Total head lift refers to the suction lift and discharge lift totaled together. The Honda WB30 is rated for a max suction lift of 25 feet at sea level and a total head lift of 85 feet. IF you were maxing out that suction lift, that would leave you a remainder of 60 feet on the discharge side of the pump, that it would handle. That said, it's not a good idea to max that out as it does work the pump to it's maximum capability. It also severely reduces the pump's GPM output. It's always best to work your pump within the middle 2/3 of the pump curve. The pump curve below may help to explain this but if you have any other questions, please let me know.