Unless you’re a seasoned veteran, choosing the right hoist to buy can be a daunting task. But have no fear. This guide will make things absolutely clear about which hoist is right for your specific need. Without further ado, let’s walk step-by-step through the Ultimate Hoist Buyer’s Guide.
A hoist is a machine specifically designed to raise and lower loads that are too heavy for manpower alone. Hoists have a drum or wheel around which wraps either a chain or rope which controls whether the load is raised or lowered. Most hoists are electric-powered, but they can also be pneumatic (air-powered) or manually operated. To learn more, check out our article explaining what hoists are, as well as some examples and tips when operating them.
Generally speaking, hoists are used for lifting and lowering heavy loads. However, hoists are used in many different industries for various applications. To be more specific, hoists are used for construction purposes, in the automotive industry, and even in the aerospace industry. In fact, we compiled a list of 15 use cases for hoists in various industries.
The first step to determining which hoist you should buy is in researching which general type of hoist will best suit your needs. After that is determined, we can nail down the specifics. So what are the different types of hoists?
Manual chain hoists are not powered by electricity or air pressure but rather by lever-action or a hand chain. Operating a manual hoist, i.e. raising or lowering the load, is done by cranking the lever or by pulling either end of the hand chain.
Manual chain hoists are not ideal for every scenario. However, there are plenty of situations where a manual hoist is the best solution. Let’s review some advantages and disadvantages of using manual hoists over a powered hoist.
Advantages of Manual Chain Hoists:
Disadvantages of Manual Chain Hoists:
In our experience, CM hand chain hoists are some of the best in the industry and they offer a large selection of products. However, we also put together a list of the top 3 best manual chain hoists if you’d like to do some more research. With that said, these are our favorite hand chain hoists in the CM line and they all come with a lifetime warranty.
View All Manual Hoists
Electric chain hoists are powered by electricity and utilize chains as opposed to wire rope to lift their load. Instead of having to manually crank a lever, the operator of an electric chain hoist need only push a button to raise or lower the cargo.
Just as manual chain hoists are not ideal for every scenario, electric chain hoists have their pros and cons. Ultimately, the choice to purchase this type of hoist will depend on your intended use case. Let’s look at those pros and cons.
Advantages of Electric Chain Hoists:
Disadvantages of Electric Chain Hoists:
According to our experts, the best electric chain hoists are manufactured by Budgit, CM, Coffing, and Harrington. However, we also put together a list of the top 5 best electric chain hoists if you’d like to do some more research. With that said, these are some of our favorite electric chain hoists from the aforementioned brands.
View All Electric Hoists
Air chain hoists, also known as pneumatic chain hoists, are powered by compressed air. Instead of cranking as you would a manual hoist or connecting it to a circuit, pneumatic hoists are instead connected to an air compressor.
Air-powered hoists are the perfect choice for certain situations but not for others. Let’s take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of air hoists.
Advantages of Air Chain Hoists:
Disadvantages of Air Chain Hoists:
There are several hoist manufacturers that produce air chain hoists. However, we have found Budgit air-powered hoists to be some of the best in the industry. With that said, feel free to review our list of the top 3 best air chain hoists if you’d like more information. Yet, these are certainly among the best pneumatic hoists out there.
View All Air Hoists
Wire rope hoists refer not to the source of power, i.e. electric or air, but rather to what connects the hoist to its load. Therefore, wire rope hoists can be either air-powered or electric-powered.
Chain hoists are more common than wire rope hoists. However, wire rope hoists also have the greatest utility within particular industries. Depending on the circumstances, these will be the best type of hoist for the job at hand.
Advantages of Wire Rope Hoists:
Disadvantages of Wire Rope Hoists:
Out of all wire rope manufacturers, we’ve found Yale to be among the most reliable brands. They’ve been a leader in the hoist manufacturing business for over a century. We have a few Yale wire rope hoists featured below or feel free to browse all wire rope hoists by clicking the button below.
View All Wire Rope Hoists
Now we know of the different types of hoists available: electric chain hoists, air chain hoists, manual chain hoists, and wire rope hoists. Now it’s time to determine what capacity, lift height, and other factors you should consider when choosing a hoist.
If you have further questions after this section, I highly recommend you check out our FAQ section or reach out via our contact page.
To determine what capacity you will need for your hoist, it’s important to first determine the weight of the maximum load that will be lifted.
For example, if you will be lifting loads with a maximum weight of 1.5 tons, you will need a hoist with a capacity of at least 1.5 tons. Otherwise, your device will fail and you will risk injury or worse. However, it’s common practice to choose a capacity with at least 1/4 or 1/2 ton more than the weight of your heaviest load.
Another important factor when choosing the right equipment is the lift height, otherwise referred to simply as ‘lift’. To determine the lift needed, measure the distance between the load and the point at which the hoist will be mounted, then subtract the hoist headroom (the distance between the load-bearing hook and the point where the hoist will connect to the beam/trolley).
There are a few factors to consider for choosing a power source for your wire rope or electric chain hoist. First, you will have to determine if the voltage you have access to. Common voltages for powered hoists are 115V, 230V, 460V, and 575V. Next, you will need to know the phase of your power supply, either single-phase or three-phase. Typically larger and industrial workplaces will run three-phase power and have voltages over 230V. Lastly, you’ll need to determine hertz, the unit of measurement frequency, or the change in state or cycle in alternating current, of one cycle per second.
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Air hoists, also known as pneumatic hoists, have a connected up-and-down control pendant similar to regular hoist systems. However, they also come with the added floating functionality provided by the compressed air that powers them. The beauty of the floating air function is that it allows for weightless vertical movement.
Hand chain hoists are operated by a loop of lifting chains to raise and lower their load. These are often an ideal match for construction, automotive, and hobbyist applications.
Lever hoists, also known as ratchet hoists or a come-along, allow the operator to pull, lift, and position materials in horizontal or vertical directions through a lever or crank mechanism. These provide easy rigging and operation with 360° rotation of the lever and top swivel hook.
Lift speed refers to the speed at which the hoist can raise/lower objects. The necessary lift speed will vary greatly between hoists and their various uses. Some may be single-speed or multi-speed. When determining the appropriate lift speed, there are a few factors to consider: the type of load being lifted, the weight of the load, the surrounding environment, and the space around the load.
Pendant control cable length refers to the length of the cable of the pendant control. The standard push button drop is equal to 4 feet less than the lift. Special lengths for pendant cable drop can be configured to meet specific needs as well.
Suspension refers to the mounting type of the hoist. There are two options for hanging a chain hoist, Hook mount or Lug mount. A Hook mounted hoist will come from the factory with a hook attached to the top of the body. There are two common types of hooks available, rigid and swivel. The rigid hook is in a fixed position, whereas the “swivel” hook-mounted hoist can rotate up to 360 degrees.
A trolley refers to the beam on which the hoist is mounted. There are 3 common types of trolleys; plain trolley, geared trolley, and motorized trolley. A plain/push is operated by maneuvering the trolley along the beam by human power via the hoist operator. A geared trolley is used by pulling a chain hanging from the trolley to maneuver the hoist along the beam or track. The motorized trolley option has a motor attached to the side of the trolley wheels and usually has its own control pendant.
I-Beam flange width refers to the width of the flanges at the top and bottom of the beam. The horizontal elements of the “I” are flanges, while the vertical element is the web. The web resists shear forces while the flanges resist most of the bending moment experienced by the beam. Beam theory shows that the I-shaped section is a very efficient form for carrying both bending and shears loads in the plane of the web.
In order to choose the right hoist, there are a number of factors that must be considered. For instance, hoist type, capacity, lift height, lift speed, voltage, and more. Once you have identifies the attributes needed for your hoist, feel free to browse our shop or request a quote if you need something beyond what we have listed. We’re determined to help you find the right lifting equipment!
Fred Coffing designed the first modern chain hoist in 1918 to make work easier on his family’s apple orchard. Chain hoists have developed significantly since the early 1900s.
Electric hoists have a high load capacity. They’re durable and cost-effective.
Selecting and maintaining an electric chain hoist is covered here.
Electric chain hoists are a low-maintenance and reliable option for lifting and lowering loads. However, choosing the right equipment for the application helps ensure you get the best performance. Several factors are essential to consider.
The weight of the loads you need to lift is a primary consideration when looking for an electric chain hoist. First, calculate the average and maximum weights you intend to raise.
Leaving a margin between the weight of the load and the hoist’s capacity is a good idea. Consistently working a hoist at its maximum capacity can cause the equipment to wear faster. You can perform better over time with a hoist that can comfortably handle the job.
The job site needs appropriate wiring for the hoist.
A single-phase electric chain hoist will plug into a standard electrical outlet. This type of hoist is ideal for mechanics or smaller machine shops.
Single-phase systems aren’t powerful enough for large industrial operations. Hoists that handle heavy loads regularly need three-phase power. It is more efficient and reliable.
The duty cycle refers to the time the equipment can operate continuously under normal conditions. For example, an electric hoist with a 25% duty cycle could run for 15 minutes before needing a period to cool down. Using a hoist beyond its duty cycle can shorten its service life.
The speed of the electric hoist affects productivity and efficiency. The speed should be enough for the height of the lift. If the rate is too low, you need too much of the duty cycle to raise a single load.
The best way to mount an electric hoist depends on the facility and the usage of the hoist. Electric hoists can be suspended in a fixed position or trolley-mounted.
A lug suspension is a highly secure fixed suspension. It can be a good choice for permanent applications. A top hook suspension can attach the hoist to a beam clamp or trolley.
Trolleys can be motorized or manually operated. Motorization is vital for heavy or bulky loads. A motorized trolley lets the operator manipulate the load from a distance.
Regular maintenance helps keep your electric chain hoist in top condition. As a result, you can avoid worker injuries and costly downtime. It also keeps your facility compliant with OSHA regulations.
Preventive inspections can identify possible risks before they become serious issues. First, an inspection looks for signs of wear or damage. The checklist should include parts such as the chain, chain drum, electric brake, and spring brake.
Routine maintenance can include:
Lubrication and adjustments
Replacement of worn parts
Electrical repairs
Load testing
This type of maintenance is essential for the safety and productivity of your facility.
Many factors contribute to finding a suitable electric chain hoist. Once you find the best equipment for your operation, you must keep it working its best. Regular inspections and maintenance help you avoid more significant problems later.
Kor-Pak is your trusted supplier of electric chain hoist parts. We’re a leading distributor of both OEM and aftermarket products. Our focus is on keeping your machines operating at peak efficiency.
Check out our complete line of hoists and crane parts to find the solution you need.
Unless you’re a seasoned veteran, choosing the right hoist to buy can be a daunting task. But have no fear. This guide will make things absolutely clear about which hoist is right for your specific need. Without further ado, let’s walk step-by-step through the Ultimate Hoist Buyer’s Guide.
A hoist is a machine specifically designed to raise and lower loads that are too heavy for manpower alone. Hoists have a drum or wheel around which wraps either a chain or rope which controls whether the load is raised or lowered. Most hoists are electric-powered, but they can also be pneumatic (air-powered) or manually operated. To learn more, check out our article explaining what hoists are, as well as some examples and tips when operating them.
Generally speaking, hoists are used for lifting and lowering heavy loads. However, hoists are used in many different industries for various applications. To be more specific, hoists are used for construction purposes, in the automotive industry, and even in the aerospace industry. In fact, we compiled a list of 15 use cases for hoists in various industries.
The first step to determining which hoist you should buy is in researching which general type of hoist will best suit your needs. After that is determined, we can nail down the specifics. So what are the different types of hoists?
Manual chain hoists are not powered by electricity or air pressure but rather by lever-action or a hand chain. Operating a manual hoist, i.e. raising or lowering the load, is done by cranking the lever or by pulling either end of the hand chain.
Manual chain hoists are not ideal for every scenario. However, there are plenty of situations where a manual hoist is the best solution. Let’s review some advantages and disadvantages of using manual hoists over a powered hoist.
Advantages of Manual Chain Hoists:
Disadvantages of Manual Chain Hoists:
In our experience, CM hand chain hoists are some of the best in the industry and they offer a large selection of products. However, we also put together a list of the top 3 best manual chain hoists if you’d like to do some more research. With that said, these are our favorite hand chain hoists in the CM line and they all come with a lifetime warranty.
View All Manual Hoists
Electric chain hoists are powered by electricity and utilize chains as opposed to wire rope to lift their load. Instead of having to manually crank a lever, the operator of an electric chain hoist need only push a button to raise or lower the cargo.
Just as manual chain hoists are not ideal for every scenario, electric chain hoists have their pros and cons. Ultimately, the choice to purchase this type of hoist will depend on your intended use case. Let’s look at those pros and cons.
Advantages of Electric Chain Hoists:
Disadvantages of Electric Chain Hoists:
According to our experts, the best electric chain hoists are manufactured by Budgit, CM, Coffing, and Harrington. However, we also put together a list of the top 5 best electric chain hoists if you’d like to do some more research. With that said, these are some of our favorite electric chain hoists from the aforementioned brands.
View All Electric Hoists
Air chain hoists, also known as pneumatic chain hoists, are powered by compressed air. Instead of cranking as you would a manual hoist or connecting it to a circuit, pneumatic hoists are instead connected to an air compressor.
Air-powered hoists are the perfect choice for certain situations but not for others. Let’s take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of air hoists.
Advantages of Air Chain Hoists:
Disadvantages of Air Chain Hoists:
There are several hoist manufacturers that produce air chain hoists. However, we have found Budgit air-powered hoists to be some of the best in the industry. With that said, feel free to review our list of the top 3 best air chain hoists if you’d like more information. Yet, these are certainly among the best pneumatic hoists out there.
View All Air Hoists
Wire rope hoists refer not to the source of power, i.e. electric or air, but rather to what connects the hoist to its load. Therefore, wire rope hoists can be either air-powered or electric-powered.
Chain hoists are more common than wire rope hoists. However, wire rope hoists also have the greatest utility within particular industries. Depending on the circumstances, these will be the best type of hoist for the job at hand.
Advantages of Wire Rope Hoists:
Disadvantages of Wire Rope Hoists:
Out of all wire rope manufacturers, we’ve found Yale to be among the most reliable brands. They’ve been a leader in the hoist manufacturing business for over a century. We have a few Yale wire rope hoists featured below or feel free to browse all wire rope hoists by clicking the button below.
View All Wire Rope Hoists
Now we know of the different types of hoists available: electric chain hoists, air chain hoists, manual chain hoists, and wire rope hoists. Now it’s time to determine what capacity, lift height, and other factors you should consider when choosing a hoist.
If you have further questions after this section, I highly recommend you check out our FAQ section or reach out via our contact page.
To determine what capacity you will need for your hoist, it’s important to first determine the weight of the maximum load that will be lifted.
For example, if you will be lifting loads with a maximum weight of 1.5 tons, you will need a hoist with a capacity of at least 1.5 tons. Otherwise, your device will fail and you will risk injury or worse. However, it’s common practice to choose a capacity with at least 1/4 or 1/2 ton more than the weight of your heaviest load.
Another important factor when choosing the right equipment is the lift height, otherwise referred to simply as ‘lift’. To determine the lift needed, measure the distance between the load and the point at which the hoist will be mounted, then subtract the hoist headroom (the distance between the load-bearing hook and the point where the hoist will connect to the beam/trolley).
There are a few factors to consider for choosing a power source for your wire rope or electric chain hoist. First, you will have to determine if the voltage you have access to. Common voltages for powered hoists are 115V, 230V, 460V, and 575V. Next, you will need to know the phase of your power supply, either single-phase or three-phase. Typically larger and industrial workplaces will run three-phase power and have voltages over 230V. Lastly, you’ll need to determine hertz, the unit of measurement frequency, or the change in state or cycle in alternating current, of one cycle per second.
Air hoists, also known as pneumatic hoists, have a connected up-and-down control pendant similar to regular hoist systems. However, they also come with the added floating functionality provided by the compressed air that powers them. The beauty of the floating air function is that it allows for weightless vertical movement.
Hand chain hoists are operated by a loop of lifting chains to raise and lower their load. These are often an ideal match for construction, automotive, and hobbyist applications.
Lever hoists, also known as ratchet hoists or a come-along, allow the operator to pull, lift, and position materials in horizontal or vertical directions through a lever or crank mechanism. These provide easy rigging and operation with 360° rotation of the lever and top swivel hook.
Lift speed refers to the speed at which the hoist can raise/lower objects. The necessary lift speed will vary greatly between hoists and their various uses. Some may be single-speed or multi-speed. When determining the appropriate lift speed, there are a few factors to consider: the type of load being lifted, the weight of the load, the surrounding environment, and the space around the load.
Pendant control cable length refers to the length of the cable of the pendant control. The standard push button drop is equal to 4 feet less than the lift. Special lengths for pendant cable drop can be configured to meet specific needs as well.
Suspension refers to the mounting type of the hoist. There are two options for hanging a chain hoist, Hook mount or Lug mount. A Hook mounted hoist will come from the factory with a hook attached to the top of the body. There are two common types of hooks available, rigid and swivel. The rigid hook is in a fixed position, whereas the “swivel” hook-mounted hoist can rotate up to 360 degrees.
A trolley refers to the beam on which the hoist is mounted. There are 3 common types of trolleys; plain trolley, geared trolley, and motorized trolley. A plain/push is operated by maneuvering the trolley along the beam by human power via the hoist operator. A geared trolley is used by pulling a chain hanging from the trolley to maneuver the hoist along the beam or track. The motorized trolley option has a motor attached to the side of the trolley wheels and usually has its own control pendant.
I-Beam flange width refers to the width of the flanges at the top and bottom of the beam. The horizontal elements of the “I” are flanges, while the vertical element is the web. The web resists shear forces while the flanges resist most of the bending moment experienced by the beam. Beam theory shows that the I-shaped section is a very efficient form for carrying both bending and shears loads in the plane of the web.
In order to choose the right hoist, there are a number of factors that must be considered. For instance, hoist type, capacity, lift height, lift speed, voltage, and more. Once you have identifies the attributes needed for your hoist, feel free to browse our shop or request a quote if you need something beyond what we have listed. We’re determined to help you find the right lifting equipment!
Fred Coffing designed the first modern chain hoist in 1918 to make work easier on his family’s apple orchard. Chain hoists have developed significantly since the early 1900s.
Electric hoists have a high load capacity. They’re durable and cost-effective.
Selecting and maintaining an electric chain hoist is covered here.
Electric chain hoists are a low-maintenance and reliable option for lifting and lowering loads. However, choosing the right equipment for the application helps ensure you get the best performance. Several factors are essential to consider.
The weight of the loads you need to lift is a primary consideration when looking for an electric chain hoist. First, calculate the average and maximum weights you intend to raise.
Leaving a margin between the weight of the load and the hoist’s capacity is a good idea. Consistently working a hoist at its maximum capacity can cause the equipment to wear faster. You can perform better over time with a hoist that can comfortably handle the job.
The job site needs appropriate wiring for the hoist.
A single-phase electric chain hoist will plug into a standard electrical outlet. This type of hoist is ideal for mechanics or smaller machine shops.
Single-phase systems aren’t powerful enough for large industrial operations. Hoists that handle heavy loads regularly need three-phase power. It is more efficient and reliable.
The duty cycle refers to the time the equipment can operate continuously under normal conditions. For example, an electric hoist with a 25% duty cycle could run for 15 minutes before needing a period to cool down. Using a hoist beyond its duty cycle can shorten its service life.
The speed of the electric hoist affects productivity and efficiency. The speed should be enough for the height of the lift. If the rate is too low, you need too much of the duty cycle to raise a single load.
The best way to mount an electric hoist depends on the facility and the usage of the hoist. Electric hoists can be suspended in a fixed position or trolley-mounted.
A lug suspension is a highly secure fixed suspension. It can be a good choice for permanent applications. A top hook suspension can attach the hoist to a beam clamp or trolley.
Trolleys can be motorized or manually operated. Motorization is vital for heavy or bulky loads. A motorized trolley lets the operator manipulate the load from a distance.
Regular maintenance helps keep your electric chain hoist in top condition. As a result, you can avoid worker injuries and costly downtime. It also keeps your facility compliant with OSHA regulations.
Preventive inspections can identify possible risks before they become serious issues. First, an inspection looks for signs of wear or damage. The checklist should include parts such as the chain, chain drum, electric brake, and spring brake.
Routine maintenance can include:
Lubrication and adjustments
Replacement of worn parts
Electrical repairs
Load testing
This type of maintenance is essential for the safety and productivity of your facility.
Many factors contribute to finding a suitable electric chain hoist. Once you find the best equipment for your operation, you must keep it working its best. Regular inspections and maintenance help you avoid more significant problems later.
Kor-Pak is your trusted supplier of electric chain hoist parts. We’re a leading distributor of both OEM and aftermarket products. Our focus is on keeping your machines operating at peak efficiency.
Check out our complete line of hoists and crane parts to find the solution you need.