Some machines build a reputation quietly, purely on how well they perform in the real world. The Hinowa Light Lift 20.10 (often referred to as the Hinowa 2010) is one of those machines. I’ve been told time and time again, “Danny, you need to take a proper look at the Hinowa 2010.” So, rather than a quick walkaround or trade-show chat, this is a full, hands-on operator review, based on genuine time on the controls.
I’m out in Lincolnshire, taking a close look at St Vincent’s Church, with Samuel, who kindly brought his Hinowa 20.10 along for the day. If you’re considering a compact spider lift with serious reach and stability, this one deserves your attention.
👉 You can watch the full video review here:
First Impressions – Compact, but Clearly Serious Kit
Straight off the trailer, the Hinowa 20.10 looks compact, tidy, and well thought out. It’s narrow, low, and immediately gives the impression that it’s built to get into places many other tracked lifts simply can’t.
I first saw this machine at Vertikal Days, and I’ll be honest I didn’t feel like I gave it the attention it deserved at the time. This review corrects that. What follows is an honest breakdown of the specifications, real-world operation, and the things I genuinely liked and didn’t like.
Technical Specification & Working Envelope
Let’s start with the headline numbers, because this is where the Hinowa 20.10 really starts to shine.
- Maximum working height: approx. 20.15 metres
- Platform height: around 18.1 metres
- Horizontal outreach: up to 9.7 metres
- Up-and-over clearance: approx. 8.15 metres
For a compact spider lift, that is an impressive working envelope. It gives you the ability to get over ridge tiles, tree canopies, and other awkward obstacles that would stop many machines in this size class.
The turret offers 360° continuous rotation on many variants, while the basket rotates roughly 62°, giving excellent fine control when positioning for work. The safe working load is 230kg anywhere in the envelope, meaning two operators plus tools without compromise.
Size, Weight & Access
Depending on whether you go diesel, electric, or bi-energy, the machine weighs between 2,800kg and 2,970kg.
In narrow mode, it’s properly compact:
- Width: approx. 790mm
- Height: around 1.9m
- Length: just over 5m
That sub-800mm width is a big deal. It means tight gateways, narrow access routes, and awkward entrances are suddenly back on the table. The basket itself is a sensible size at roughly 1.34m x 700mm, giving enough room for two people to work comfortably.
Slope capability is around 16° (28.7%), so it copes well with uneven ground.
Power Options & Features
Power options include diesel, electric, and bi-energy. Diesel models typically use the well-regarded Kubota Z602 engine, while electric variants run a 2.2kW motor on 110V or 220V — ideal for both indoor and outdoor work.
Other notable features include:
- Anti-entrapment system
- LED lights built into the outriggers
- Automatic or semi-automatic outrigger levelling (depending on spec)
- Remote control support for tracking and setup on some models
Compact Mode & Basket Removal
One thing I always look for in a spider lift is how easily it can be made compact. On the Hinowa 20.10, retracting the tracks is literally a press of a button. No faffing, no manual adjustments it just does it.
The basket is also removable, and importantly, it can be removed and refitted by a single operator. That’s a big plus for restricted-access jobs. Is it the slickest basket removal system I’ve ever used? No it’s a bit more fiddly than the very best designs but the fact it can be done solo still makes it a genuine advantage.
Controls & Operator Experience
This is where the Hinowa really wins people over.
Up means up. Down means down.
That might sound obvious, but plenty of machines still get this wrong.
The controls are instinctive, forgiving, and very easy to learn, which explains why hire companies rate this machine so highly. Tracking speed is excellent, the boom is quick, and when you need finesse, everything can be slowed down easily for precision work.
At full outreach around 10 metres horizontally the machine is remarkably stable. Even moving around in the basket, the base simply doesn’t shift. That level of confidence at full stretch is rare in a compact spider lift.
Build Quality & Stability
Build quality is immediately apparent:
- Thick steel
- Solid welding
- High-quality tracks
It genuinely feels like a machine designed to last. Nothing about it feels flimsy or under-engineered.
The Downsides – Honest Drawbacks
No machine is perfect, and the Hinowa 20.10 is no exception.
Some of the drawbacks I noticed:
- Multi-function movements can feel a bit stop-start and electronic, especially compared to fully hydraulic machines like the 1890 Pro
- Outriggers lower one at a time, which slows setup
- Remote control is permanently tethered, limiting visibility when tracking
- Needs five ratchet straps to secure on a trailer (my 1890 Pro needs three)
- Outrigger pads aren’t quick-release you need an Allen key
- Some exposed hose routing along the boom
- Water hose isn’t rated for high-pressure jet washing
- Awkward fuel filler position
None of these are deal-breakers, but they’re all worth knowing if you’re considering buying one.
Final Verdict – Is the Hinowa 20.10 Worth It?
In short: yes, absolutely.
The Hinowa Light Lift 20.10 is a very capable, very well-built spider lift with exceptional outreach, outstanding stability, and controls that make it accessible even for less experienced operators. It has quirks, but none of them undermine its core performance.
If you’re a contractor looking for reliable high access, or a hire company needing a versatile, user-friendly machine, the Hinowa 20.10 is well worth a serious look.
👉 I’d strongly recommend watching the full video review to see the machine working at height and hear my full thoughts in real time:
As always, feel free to leave a comment on the video or get in touch if you’ve got questions — and let me know which machine you’d like me to review next.
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My workwear is sponsored by Granite Workwear, and all of the clothing I’m wearing in the video can be purchased on their website: Workwear Clothing Supplier | Protective Safety Clothes
