We’ve compiled a guide to hoists (including types, suppliers, and major features) to help with research or buying decisions. We’ve described the several types of hoists, their applications, features, and suppliers.
What Is A Hoist?
Hoists use mechanical advantage to move and support vertically hanging goods and weight. Mechanical hoists distribute weight by converting low force over long distances into high force over short distances. The chain or rope is wrapped around a barrel/drum or wheel and various gears or pulleys, some of which may be in the load block. Reeving regulates how a load’s force is conveyed. Hoists can be stationary or mobile and used for general lifting or particular jobs, such as engine removal.
Types Of Hoists
Additional information regarding the various types of hoists is provided in the sections that follow.
Manual Hoist
Manual hoists are ratchet or hand chain-operated hoisting equipment. The hand chain controls lifting and lowering, while the load chain supports the load. Manual hoists have certain advantages over motorized hoists:
- Lower initial expenses
- Portability
- Heavy lifting requires more effort
- Slower than powered models
- Degrade faster than powered models
Mechanical Hoists
Electric, air/pneumatic, and hydraulic hoists are available. Powered hoists have some advantages over manual hoists:
- Faster lifting
- Higher lifting range
- Pendant/remote control
- Electric models often overheat.
- Air/pneumatic kinds are better in spark-prone conditions.
Applications And Economic Sectors
Not simply in industrial contexts, hoists are used to raise and transfer loads. Hoists lift commodities, construction materials, motors, and warehousing inventory.
The industries that use hoists include, but are not limited to:
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Construction
- Logging
- Marine
- Manufacturing
- Medical
- Mining
Considerations
Operating time, load, and frequency affect hoist longevity. Trip distance and pace can also affect a trolley’s longevity. Overusing equipment reduces product durability.
Manual hoists should be easy to operate.
The hoist’s lifting capacity shouldn’t exceed the structure’s.
For most applications lifting 2 tonnes or more, a motorized trolley is recommended.
Consider the load block and hook while evaluating lifting requirements.
Certain manufacturers frequently provide specialized or customized hoists.
Important Attributes
Payload Capacity
The hoist’s lift capability is its maximum weight. This depends on the line material, hoist frequency, power supply, and structure. Choose a hoist that can handle your heaviest load.
Line Material
An object will be lifted using line material. The most prevalent line materials are chains, wire ropes, or cables. Use rope, strap, or webbing for smaller/lighter loads.
Energy Source
The power source turns gears that raise and lower line material. Hand chains or levers control chain hoists. Electric hoists are common for big weights. Portable hoists burn gasoline and diesel.
Suspension Variety
Simple hoist versions can be suspended or secured by attaching them to permanent or transportable supports. Other hoists can be hooked to overhead trolleys, pushed or pulled along a rail, or powered.
Lift Height
The lift is the load hook’s horizontal height difference. Reach is headroom plus vertical clearance.
Lift Speed
Lift speed is the rate of lifting. Models with variable speeds exist. The speed of the lift can be impacted by the load’s mass and height. Larger hoists lift slower.
Headroom
The headroom of a hoist is the distance between the rail or step upon which the hoist rests and the load’s hook. For stationary hoists, measure the distance between the mounting point and lifting hook. Before choosing a hoist for construction, consider how and where it will be used. Allow the hoist to operate freely.