Selecting The Correct Chain Hoist

A chain hoist can be either manually operated using a rotating hand guide, or electrically powered. A manual chain hoist is ideal for use in environments where electricity is not available. They are also an economical solution when there is no need for daily operation.

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An electric chain hoist typically operates using a motor powered pulley to raise and lower the load chain to the required height. The load chain will have a hook on the end for easy attachment to the load. A chain bag is attached to the casing of the hoist, to catch excess chain as the load is lifted up.

The hoist is controlled using a pendant or remote, which extends on a lead down from the hoist to the operator. This pendant control will have buttons which control lifting and lowering, as well as an emergency stop button for safety.  An electric chain hoist is the easiest way to perform a safe and controlled lift.

When selecting a chain hoist there are various factors to take into consideration:

• The required Working Load Limit (WLL) - The WLL of the hoist must be more or equal to the maximum weight that is to be lifted. Remember to factor in any extra rigging equipment required to sling the load (e.g. spreader bar, hooks, shackles etc.)
• The required lifting height - Most hoists will lift between a maximum of 3 and 9 meters. Other custom-built sizes may be available.
• The available power supply - Many hoists require three-phase power for operation. Some are also available for single phase power use.
• The operating environment - Take into consideration: humidity, extreme temperatures (both hot and cold), work environments high in salt or other corrosive chemicals, heat from sun exposure. Extreme or corrosive environments may accelerate wear and tear on electric chain hoists.
• The frequency of use - Take into consideration the number of starts per hour, number of hours used per day, and number of days used per year. Also consider the type of work the hoist will be doing: moving back and forth along a beam or constantly lifting to its capacity in both weight and height.

All Lifting&#;s chain hoist range come with a wide range of options and accessories to suit any application. If you are looking to purchase a Chain Hoist an if you aren't sure which one to choose from, do not hesitate to contact us and one of our lifting specialists will be happy to help. 

Are you interested in learning more about What Is a Chain Hoist? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

Welcome to The Hoist Guy's Blog, where our resident Hoist Guy, Andrew T. Litecky, shares his knowledge and experience of many years in the overhead material handling industry to offer up some tips for buying air-powered chain hoists.

Air-Powered Chain Hoists

Hoists for air-powered applications are in a distinct category from electric or manually powered hoists, and for the investment, buyers should take care to find the right model. When the appropriate equipment is selected, air-powered hoists can be relied on to stand up to heavy usage.

The Hoist Guy's Top 5 Tips for Buying an Air Chain Hoist

If you&#;re in the market for an air chain hoist then it&#;s likely your work space already has compressed air. Whether you&#;re starting from the beginning, replacing an old model, or upgrading your capacity, it&#;s still important to examine all the factors below.

1. Do you have both the air pressure and the air volume to properly power the hoist? Just as an electric hoist uses electrical service (voltage and amperage) for power, the air hoist must use both pressure (ie- 90 psi) and volume (ie- 80 cfm) for power. If either component is low, the hoist will not perform correctly.
   
   
2. What are your basic specs? Start with the capacity you need and the required lift &#; the distance from the high hook point to the low hook point. Do you need a motorized trolley, hand geared trolley or push trolley? The rule of thumb for trolley safety is to use the most basic equipment as possible. If you can push the load with your hands, use a push trolley. If not, then consider hand geared or motorized.
   
   
3. How would you describe the application&#;s environment? Is it a hazardous location? In the United States, the National Electric Code (NEC) defines hazardous locations. The air-powered hoist, as a mechanical device, avoids the electrical classifications as specified by the NEC. A decision will need to be made about spark resistant features. This can only be done on a case-by-case basis.
   
   
4. Is this air hoist for use in continuous production? Air hosts are excellently suited for high duty cycle applications. Unlike electric hoists, in which an electric motor generates heat with every start, the more starts an air motor uses, the cooler it gets as more air flows through the system. Be sure to mention the expected usage in your RFQ to get the equipment suited to your needs.
   
   
5. When it comes to brand and budgets do you prefer top of the line quality or the best priced equipment that meets spec? As always, there are trade-offs. Current options on the US market include premium quality, more expensive brands that ship from stock as well as more competitively priced brands with lead times from 2 to 4 weeks. When requesting a quote, be sure to include your required delivery date or advise if you have flexibility in your timeline.

Bonus Tip:  Get an F/L/R&#; Most air-powered chain hoists must operate on filtered and lubricated air. A filter-regulator-lubricator, mounted as closely to the hoist as possible, will give the best results.

Air-Powered Chain Hoists for Sale

Shupper-Brickle Equipment offers a range of air-powered chain hoists, wire rope air hoists and air-powered trolleys. We represent JD Neuhaus, Budgit brand air hoists, Harrington air hoists, Coffing brand air hoists, CM air hoists, and Ingersoll Rand. We work with our customers to find the best equipment for their budget with a delivery that meets their needs. Contact us for more information on new equipment or to ask about our engineering services.

The company is the world’s best Lifting Chain Manufacturer supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.