CM520 — 110V electric with manual backup
Plug into a standard outlet and lift at variable speed. If there is no power at the work area, the manual backup raises the load. Nothing to refill, and nothing to carry beyond the machine itself.
Comparison
CM520 vs. Genie GH-3.8 Super Hoist: electric or pneumatic portable lifting?
Use this comparison to check the power source available on site, the required lift height, the load weight and the published capacity condition before choosing a portable material lift.
Genie and Super Hoist are trademarks of their respective owner. Site Handling is not affiliated with Genie.
Side by side, from the published documents
| Comparison point | CM520 | Genie GH-3.8 | What it means for your job |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power source | 110V variable-speed electric, with manual backup | CO₂ or compressed air. Genie states the CO₂ bottle is not included | Choose on what is practical at the installation location. |
| Maximum lift height | 16 ft 3 in / 4.95 m | 12 ft 5.6 in / 3.80 m | The CM520 has the greater stated maximum lift height. |
| Published capacity | 309 lb / 140 kg at 9 ft 10 in; 198 lb / 90 kg at the full 16 ft | 350 lb / 158 kg, a single rating to its full 12 ft 5.6 in | The GH-3.8 carries its rated 350 lb all the way to its maximum height. K.S.F. rates the CM520 at 309 lb at 9 ft 10 in and 198 lb at its full 16 ft. On capacity at a comparable height the GH-3.8 is the stronger machine. |
| Base footprint | 150 × 140 cm / 59 × 55 in with the legs out, and one leg folds in to work tight against a wall | 4 ft 5 in / 1.35 m corner to corner, fixed | The folding leg matters on wall and soffit work. |
| Lead time | Orders average about two weeks, delivered | 3–4 months ARO on a September 2026 Canadian dealer quote | The single largest practical difference between the two machines. |
| Machine weight | 84 lb / 38 kg | 64 lb / 29 kg on Genie’s current page and 04/23 spec sheet | The Genie is lighter on the manufacturer’s current page. |
Note on Genie’s published figures: the GH-3.8 figures vary across the pages we reviewed, and the difference appears to be the age of the source rather than a separate Canadian specification. Genie’s current product page and its 04/23 specification sheet both publish 350 lb / 158 kg capacity and 64 lb / 29 kg machine weight, and a 2025 listing from an Alberta Genie dealer shows the same 158 kg and 29 kg. Wajax publishes 300 lb and 75 lb, the same figures as the 2017 brochure its own product page links to; Material Lift Sales and Amazon.ca also publish 300 lb. We found nothing in Genie’s or any dealer’s material stating a different Canadian configuration. Confirm the model year and serial range against current manufacturer documentation before buying or comparing capacity.
What changes on site
GH-3.8 — CO₂ or compressed-air supply
Genie’s operator manual specifies 85 psi (5.86 bar) and states the pressure regulator is preset for the machine’s maximum rated capacity. It warns against modifying the regulator or using a compressor above 90 psi. The documented setup includes the tank, bracket, regulator, hose and hand control, and the operator is instructed to inspect those components before use. Genie states the CO₂ bottle is not included with the machine.
Where the CM520 is the better fit
- You need to reach above 12 ft 6 in — the CM520 is rated to 16 ft.
- There is 110V power at the work area, or you want a manual backup rather than a consumable supply.
- You would rather not manage a tank, regulator and hose on every job.
Where the GH-3.8 may be the better fit
- Machine weight is your first priority — Genie publishes 64 lb against the CM520’s 84 lb.
- You need the higher capacity figure Genie publishes, at the height Genie states it for.
- You already run compressed air on site and are set up to supply it at 85 psi.
Before you buy, check these four things
The load weight
Capacity figures are published against a stated condition. K.S.F. rates the CM520 at 309 lb at 9 ft 10 in, 287 lb at 13 ft 1 in and 198 lb at its full 16 ft. Genie publishes 350 lb to the GH-3.8’s full 12 ft 5.6 in. Match your actual load to the height you need it at, not to the headline number.
The required lift height
This is the clearest difference between the two machines: 16 ft for the CM520 against 12 ft 5.6 in for the GH-3.8. If you need above 12 ft 6 in, the GH-3.8 is out regardless of anything else.
The power available at the work area
The CM520 needs a 110V outlet and has a manual backup. The GH-3.8 needs CO₂ or compressed air delivered at Genie’s specified 85 psi, which means managing a tank, regulator and hose on each job.
The temperature you will work in
CO₂ tank pressure falls as temperature falls, and compressed-air lines can carry moisture that freezes. If you work in unheated buildings through a Canadian winter, ask Genie or your dealer directly how the supply performs at your jobsite temperature. We publish no figure for this because Genie does not.
Check the CM520 against your job
Tell us the load, the required lift height and whether 110V power is available. We will check the job against the CM520’s published specifications and tell you if it does not fit.
Or read the full CM520 specifications.
Sources
- Genie GH-3.8 product page, genielift.com — accessed 12 September 2026.
- Genie GH-3.8 / GH-5.6 specification sheet, 04/23 — accessed 17 September 2026.
- Adcock Equipment GH-3.8 listing (2025 model year), Nisku AB — accessed 17 September 2026.
- Genie Super Hoist Operator’s Manual, part no. 82297GT, April 2022 — accessed 12 September 2026.
- Wajax GH-3.8 dealer listing, wajax.com — accessed 12 September 2026.
- Material Lift Sales GH-3.8 product page — accessed 12 September 2026.
- Amazon.ca GH-3.8 listing — accessed 12 September 2026.
- Site Handling CM520 product page — accessed 12 September 2026.
Genie and Super Hoist are trademarks of their respective owner. Site Handling is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or a dealer for Genie. Specifications are quoted from the sources above and may change; confirm current figures with the manufacturer before purchase.