |
|---|---|
| General bariatric transfers | Full body mesh sling |
| Showering or bathing | Full body mesh sling |
| Toileting transfers | Full body with commode opening |
| More secure leg positioning | Divided leg sling |
| Limited head or neck control | Divided leg with head support |
Drive Medical Sling Sizing Guide
Proper sling fit is critical for safe transfers — this is especially true for bariatric patients, where an ill-fitting sling creates both safety and comfort risks. Weight is a starting point, but height, body shape, and support needs all matter. Download the complete Drive Medical Sling Size Guide for detailed fitting guidance.
| Sling size | Approx. patient weight | Approx. patient height |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 75–150 lbs. | 59”–64” |
| Medium | 125–200 lbs. | 63”–68” |
| Large | 175–300 lbs. | 67”–72” |
| Extra Large | 275–500 lbs. | 71”–76” |
| Extra Extra Large | 350–600 lbs. | — |
If you’re not sure which size to choose, call or chat with us before ordering — proper fit matters as much as capacity for safe bariatric transfers.
Setup and Safety Notes
- The Drive 13244 ships in one carton at 127 lbs. — plan accordingly for unboxing and initial setup
- Verify the emergency stop button is in the OUT position before operating — if pushed in, rotate to reset
- Base legs must be fully open and locked in the widest position during all transfers
- Keep rear casters unlocked during all lifting — casters must be free to allow the lift to stabilize naturally as the patient is raised; locking casters during a lift can cause tipping
- The lift will not operate while plugged in for charging — disconnect the charger cord before use
- Lock the brakes of both the lift AND the destination (commode or wheelchair) before lowering the patient into the seat
- Do not roll the caster base over raised carpet bindings, door frames, or uneven surfaces while a patient is suspended
- Use steering handles at all times to maneuver the lift — do not push on the mast or boom
- Use only Drive Medical 4-point bariatric slings confirmed compatible with this lift — confirm with your healthcare provider before use
- Never exceed the 600 lb. weight capacity
- This lift is for patient transfer only — not for transporting a patient from room to room while suspended
- If power fails while a patient is suspended: push the emergency red button on the control unit; if needed, use the jumbo actuator pump emergency button to switch to manual mode and lower the patient using the Quick Release push/pull system
This lift is built specifically to support patients at your size safely and comfortably. The motor is quiet, I'm in control of every movement with the hand pendant, and the sling supports you fully throughout the whole transfer. If anything went wrong with the power, there's a manual backup system that allows me to lower you safely. We'll go slowly and practice until it feels familiar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a bariatric Hoyer lift?
Yes. "Hoyer lift" is a brand name that has become a widely used term for any full-body electric patient lift — similar to how Kleenex is used for tissue. The Drive Medical 13244 is a bariatric battery-powered electric patient lift rated to 600 lbs. It does everything most people mean when they say bariatric Hoyer lift: it uses a sling and spreader bar to safely lift and transfer a patient who cannot bear weight, powered by a rechargeable battery and controlled by a hand pendant.
What is the weight capacity, and how much margin should I plan for?
The Drive 13244 is rated to 600 lbs. Capacity ratings are working limits — operating the lift near its maximum rated capacity puts more stress on every component and reduces safety margin. If your patient weighs 550 lbs., this lift provides appropriate margin. If your patient weighs closer to 600 lbs., it's worth a call to us to talk through whether this lift or a different configuration is the right fit.
Can this lift handle floor-level transfers — for example, after a fall?
Yes. Floor-level transfers are confirmed for the Drive 13244. The 32" minimum boom height refers to the hook-up point on the lift — the sling lays flat under the patient first and the straps do the lifting work, which allows the lift to support floor-level transfers even with that minimum height. Follow the floor transfer procedure in the owner's manual and confirm the approach with the patient's physician or physical therapist before first use.
Do I need to remove the battery to charge it?
No. The Drive 13244 charges in place — plug the charge cord into the controller and a standard wall outlet. No battery removal required. The CHARGE light illuminates during charging and shuts off automatically when the battery is full. Charging from 50% takes approximately 4 hours; from fully depleted, up to 6 hours. The lift will not operate while plugged in, so plan charging time around your transfer schedule.
What slings work with this lift?
The Drive 13244 uses an extra-wide 4-point swivel cradle and requires 4-point slings. It is not compatible with 2-point or 6-point sling configurations. Drive Medical bariatric slings — full body mesh, full body with commode opening, divided leg, and divided leg with head support — are available at checkout in sizes appropriate for patients up to 600 lbs. If you already own 4-point Drive Medical slings from a previous lift, confirm the sizing is correct for your patient before use. If you need 2/4/6-point compatibility, see the Drive 13240.
Will insurance cover a bariatric electric patient lift?
Medicare covers manual hydraulic patient lifts as durable medical equipment, but not electric lifts. If you're set on an electric lift, there's a path worth knowing about: Medicare may reimburse you for what it would have paid toward a comparable manual lift, and you pay the difference. Any Medicare benefit requires the purchase to go through a Medicare-enrolled DMEPOS supplier — which ADHME is not. If maximizing your Medicare benefit is the priority, we'd recommend going that route instead.
Private insurance: Many private insurers cover electric patient lifts when prescribed as medically necessary by a physician. ADHME doesn't bill insurance directly, but provides a detailed paid invoice with the HCPCS code that you can submit to your private insurer for reimbursement. Contact your insurer before ordering to confirm your coverage and any required documentation.
HSA and FSA: Patient lifts are generally eligible expenses under Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts. The paid invoice ADHME provides serves as your documentation for reimbursement.
Use HCPCS Code E0635 when submitting to your private insurer for reimbursement.
What happens if the power fails while a patient is suspended?
The Drive 13244 has two independent mechanical failsafe systems. First, push the emergency red button on the control unit. If that's not sufficient, use the jumbo actuator pump's emergency button to switch the lift to manual mode — the Quick Release push/pull system then allows the caregiver to retract the actuator under load and lower the patient safely without electricity. Familiarize yourself with both procedures before first use. The owner's manual covers both in detail.
Owner's Manual
For full assembly, operating, and safety instructions: Drive Medical 13244 Owner's Manual
Why Buy From American Discount Home Medical Equipment?
We've been in the home medical equipment business for over 30 years — first in a brick-and-mortar store in San Jose, now online serving customers across the country. We don't carry everything. We carry what we'd recommend to someone we know.
Every product ships free to the contiguous U.S. with no minimum, and we back our prices with a lowest-price guarantee. If you have questions about whether this lift is the right one for your situation, call us at 1-800-956-6616 or start a live chat. We know patient lifts, we know slings, and we'll help you make a decision you feel confident about.
Financing is available through BreadPay — quick approval, payments starting as low as $33/month.
- Heavy duty construction lifts up to 600 lbs.
- Hand control moves battery operated boom up and down
- Manual lever opens and closes base legs
- Emergency stop button with manual lowering
- Extra wide 4-point swivel attachment
- Battery and charger included
- Multiple sling options available
Videos
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Specifications
| Boom Height: | 32" - 74.5" |
| Base Height: | 4.5" |
| Base Width: | Open: 45.75" Closed: 25.75" |
| Base Length: | 48" |
| Casters: | Front 3" Rear 4" |
| Weight: | 127 lbs. |
| Charging Time: | Up to 6 hours |
| Weight Capacity: | 600 lbs. |
| Limited Warranty | |
| Lift Frame: | Limited Lifetime |
| Pump/Electronics: | 1 year |
| Battery: | 1 year |
