Rolls of packaging material are often placed into a machine using a removable shaft. Side guarding or adjacent components can limit access from the sides. This Alum-a-Lift provides benefits similar to an overhead hoist or stationary balancer, while eliminating the obvious disadvantages. The adjustable hooks allow for a range of roll sizes to be handled. The swiveling allows for minor adjustments to be made at the machine by the operator to ease in proper placement. The overhead boom allows for rolls to be picked up off the floor or a pallet.