Whether you’re involved in construction, automotive, or any industry that requires the lifting and moving of heavy objects, hoists are essential tools to help you perform your tasks safely and efficiently. Hoists come in a variety of types and sizes, with costs varying depending on factors such as capacity, power source, and brand.
At Hoists.com, we sell dozens of different hoists so we know exactly how much hoists cost. We will explore the different types of hoists and provide a comprehensive guide on how much you can expect to pay for one.
Average Cost Of A Hoist
The price of a hoist can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. When looking at 12 different hoists of various types and capacities, we determined the average cost of a hoist to be $14,475. However, the price of hoisting equipment varies and increases every year.
| Hoist Name | Hoist Type | Other Attributes | Hoist Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CM Bandit BAN600 6-Ton Lever Chain Hoist | Manual Chain Hoist | 10 Feet of lift | $1,579 |
| CM Hurricane 360 HU5000 5-Ton Hand Chain Hoist | Manual Chain Hoist | 10 Feet of lift, Army Geared Trolley | $3,204 |
| Harrington Series CB 15-Ton Hand Chain Hoist | Manual Chain Hoist | 10 Feet of lift | $8,355 |
| Budgit Series 2200 BAHC2526 1/4-Ton 65fpm Air Chain Hoist | Pneumatic Chain Hoist | Pendant throttle | $4956 |
| Budgit Series 2200 BAH0123 1-Ton 23fpm Air Chain Hoist | Pneumatic Chain Hoist | Pull chord | $5,144 |
| Budgit Series 6000 BAHC0205 2-Ton 5fpm Air Chain Hoist | Pneumatic Chain Hoist | Pendant throttle | $11,548 |
| Budgit Manguard BEHC 1-Ton 16fpm Electric Chain Hoist | Electric Chain Hoist | 10 Feet of lift, Rigid hook, 115v/230v-1-60 | $3,660 |
| CM Lodestar Model RRT 3-Ton 11fpm Electric Chain Hoist | Electric Chain Hoist | 10 Feet of lift, Motorized trolley, 230v/460v-3-60 | $10,998 |
| Harrington NER 10-ton 5.5fpm Electric Chain Hoist | Electric Chain Hoist | 10 Feet of lift, Plain trolley | $15,860 |
| Yale YKA-L03 3-Ton Wire Rope Hoist | Wire Rope Hoist | 20 Feet of lift, 230v-3-60 | $10,402 |
| Yale YKD-L07 7-1/2-Ton Wire Rope Hoist | Wire Rope Hoist | 56 Feet of lift, 460v-3-60 | $32,223 |
| Yale YKE-S20 20-Ton Wire Rope Hoist | Wire Rope Hoist | 66 Feet of lift, 230v-3-60 | $65,772 |
Types of Hoists
There are several types of hoists with different attributes and a different average cost. Each type of hoist has its unique advantages and applications, so it’s important to carefully assess your needs before deciding on the most suitable option.
Manual Hoists
These are the simplest type of hoist, operated by hand using a chain or rope. They are ideal for light-duty lifting tasks and are more cost-effective compared to their electric or pneumatic counterparts. The lifting capacity of manual hoists typically ranges from 0.5 to 20 tons.
Electric Hoists
As the name suggests, electric hoists are powered by electricity and are commonly used in workshops, garages, and warehouses. They can handle heavier loads, with lifting capacities usually ranging from 1 to 100 tons.
Pneumatic Hoists
Utilizing compressed air as their power source, pneumatic hoists are well-suited for use in hazardous environments or where electricity is not available. These hoists are known for their durability and ability to withstand harsh conditions, making them popular in industries like oil and gas, chemical, and mining. Pneumatic hoists typically have lifting capacities ranging from 0.5 to 100 tons.
Wire Rope Hoists
These hoists use wire ropes instead of chains or ropes for lifting, providing greater strength and durability. Wire rope hoists can be electrically or pneumatically powered and are commonly used for industrial applications that require higher capacities and longer lift heights. Lifting capacities for wire rope hoists typically range from 1 to 100 tons or more.
Factors Affecting Hoist Cost
In addition to the type of hoist, there are several other factors that determine the cost of a hoist. Some of these factors include the lifting capacity, suspension type, brand, quality, and more. Let’s take a look at how these factors affect the cost.
- Lifting Capacity: The greater the lifting capacity of the hoist, the higher the cost. For instance, a manual hoist capable of lifting 1 ton will be less expensive than a hydraulic hoist with a 50-ton capacity.
- Suspension Type: There are several suspension types that a hoist can have. A hook suspension is standard and the most common, but there are also mounted suspensions, trolley suspensions, and more. The hook suspension is the least expensive and the trolley suspensions are normally the most expensive.
- Power Source: Electric and hydraulic hoists are generally more expensive than manual ones due to their power source and more complex mechanisms.
- Brand and Quality: Top-tier brands known for their durability and reliability will come with a higher price tag. However, investing in a reputable brand often means lower maintenance costs and a longer lifespan for your hoist.
- Additional Features: Hoists with advanced features, such as variable speed control, overload protection, and remote control capabilities, will also increase the overall cost.
Price Ranges
Now that we know the different types of hoists that exist as well as the various factors that affect the price, we can now make sense of how different hoists are priced. Here are the average prices for the various types of hoists.
- Manual Hoists: Prices for manual hoists start as low as $50 for a basic model with a lifting capacity of 0.5 tons. Heavy-duty manual hoists with capacities up to 20 tons can cost between $200 and $20,000.
- Electric Hoists: Electric hoists can range from around $2,000 for smaller models with a 1-ton capacity to over $100,000 for industrial-grade models with lifting capacities of 20 tons or more.
- Pneumatic Hoists: Pneumatic hoists can also have a wide price range, with smaller models starting at around $500 for a 0.5-ton capacity, and larger, heavy-duty models with capacities up to 100 tons costing between $2,000 and $20,000 or more, depending on the specific features and brand.
- Wire Rope Hoists: Prices for wire rope hoists can start at around $1,000 for smaller models with a 1-ton capacity and go up to $100,000 or more for heavy-duty industrial models with capacities of 100 tons or more. The cost will vary based on the power source, brand, and additional features.
Conclusion
The cost of a hoist will depend on various factors, such as lifting capacity, power source, brand, and additional features. It’s essential to carefully consider your needs and budget before making a purchase. Keep in mind that investing in a high-quality hoist from a reputable brand will likely save you money in the long run, as it will require less maintenance and have a longer lifespan.
If you have any additional questions about determining the right hoist for your needs, check out our resources page or contact our customer service and we would be happy to assist you.