Purchasing or specifying hoists to lift heavy objects in close proximity to equipment and/or personnel is a decision that deserves thoughtful consideration. In this article, we will identify some important items to factor into your decision-making process.
Download a complete guide to selecting the right hoist for your application.
When selecting a manual hand chain hoist, the rated capacity should be at least as high as the weight of the heaviest load to be lifted and no higher than the rated capacity of the pad eye, monorail system or other overhead structure from which the hoist will be suspended.
In addition to the factors listed above for manual hoists, when determining the capacity requirement for an electric or pneumatic hoist we must not only consider the weight of the heaviest load to be lifted, but we must also determine the Mean Effective Load ( MEL) and apply the MEL factor of .65.
For more detail refer to ASME HST-1, Performance Standard for Electric Chain Hoists, Section 1-1.1 through Section 1-2.4.2
Chain hoists can be suspended in a fixed location or they can be trolley mounted by means of a top hook or mounting lug. Trolleys can be rigid or articulating. Trolley traverse can be plain (push type), hand geared or motor-driven. See below for examples of typical chain hoist suspension types.
It’s appropriate to group these three parameters together because they are closely related. Simply put, the length of lift is the distance the load hook can travel between its fully lowered and fully raised positions.
Reach is equal to the difference in elevation between the hoist suspension point (pad eye or trolley beam running surface) and the hook saddle in its lowest position.
Headroom is the distance from the hoist suspension point and the fully raised hook saddle. For a hoist with top-hook suspension, the headroom dimension is the distance between the saddle of the top hook and the saddle of the fully raised lower hook.
Operation type refers to the power source used to drive the hoisting motion. Operation types include manual, electric or pneumatic (air) power. Some of the criteria for determining which of these types are best for a given application include initial cost, availability of utilities, duty cycle, lifting speed requirement, operating environment and more.
Manual hand chain hoists have the lowest purchase price, making them ideal for applications involving temporary or infrequent use, low capacities, short lift height and when power sources are not available.
Electric and pneumatic hoists offer faster lifting speeds, are more ergonomic and are better suited than manual hoists for heavy-duty cycles, high capacities and long lifts.
Air hoists require a substantial volume of compressed air for operation and are often used for applications involving long lifts or high duty cycles and in areas where electric power is impractical or unavailable. Air motors tend to be self-cooling, providing nearly unlimited run time capability. And, because there is no risk of electrical arcing, air hoists are also used in some hazardous areas where flammable gases or dust may be present. One downside is that air hoists tend to be significantly louder to operate than electric or manual hoists.
Electric hoists can have a lower purchase price than pneumatic hoists. They do not require the purchase and installation of an air compressor and are normally quieter than air hoists to operate. If suitable electric power is available, electric hoists are selected more often than pneumatic for most general lifting applications. Electric hoists can also be equipped with special motors and controls to make them suitable for use in designated hazardous areas.
The American Society of Engineers (ASME) and The Hoist Manufacturer’s Institute (HMI) have developed and published standards for hoists, including hoist duty ratings. These duty classifications are based on numerous factors, including the number of lifts performed per hour over a given work period, the average and maximum load that is lifted, the frequency at which the maximum load is lifted, the average distance the load is raised and lowered, and the maximum number of stops and starts per hour. The table shown below is provided for reference to help you understand the significance of duty class ratings provided by the hoist manufacturer for their products.
Hoist lifting speeds vary widely and should be considered carefully before making a selection. Generally speaking, faster lifting speeds are preferred for long lifts or for shorter lift applications in which a high number of lifting/lowering cycles must be completed in a relatively short period of time.
The weight of the load to be lifted, along with the required lifting speed and hoist gear ratio, determines the torque requirement, which in turn dictates the motor horsepower required to provide that torque. Higher horsepower motors can add to the size, weight and power consumption of a hoist, as well as its cost.
The most common lifting speeds are between 8 and 32 FPM. CMCO offers powered hoists with speeds as low as 3 FPM and as high as 64 FPM.
Some electric hoists are designed to operate on either 120 or 230vac, single-phase power. These hoists are typically ¼ to 2-ton capacity and are most often used in home workshops, garages, and some light manufacturing facilities. Most industrial facilities throughout North America are wired for 208, 230, 460 or 575v, 3-phase, 60 Hz power. The most common are voltages are 240v and 480v, although 575v is also frequently used in Canada. It is important to verify your available power supply before attempting to purchase or specify an electric hoist.
To reduce the risk of serious injury due to electric shock, most electric hoist controls do not run on the full line voltage that is supplied to the hoist motors. Instead, they utilize transformers to step down the control voltage to 120v or 24v. The majority of hoists in the U.S. feature 120v controls.
Hoists can be equipped with a variety of different control types. The most common are single-speed or two-speed contactor controls. Two-speed contactor control also requires a special motor with two-speed windings.
Another available control type is the variable speed drive (VFD), sometimes also referred to as an adjustable frequency drive (AFD). This solid-state control system adjusts AC motor speed and torque by varying motor input frequency and voltage. For example, a variable speed hoist that runs at 20 FPM on 60 Hz power would operate at roughly 10 FPM if through a VFD control the frequency is reduced to 30 Hz.
Closed-loop variable frequency drive systems, also known as flux vector drives, take VFD control to another level, using an encoder on rotating components, such as hoist motor shaft or gearbox output shaft, to send feedback to the control module. This type of closed-loop control system can provide extremely accurate speed control and load spotting and can be used in conjunction with a programmable logic control (PLC) to automate the lifting and lowering functions based on preset parameters. Another significant advantage of a flux vector hoist drive is dynamic braking, which provides softer stops and can significantly extend the life of the motor brake.
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The majority of electric chain hoists come equipped with a hard-wired control pendant that is suspended from the hoist, trolley or crane (where applicable). In some cases, hard-wired pendant stations may also be wall-mounted. Wireless radio remote control systems are also available and can allow the operator to control hoist functions from anywhere within the general vicinity of the hoist. Radio control pendants can also be smaller, lighter weight and more ergonomic than a hard-wired pendant.
Download a complete guide to selecting the right hoist for your application.
Before selecting a hoist, it is important to consider any dimensional constraints that exist in the area where the hoist may be used. Issues such as headroom clearance, side clearance along the length of monorail or crane beam, and end approach are particularly critical clearances.
The term “end approach” (see dimension “A” to the right) can be defined as the distance between the centerline of the lifting hook and the end of a monorail beam, bridge beam or runway on which the hoist is operating.
This is important as it relates to the ability to center the hoist over the load to be lifted to avoid side pulling. Learn more about the dangers of side pulling.
Standard chain hoists are designed for “normal operating conditions.” Conditions such as temperature extremes, unprotected outdoor areas, salt-laden marine environments, corrosive atmospheres, classified hazardous areas, clean rooms, and wash-down areas, among others, may require hoists with special modifications or optional features that are designed for those locations.
We hope the information in this article provided insight into some of the considerations that should be taken before buying or specifying a hoist. Selecting the right hoist for the application can be the first step towards safe, efficient and ergonomic movement of materials. For further assistance with your overhead lifting requirements, please contact our application experts.
Electric hoists (also known as electric chain hoists) are used for lifting or lowering material with the use of its electric motor and controller to easily lift and lower, with the ability to adjust the speed of some hoist models.
Most ideal for industrial purposes, electric hoists are ideal for more frequent and everyday usage, where faster lifting is required. They make light work of heavy objects in comparison to when manual hoists are used.
One of our best-selling electric hoist is the Yale CPV/F Electric Hoist With Integrated Trolley which is ideal for carrying loads above kg and for moving them across long distances, making it the perfect choice for frequent use. It offers a smooth start up, self-braking and boasts a compact and robust structure with low overall height. Now available at Lifting Gear Direct is the latest, 2nd generation Delta electric hoist, offering, quality, reliability and cost effectiveness and the DEH models are kept on the shelf for super quick delivery.
One of the main advantages of using an electric lifting hoist is the speed in which lifting and lowering can be done. Some of the slower models can reach 1.5 metres in one minute, whereas some of the faster electric hoists can reach 12 metres per minute. This means that if you are looking for a fast electric hoist, you should take this into consideration and electric hoists will all have different speeds. With the quick speeds, you’ll be able to complete lifting operations much more efficiently and faster.
Electric hoists are easy to use, meaning that less work is required to lift heavier loads in comparison to manual hoists. This means that if you’re intending to use the hoist for frequent operations, you will most likely benefit more from an electric hoist.
With lifting made much easier, the operations can be carried out without compromising on safety, therefore protecting the load and individuals using the electric hoist.
While electric hoists are more costly than manual hoists, they are inexpensive compared the cost of sick pay and down time due to muscle injuries from manual lifting and are therefore one of the most popular options in the industry due to their efficient operations even in demanding conditions. They are hassle-free, can be easily operated with basic, touch button controls and lift goods with high precision.
Manual hoists are a simple device made from durable, high-grade steel. While manual hoists are extremely easy to move around, however, they do require more effort to lift heavier loads in comparison to electric hoists.
When choosing a hoist that suits you, you should understand that manual hoists are designed for hoisting and lowering loads, and aren’t designed for pulling.
Our best-selling manual hoist is the LGD Chain Hoist which boasts a number of different lifting capacities. The hoist is ideal for heavy industrial use or tough mining operations. The different lifting capacities for the manual chain block range from the smallest at 0.5 tonnes, to the largest hand chain block at 5 tonnes. This means that the hoist should cover the majority of everyday lifting tasks.
The main types of manual hoisting devices include ratchet lever hoists, chain blocks, block & tackle and the pull winch.
Manual hoists work by hand, so no power supply is required to lift loads. This means that manual hoists can be used virtually anywhere, as long as they can be anchored securely. As manual hoists are generally easier to move around than electrical, they work perfectly for when you’re regularly on the move.
In comparison to electric hoists, manual hoists are more affordable and are perhaps best used for light lifting although heavy duty models are available and suitable for lifting really heavy loads often 20 tonne and more. As they do not require electricity, they are also much cheaper to run.
Manual hoists are safe to use, durable and are lightweight, making it a firm favourite for those in the industry who are unable to transport the heavier electric hoist.
There are a wide variety of hoisting equipment to choose from which will be best suited to specific lifting applications and therefore it is a good idea to think carefully about the type of hoist you need and for what type of application that will influence your choice of electric or manual hoist.
We believe in keeping our customers informed, so we are happy to help if you need to learn more about any of the powered electric hoists or manual models we sell. We can also provide you with maintenance and inspection services that Lifting Gear Direct can carry out
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Electric Hoist For Sale. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.