Abstract: A hoist apparatus for lifting a load includes an elongated, hollow tubular post formed with an elongated slot, and a T-shaped base for supporting the post in an upright position. The base has a plurality of lockable casters mounted thereon for portability of the hoist. A ball screw is rotatably suspended within the post and a follower nut is movably engaged with the ball screw for linear movement therealong, in response to manual rotation of the ball screw by a handwheel which is operatively connected thereto. A cylindrical-shaped carriage is engaged by the follower nut within the post for linear movement therewith along the ball screw. A plurality of crowned rollers are rotatably mounted adjacent to each of the ends of the carriage in a generally circular spaced arrangement, whereby each of the rollers rotatably arcuately contacts the curved interior surface of the tubular post for slideably engaging the carriage with the post for smooth movement of the carriage within the post.