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Data Center Lifts: IBM EB2Z or EB3Z

A straightforward comparison between the two lifts recommended by IBM for their data center equipment, including Power System servers.

EB2Z or EB3Z: Which is better for your IBM Servers?

IBM recommends the ServerLIFT 350X (IBM Part Number EB2Z), which has been their lift of choice for years. But lately they have also been recommending a hand-cranked GenieLift (IBM Part Number EB3Z). Which is better?

The EB2Z was designed from the ground up for data center use. The EB3Z was designed for general use, and is often used for construction sites and warehouses.

As you can see, the EB3Z is popular with construction workers. And it can go high. But so can a ServerLIFT data center lift. The EB2Z mast lifts the platform up 8 feet high, sufficient for 52U racks, or more than 58U when used with the RX-500X Rail Lift.

And the EB2Z is designed specifically for data centers, not construction sites and warehouses. That’s why our customers report 100% accident-free results.

Yes, our lifts deal with big boxes too, but not for lifting construction materials.

In addition to reaching the tops of tallest racks, your EB2Z can be used to lift data center equipment out of boxes for you, using the straps provided with your unit. Shown on the left is the associated Platform Extension at work, lifting a heavy server out of the box.

We should mention here that all EB2Z units have hefty brakes, operated with foot pedals, so that your lift is locked in place while you’re removing or installing your valuable data center equipment. There are no brakes on EB3Z units.

There is no comparison between a lift designed for hard hats and pickup trucks, and one designed to precisely and safely move data center equipment in and out of racks. You have total, precise control over equipment positioning.

Even the way we designed the wheels makes a difference. EB2Z wheels adjust from all angles for super accurate positioning. The wheels on the EB3Z only go in one direction, which will frustrate you in your data center aisles.

Comparison: Essential Functions of a Data Center Assisted Lifting Device

	ServerLIFT IBM #EB2Z	GenieLift IBM #EB3Z
Must assemble upon receipt.	Comes fully assembled; just unpack and roll out of the box.	Requires assembly before it can be used.
Lifting equipment: Motorized or manual	Motorized, push-button operation	Manual; hand cranking required
Shipping origin	U.S. (Phoenix). Ships directly to your data center location.	Ships from IBM to one of two hubs, then to your data center location, introducing additional costs, time, and logistics complexities
Front or side loading	Front and side	Front and side
Precise positioning of equipment while installing	Precise; can keep server level and aligned with rack posts, and angles or tilts server into and out of slotted rails.	Manual. Per ASU Study: “Fine tuning to get the server into position was hard.” Cannot align server precisely.
Prep prior to each use	None; simply turn on the unit.	Engage anti-tip bars.
Wheel functions	Rotate/lock in any direction for precise positioning, even with a heavy load.	Fixed; one direction only. Per ASU Study: “Approaching the rack was difficult because of the stationary back wheels.”
Telescoping mast	Yes; can reach up to 52U or more than 58U when used with an attachment. Includes a touch sensor.	None.
Weight of equipment to be lifted, maximum	500 pounds	400 pounds
Brakes to lock lift in place when installing/removing	Yes, with large foot pedal	None. Operator must manually hold lift in place while trying to maneuver the server into and out of the rack.
Sliding platform locks in place so equipment can be pushed off the unit.	Yes.	No.
Additional accessories needed to install IBM servers	None required	Must order a separate flat plate for IBM servers (#EB4Z)
Possible pinch point injury from cables	None. No exposed cables.	Yes. Exposed cables.
Sharp metal shelves on lift unit	None.	Various.
Possible injury from spinning handle without brake set	None. No spinning handle.	Yes. Handle can spin.
Navigates floor obstructions without tipping.	Yes. Passed all floor obstruction tests in ASU Study.	No. In the ASU Study, GenieLift passed the “door jamb” test, was “difficult” when trying to roll over a power cord cover, and failed the floor mat test.
Safety certifications	UL Global Product Certification; CE European Conformity; FCC Certification; IC Certification; ISO 9001; ISO 14001; NIOSH Compliant for LIfting and Pushing. ServerLIFT customers report a 100% safety record.	EC only

ServerLIFT data center lifts mean you will be able to move even the heaviest servers with only one operator (so important right now, due to social distancing), navigate smoothly over data center floors, glide through doorways and elevators, conveniently nestle right up to server racks, and precisely position each server for installation and removal.

By the way, our most popular lift is the ServerLIFT 500X®, which is an electric, push-button lift. No hand-cranking. If you are going to be moving servers and other data center equipment with any frequency, you really do want to use an electric lift tool. With an electric lift, even massive server migration projects can be done safely and without operator strain.

If you buy directly from us, the price of an electric ServerLIFT 500X equipment lift is on par with what you’d pay for a hand-cranked, generic warehouse EB3Z through an IBM distributor.

For a quick quote, and answers to any of your other questions, contact the ServerLIFT 영업팀.

Both the EB2Z and the ServerLIFT 500X can handle any IBM servers, including the popular Power systems: