I didn't need any instructions, although they are nice to get. If referencing product pictured don't. I have looked at similar products and no one mounts the hoist like they show in the picture. My biggest complaint about this product is at fully retracted shortest length there are holes drilled to assemble shorter than possible. Upper smaller tubing stops where the hoist mounts and there are holes in the tubing that are pointless, hurting the structural integrity of the lifting device. For that I give them 4 stars. At the current price ~100 I would highly recommend this lift regardless, seeing you could make the unit much stronger with some simple modifications.