Manual Hoist, Electric Hoist or Air Powered hoist?

Which sort of hoist, manual, electric, or air-powered, is ideal for your needs? When is a wire rope hoist the most appropriate tool for the job? Here are some frequently asked questions concerning different types of hoists and their applications.

What are the benefits of manual hand-chain hoists, chain falls, and lever hoists?

The most basic types of hoisting equipment include manual chain hoists, chain falls, and lever hoists. They're great for brief lifts in maintenance, when electric or air power isn't available, or where portability is a must. Hoists, both manual and lever, are affordable and simple to maintain.

• When should I use a chain hoist that is powered by electricity?

For loads up to 5 tons, an electric-powered chain hoist is a cost-effective and efficient option where energy is available. Lifting goods with an electric chain hoist is quick and easy, and a dual-speed option improves placement precision. Chain is less expensive to purchase than wire rope, but it is not suitable for heavy loads or long lifts.

• When should I use an electric-powered wire rope hoist?

Electric wire rope hoists are utilized for bigger loads, usually 5 tons or more, or when a bridge crane is employed to operate the hoist. For lifts of 20 feet or higher when the raised load might interfere with a chain container, wire rope is also employed.

Wire rope hoists provide the most lift, speed, and design flexibility for a larger initial investment.

• When should I use an air-powered or pneumatic hoist?

Compressed air or nitrogen is used to power a pneumatic or air hoist. Better control speed, higher duty cycles, smaller size, and minimal risk of electrical shock are all advantages of an air-powered hoist. The National Electric Code defines this equipment as safe for hazardous locations because it is powered by compressed air. There are other features that are resistant to sparks.

While air hoists have a more simpler construction than their electric-powered counterparts, they produce more noise, have slower lifting rates, and require 90 PSI of plant air pressure.

Fixed Type Wire Rope Hoist

• Lifting Capacity:0.25t to 50t
• Lifting Height: 3m to 100m
• Lifting Speed: 0.33~8,Single or Dual Speed
• Working Class: M3, M4
• Ambient Temperature: -20℃ to 40℃

Travelling Wire Rope Hoist

• Lifting Capacity:0.25t to 50t
• Lifting Height: 3m to 100m
• Lifting Speed: 0.33~8,Single or Dual Speed
• Working Class: M3, M4
• Ambient Temperature: -20℃ to 40℃

Double girder hoist crane

• Lifting Capacity:0.25t to 50 ton
• Lifting Height: 3m to 100m
• Lifting Speed: 0.33~8,Single or Dual Speed
• Working Class: M3, M4
• Ambient Temperature: -20℃ to 40℃

Double girder hoist crane

• Lifting Capacity:0.25 ton to 50 ton
• Lifting Height: 3m to 100m
• Lifting Speed: 0.33~8,Single or Dual Speed
• Working Class: M3, M4
• Ambient Temperature: -20℃ to 40℃

What need to consider when purchasing a hoist?

Read this list for the top things to know about purchasing and maintaining a hoist.

• What goes down, must come up.

Make sure you use plenty of chain lubricant so that your chain or wire rope are running smoothly.

• Maintain your equipment.

Imagine driving your car until it stops, and then fixing it. This is what some people do with their hoists. Make a preventative maintenance plan and make sure OSHA Inspections are conducted regularly.

• Keep your equipment safe.

It will rust if you leave your hoist outside and unprotected. If your hoist will be used outdoors on a regular basis, make sure it is covered or shielded to extend its life.

• Load Limiter.

There's a reason hoists are labeled with capacity, yet someone is always looking to exceed the limits. Use a load limiter to protect your equipment and workers from harmful overloads, and you'll be doing yourself and your staff a favor.

• Always start with the "up" button.

When three-phase electric hoist motors are first coupled, they can run forward or backward. If your new electric hoist is reverse-phased, the hook block will move down when you press the up button. If this occurs, disconnect the hoist and reverse two of the phases (at the disconnect), which will cause the hoist to work in the proper direction. The Push Button Station should never be rewired.

What are the common mistakes that need to avoid?

Cost is undoubtedly one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a hoist. Cutting corners to save a few dollars, though, can backfire. To get the most out of your money, avoid these common blunders.

• Investing on a hoist that is too sluggish for the job.

A lesser horse power and a lower price are the results of a slower speed. This may appear to be a wonderful idea on paper, but keep an eye out for complaints from manufacturing line workers. Because they work at a slower pace, it takes them longer to complete their tasks. Check the speed of the unit you're replacing to avoid this problem (for example,14 feet per minute, 20 feet per minute, etc.). Alternatively, if in unsure, ask the operator! Purchasing a push trolley instead of a motorised trolley. Here's a common rule to follow while buying a trolley: A push trolley will suffice if the operator can safely push on the weight at all times. A motor-driven trolley is required if the load is hazardous to handle, if there is an opening in the floor, or if the operator needs to stand away from the burden.

• Purchasing a manual hoist for a long lift job.

Manual hoists, which lift and lower a cargo by pulling a hand chain, are intended for use at relatively modest heights. Any lift of more exceeding 20 feet should be done with a motorised hoist.

• Buying a bespoke hoist with an unsuitable finish for the environment.

Most manufacturers finish their conventional hoists with paint that is acceptable for indoor use. A special treatment (for example, primer, finish coat, and/or urethane top coat) is well worth the extra expense if you need lifting equipment for use outdoors or in a place where strong chemicals are present. Never, ever buy a custom hoist that hasn't been finished. While skipping the paint charge may appear to be a cost-cutting measure, the device will almost certainly corrode before it reaches your production floor.

• For a dangerous area, purchasing a conventional electric hoist.

The National Electric Code divides hazardous places into three categories: Class, Group, and Division. Electric hoists and trolleys must be custom-built to meet the needs of the specific application. In a hazardous site, using a normal hoist could result in a disastrous accident. Another blog article discusses how hazardous site specifications should never be optional.

• When a real vertical lift is required, purchasing a single reeved hoist is the best option.

True vertical lift and double reeved wire rope hoists are required if an object must be placed precisely in one location. Single-reeved wire rope hoists are suitable for any application where "hook drift" is acceptable – that is, when the wire rope cable travels on and off the drum while raising and lowering the hook.

Buying a standard duty unit for a heavy duty cycle and attempting to compensate with a larger capacity. Consider a 5 ton scenario where the hoist unit is used several times each day. It's commonly assumed that a 10 ton capacity hoist will be able to handle the job because it can raise twice as much weight. This, however, is not the case. Upgrade the hoist engine, hoist brake, and controls to accommodate a high duty cycle. Heat-treated sheaves and trolley wheels are required. Upgrades to a 5-ton capacity hoist will extend the unit's operating life and save money in the long run. With 34+ years in the business, we know overhead material handling! Contact us for questions about standards hoists or specialty applications.

Hook mounted chain fall electric hoist
Hook mounted, lug mounted, eye mounted chain fall electric hoists with no trolley up to 32 ton
The horizontal handling of the chain fall electric hoists are in conjunction with the hoist trolleys. The chain fall electric hoists with hooks or lugs can be used as fixed hoists mounted on supporting structures, and the chain fall electric hoists with trolleys can be used as travelling hoists running on suitable overhead girder beams or rails.

Electric trolley chain hoist
Motorized trolley & electric trolley electric chain hoists up to 35 ton
Powered trolleys or motorized hoist trolley may add a little cost but offering a high efficient chain fall electric hoist solution which will be a cost-effective solution for a high volume material handling. Electric chain blocks with motorized trolley may give you a exceptional return.

Maual trolley electric chain hoist
Manual trolley electric chain hoists up to 30 ton
The manual trolley chain fall electric hoist is an economical but effective trolley hoists with the combination of manual trolley and electric chain hoists which will be a cost-effective solution for applications where light duty material handling with frequent vertical lifting but less horizontal movement is required.

Low headroom chain electric hoist up to 35 ton
Low headroom chain fall electric hoists are specially designed for workshop with limited working space. With customized designs, the lifting height of low headroom chain fall electric hoists can up to 130 meters, which will be a cost-effective chain fall electric hoist solution for your applications.

How to prevent hoist from breakdown?

Is an overhead hoist used in your production? What would happen if that equipment broke down unexpectedly? The failure of a critical hoist means that production is halted in far too many processes.

Overhead material handling equipment, like any mechanical device, requires routine maintenance and, even then, may experience a breakdown. Here are some ways to help you prepare for the circumstance ahead of time.

• Preventative Maintenance.

Contract for a monthly walk-through in addition to having your hoists and cranes examined by a competent person once a year. Catch minor issues early on, before they become major issues, and address them as soon as possible. Don't be the end user who lets the hoist run till it breaks. This lack of planning will result in manufacturing delays, overnight part shipments, and costly emergency service labor.

• Keep Spare Parts On Hand.

Return to the distributor and request a manufacturer-recommended spare parts list for each hoist. Motor and control fuses, transformers, hoist contactors, trolley contactors, push button stations, and hoist safety locks should all be kept on the shelf. Keep a spare wire rope assembly, as well as motor drake discs and motor brake coils, on stock if you have a manufacturing wire rope hoist.

• Buy a Hoist That's Easy to Maintain.

Request a manufacturer-recommended spare parts list for each hoist from the dealer. Fuse boxes for motors and controls, transformers, hoist and trolley contactors, push button stations, and hoist safety locks should all be kept on the shelf. If you have a manufacturing wire rope hoist, have a spare wire rope assembly, as well as motor drake discs and motor brake coils, on hand.

• Have an Emergency Plan

Even well-maintained equipment can go down from time to time. Designate employees (not just one person) who will be in charge of the problem and give them authority to act. Find the source of the issue and devise a plan of action. Inquire about which parts have failed and whether they are available. Keep the phone number of your local hoist firm handy.

• Purchase a Duplicate Back-Up Hoist.

This, we understand, was not included in the initial budget. But what would be lost if manufacturing was halted due to this machinery? Having a backup hoist on hand means that you can get back up and running quickly with minimal downtime.

Hook Mounted Air Hoist
Hook mounted air hoist is for material handling in a fixed application, which offers flexiable vertical lifting but less flexibility horizontally.

Trolley Air Hoist Powered by Air Motor
With an air powered motor, the air hoists can transport a suspended load horizontally and efficiently.

Wire Rope Air Hoist
The wire rope air hoist is a lightweight type of air Hoist which is equipped with a wire rope.

Air Balancer
The air balancer can be used in various applications with high safety, efficiency and good price.

Article by Bella ，who has been in the hoist and crane field since 2016. Bella provides overhead crane & gantry crane consultation services for clients who need a customized overhead travelling crane solution.Contact her to get free consultation.