CM Lodestar vs. Lodestar Classic (Comparing Specs & Options)

Both hoists can be identified quickly by serial prefix, label background color, and overall hoist length, which matters for ordering the right parts and wiring info. Specifically, the Lodestar serial number prefix is “NL”, it has a black label, and longer body, while the Lodestar Classic has a serial number prefix of “L”, has a white label, and a shorter body.

Both models are positioned for overhead industrial lifting, but the Next Gen Lodestar is marketed around higher duty cycles, tackling the “toughest applications,” and reduced maintenance. The Lodestar Classic is positioned as a proven, popular industrial electric chain hoist, emphasizing long life and heavy-duty use.

Both the Next Gen Lodestar and the Lodestar Classic cover the same overall rated capacity family: 1/8 ton through 3 tons. Practically, that means you can often standardize on one “Lodestar family” for common capacities and then pick Next Gen vs Classic based on features and service preferences.

Across the combined offering (single-speed and two-speed models), both the Lodestar and Lodestar Classic span roughly 1.8 FPM on the low end up to 64 FPM on the high end, depending on model and configuration. So the “speed range” is the same between Next Gen and Classic, but your actual speed is determined by the specific model you select.

For both hoists, 10 ft, 15 ft, and 20 ft are standard single-speed lifts, and 10 ft is the standard lift for two-speed units. Longer lifts are available by special order, so “standard lift” is mostly a stocking and configuring convention rather than a hard limit.

Both hoist product lines offer 115V single-phase and 230/460V three-phase within their broader voltage tables. If you keep the comparison constrained to just those voltages, the choice between Next Gen Lodestar and Lodestar Classic is more about features (braking, controls, maintenance access, etc.) than power availability.

Both the Lodestar and Lodestar Classic come with a rigid hook standard, and have optional suspensions such as the swivel hook, push/plain trolley, hand-geared trolley, and motorized trolley suspensions. This includes Universal trolleys which are extremely versatile, and CM Series 635 trolleys which offer lower headroom.

The Lodestar includes a fabric chain container as standard on all models. However, for the Lodestar Classic, chain containers are an optional accessory. Both hoists have additional material options for chain containers such as metal containers which supports longer lifts, or stainless steel containers for food grade applications.

The CM Lodestar is CSA approved, confirming it meets applicable CSA safety requirements for electrical equipment used in overhead lifting. However, the Lodestar Classic is not CSA approved. That certification can make it easier to specify and commission the hoist in plants that require third-party approvals for compliance, inspections, or internal safety sign-off.

The Next Gen Lodestar highlights safety-related design choices, such as the overload clutch, adjustable limit switch, and standard heavy-duty DC brake (with optional brake upgrades). The Lodestar Classic manual distinguishes the overload system by referencing Protector™ for Classic and covers general safe operation expectations under ASME B30.16 context.

Both the CM Lodestar (Next Gen) and the CM Lodestar Classic are made in the USA. For buyers who prioritize domestic manufacturing, this is a shared strength rather than a differentiator between the two hoists.

Both the Lodestar and the Lodestar Classic come with a lifetime warranty, and the CMCO warranty terms spell out 1 year for electrical components and lifetime for mechanical components (with registration requirements). Those warranty terms apply at the manufacturer-policy level.