Austral Rotary Clothes Hoist Installation Guide

Last updated: 27 September 2026

The Austral Rotary Clothes Hoist is built for durability and designed to provide years of reliable use.  To ensure a successful installation and maintain your warranty, it’s important to follow these instructions carefully. Incorrect installation may damage your hoist and void your guarantee.

Before You Start

Read through the installation instructions for your new Austral hoist before you begin. It's the best way to ensure a smooth installation and avoid any errors. While reviewing the instructions, check off the contents of the box to confirm all parts are included. The parts list is extensive for a traditional hoist, so check it before you start. This is also the perfect time to make sure you have the right tools on hand.

Equipment Required

You'll need a spirit level, crowbar, shovel, screwdriver, pliers, concrete, drainage gravel and a tape measure.

Site Selection and Digging (Steps 1 to 3)

Important. Before digging, make sure the area is clear of electrical, gas and plumbing services. For safety, check Dial Before You Dig and consult any relevant architectural drawings.

1. Choose your site. Select a location that allows 1m of clearance around the end of each arm, which is 2m more than the hoist's diameter (image is for guidance).

2. Prepare the handle. Insert the Handle Shaft through the Handle Grip, then tap the handle into the hole on the Handle Arm while supporting the arm behind with a chock. Turn the handle anti-clockwise to wind the hoist down to its lowest position. For Deluxe models, attach the Handle Cover.

3. Dig the hole. At the centre of your chosen site, dig a hole 150 to 200mm in diameter. It should be deep enough that when the Column stands upright, the Reducer is level with the user's head height. A depth of 550mm is recommended, which puts the Cross about 1700mm high and the outer lines about 1850mm high when fully wound down. Once the hole is at the correct depth, let the Column lean slightly over and rest in the hole.

Deluxe models only. Remove the Column from the hole and insert the Steel Rod through the pre-drilled holes at the base, then place the Column back in the hole. Super models use a crimped bottom tube instead of a Steel Rod for a secure fit in concrete.

Head Section Assembly (Steps 4 to 10)

Tip. If you prefer to concrete the Column first, skip to Concreting (Steps 11 and 12), then allow the concrete to cure for 48 hours before continuing.

4. Attach the arms and stays. Place the Arms into the Cross and let them rest.

Insert a 20mm x 6mm Bolt through a 6mm Washer and secure it through the top of the Top Cap.

Attach one end of the Tubular Stay to the underside of the Top Cap using a 6mm Nylon Lock Nut. Using the punched holes on the Arms that are perpendicular to the others, attach the curved end of the Tubular Stay to the Arm with a 35mm x 6mm Bolt and a 6mm Nut.

Repeat for the remaining arms, then tighten all bolts once every arm and stay is securely attached.

5. Adjust the arms for horizontal alignment. The wire holes on the Arms must be horizontal. To adjust, insert a screwdriver through the wire holes and use it as a lever to rotate the Arm until it's horizontal. Repeat for the other arms.

6. Lower the cross. Wind the hoist up slightly, about 150mm for 4m hoists or 100mm for 5m hoists, to loosen the Bolt in the Cross, then slide the Cross down to meet the Reducer/Breeze Brake.

7. Thread the wire. Start by threading the wire through the outermost hole on each arm.

Once you reach the start, thread the wire through the same hole again.

Bend the wire tail around the arm and back on itself.

Walk around to straighten any kinks in the wire, then cut it so a 200mm tail remains. Use pliers to pull the loose end tight while pushing the arm with your other hand.

Once taut, bend the loose end under the arm and twist it around itself 3 to 4 times, then cut the excess, making sure the ends point downward.

Note. Tension the wires progressively, from outer to inner lines, as you tighten.

8. Check the alignment of the arms. Stand at the end of each arm and sight along it toward the opposite arm. The arms should be approximately 90 degrees apart. Tap the arms sideways to correct the alignment if needed.

9. Repeat for the remaining lines. For each remaining line, repeat Step 7, wiring them in alternating directions (clockwise, then anti-clockwise) to prevent uneven tension.

10. Final tension and tighten. Once all lines are wired and tied off, return the Cross to its original position, which will further tension the wires.

While pulling down on the Top Cap, wind the Column all the way down. Make sure the Arms and Cross line up with the holes in the Top Cap, then tighten the bolt in the Cross. Finally, fit the 4 Round End Caps.

Concreting (Steps 11 and 12)

11. Mix the concrete. Mix concrete in the ratio of 4 gravel, 2 sand and 1 cement, or use premixed concrete bags. The mix should be fairly dry, just wet enough to hold together. Add 50 to 100mm of drainage gravel at the base of the hole.

12. Pour and pack the concrete. Pour the concrete into the hole until it reaches 20mm below ground level. Stand the Column upright, using a spirit level to check it's plumb, and tamp the concrete with a crowbar or similar tool to remove air pockets. If the concrete level drops, top it back up so it stays 20mm below ground level. Check the Column is plumb and packed tightly, then fill the last 20mm with soil and gently pat it down.

Do not use or touch the hoist for 48 hours to allow the concrete to set.

Maintenance and Tips for Longevity

Don't swing on the clothes hoist, and engage the Breeze Brake when hanging washing to prevent spinning. Regularly check and tighten nuts and bolts. If the hoist becomes difficult to wind, lubricate the gearbox with nylon-safe grease, which may be needed after years of use. If ants infest the gearbox, clean out any dirt first, then apply grease. Enjoy your new Austral rotary clothes hoist!

Professional Clothesline Installation Service

If you're not keen on installing your new clothesline, The Clothesline Store makes clothesline installation incredibly easy with a professional service that ensures your clothesline is set up effortlessly.

Whether you're choosing a rotary hoist, fold down, retractable or folding rotary clothesline, our expert installers cover Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and beyond, including Geelong, the Gold Coast and Newcastle. Simply select "Yes, Install My Clothesline" or "Yes, Install and Remove Old Clothesline" when placing your order.

Top tip. Not all clothesline retailers offer installation, so if installation or removal is important to you, make sure these services are available before you buy.

Want Your Yard Back? Consider a Fold Down

If you'd rather not have a permanent hoist in the middle of the yard, an Air Dry fold down clothesline gives generous hanging space and folds flat against a wall or ground mount legs. It's 100% Australian made from 100% Australian steel, in a wide range of ready made sizes or made to order for the perfect fit.

Related Guides from The Clothesline Store

Find out how to measure for a new rotary clothesline, what's hot in the market like the top selling drying racks and why they are loved in Australia, and view the best Australian made fold down clothesline.

FAQs: Installing an Austral Rotary Hoist

Shipped Direct From Our Warehouse

As Australia's largest private stockholder of clotheslines and accessories, The Clothesline Store ships in-stock items the same or next business day from our own national warehouse, with a 4.9 out of 5 star customer rating.