Have you ever run into the problem of needing a full-body patient lift but having no room for storage, or wishing you could take the lift with you when traveling? That’s exactly where the Protekt Folding Take-A-Long shines. In this blog, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about this lift: its standout features, a detailed specs chart, comparisons to similar lifts (including the Protekt All-in-One), and answers to common FAQs — so you can make an informed decision before investing.
What Is the Protekt Folding Take a Long?
The Protekt Folding Take-A-Long is a portable, electric patient lift designed to be foldable for easy storage and transport. It’s made for caregivers and users who want the lifting power and safety of a full-body lift, but without the bulk. Whether for home care, travel, or moving between rooms, this lift aims to make patient transfers (bed → chair, floor → bed, etc.) safer and more convenient.
Key related names you might see:
Key Features & Benefits
Here are the things people love most about the Protekt Folding Take a Long:
| Feature | What It Offers & Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| 400 lb Weight Capacity | Strong enough for many users, including bariatric needs. |
| Portable / Foldable Design | Folds down to fit in most car trunks, or into closets, making travel and storage much easier. |
| Lightweight (≈ 84-87 lbs) | Easier for caregivers to maneuver and move around home. |
| Low Base Height (~4.3”) | Helps the lift fit under beds, wheelchairs, or other low-clearance furniture. |
| Wide Lift & Hook-up Range | From roughly 18-19″ at the lowest to about 65-67″ maximum — useful for lifting from floor or seated positions. |
| 2-Point Spreader Bar | Allows for use of many types of slings, better stability and more transfer options. |
| Safety / Controls | Includes battery gauge, low battery warning, overload alarm, emergency stop, and dual rear locking casters. |
| Tool-Free Assembly | You can assemble, disassemble, fold it without needing special tools. Great for caregivers. |
Spec Chart: Protekt Folding Take-A-Long
Here’s a consolidated view of the specifications, so you know exactly what you're dealing with.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Model Number | 33400P |
| Weight Capacity | 400 lbs (≈ 181 kg) |
| Product / Unit Weight | ~84-87.3 lbs |
| Lifting Range (Hook-up) | ~18.5″ (lowest) to ~67.2″ (highest) |
| Base Height (lowest) | ~4.3″ to ~4.7″ |
| Base Width (Closed) | ~25.6″ |
| Base Width (Open) | ~38.2″ |
| Base Length | ~39.4″ to ~41″ |
| Mast Height | ~50.3″ |
| Folded Dimensions | ~48″ long × 26″ wide × 15.8″ high |
| Power / Battery | Battery-powered; standard battery pack; optional spare; uses about 24 VDC system. |
| Warranty | Frame: 3 years; Electronics: 2 years; Battery: 1 year |
Protekt Folding Take a Long vs. Protekt All-in-One: Which Is Right?
If you've also seen the Protekt All-in-One transfer lift, you might wonder how it compares. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide.
| Feature | Protekt Folding Take a Long | Protekt All-in-One (Transfer Lift) |
|---|---|---|
| Portability / Foldability | Strong: folds, small storage, car trunk friendly. Great for travel. | Also designed for portability, but generally slightly more focused on universal transfer points (bed, chair, car) than fold-flat design. |
| Weight Capacity | 400 lbs | All-in-One models sometimes are 350 lbs or match 400 lb depending on variant. |
| Base Width & Clearance | Good range; base closed fairly slim; low base height helps with clearance. | Some All-in-One lifts have similar clearance but may have different spreader bar setups. |
| Sling Options | Standard 2-point spreader bar; can use multiple sling styles. | Some All-in-One lifts offer 4-point slings or more versatile attachment points. |
| Price | Competitive given the foldable, transport-friendly design. Often discounted. | May vary depending on features; could cost more or similar depending on model. |
If your priority is travel, folding, and ease of storage, the Protekt Folding Take a Long is probably the better bet. If you need extremely versatile sling attachments (multiple anchor points) or are less concerned about folding, then an All-in-One model might make more sense.
What to Consider Before Buying
To make sure the Protekt Folding Take a Long is the right choice, here are some questions and things to check:
- Height / Space — Will the mast height (≈50-51″) and base open width (~38″) fit through your doorways, lifts, or wherever you store it? Measure carefully.
- Folded Dimensions — If you intend to transport, measure your trunk or storage space vs. the folded size (~48×26×15.8″).
- Weight Capacity vs. User’s Weight — Always leave margin above the liftee’s weight, sling weight, etc.
- Battery Life & Recharging — How many lifts per charge? Is there a spare battery option? Will you have access to electric outlets?
- Type of Slings You Use or Need — Make sure the lift supports the sling types you’ll need (full body, mesh, commode opening, etc.).
- Warranty & After-Sales Support — The Protekt Folding Take a Long has solid warranty coverage: frame, electronics, battery. Confirm local support or service availability.
- Safety Features — Emergency stop, overload alarm, locking casters, etc. These are standard with this unit, which is good.
What Users Often Say
Here are some highlights from real users of the Protekt Folding Take a Long:
- Many praise how easy it is to maneuver and fits through regular home doorways.
- Positive comments around folding speed and “ready-to-go” when you need to travel.
- Some note that instruction manuals could be improved (especially for first-time use and folding procedure).
- Overall, reviews are very favorable: quality, ease of use, value.
Pros & Cons at a Glance
Pros:
- Excellent portability and storage ability
- Strong weight capacity (400 lbs)
- Safe, feature-rich (alarms, emergency stop, locking casters)
- Folding/design minimizes required space
Cons:
- The unit itself still weighs ~84-87 lbs, which may be heavy for frequent loading/unloading into vehicles.
- Battery recharges needed; spare battery adds cost.
- For some users, the lifting height might be more than needed (but extra height is often a plus).
- Price is mid-high; optional accessories (slings, scales) add to total cost.
FAQs
Q: Will this lift work with my sling type?
A: If your sling uses a 2-point spreader bar or compatible hook-up, yes. The Protekt Folding Take a Long supports multiple sling styles; just check sling size and style.
Q: Can I lift someone from the floor with it?
A: Yes — the lowest lift height is around 18.5″ which allows floor lifts (depending on floor type, mattress thickness, etc.).
Q: How many lifts can I do on a single battery charge?
A: Under full load, approximately 25 full cycles per charge.
Q: What maintenance is required?
A: Keep battery charged, check casters & brakes, inspect slings regularly, ensure folding and unfolding mechanisms work smoothly. Refer to owner’s manual for recommended maintenance.
Bottom Line: Should You Get the Protekt Folding Take a Long?
If you’re looking for a patient lift that balances strength, safety, portability, and ease of use, this is one of the best options out there. It’s especially well-suited if:
- You travel often or want to transport the lift.
- You have limited storage or tight spaces in your home.
- Safety features and stable sling support are important.
On the other hand, if your need is purely stationary, or you require specialized sling attachments beyond what the 2-point spreader provides, exploring other lift models (including some All-in-One variants) might be worth your time.
