How To Find The Right Parts For Your Hoist

It’s no secret that hoists take a beating of the course of their life. They lift hundreds if not thousands of pounds many times per day. With all that wear and tear, it’s no wonder that some of the hoists components eventually need to be replaced.

Replacing the worn components on your hoist can greatly extend its lifespan, leading to long-term savings. Additionally, servicing your hoist will keep you safe, as well as anyone else who will operate it.

Some components of a hoist wear faster than others. This, of course, depends on the hoist model and how it’s used. However, generally speaking, these are some of the most common parts that will need to be replaced on your hoist:

• Load Chain or Wire Rope: These components bear the weight of the load and can wear down over time due to constant use. Regular inspection is essential to ensure they don’t become frayed or stretched.
• Hooks: Hoist hooks can become damaged, bent, or worn out over time, especially when lifting heavy loads repeatedly. Hooks should be replaced if any deformation or cracks are visible.
• Brakes: Hoist brakes experience significant stress as they control the load’s movement. Worn-out brake components can lead to unsafe operations and should be replaced to maintain proper load control.
• Gears: The gears within a hoist can wear out from friction and frequent use. Worn gears can lead to inefficient operation or even breakdowns, necessitating replacement.
• Bearings: Bearings help the hoist’s components move smoothly. Over time, bearings can wear out, leading to increased friction and possible hoist failure.
• Control Systems (e.g., Pendant Controls): The controls that operate the hoist can wear out due to constant use or exposure to harsh environments, requiring periodic replacement to maintain operational safety.
• Limit Switches: These switches ensure the hoist doesn’t travel too far in either direction. Worn or damaged limit switches can fail, leading to dangerous operation or equipment damage.
• Motors: The motor that powers the hoist can experience wear, overheating, or electrical issues over time, leading to the need for repair or replacement.

In order to determine which replacement parts you need, you can troubleshoot your hoist for issues and check for signs of wear. Here’s a brief guide to do so:

1. Inspect Power Supply

• Check Connections: Ensure the hoist is properly plugged in or connected to its power source.
• Verify Voltage: Use a voltmeter to check that the hoist is receiving the correct voltage. If it’s not, there could be an issue with the power supply.
• Check Circuit Breakers/Fuses: Inspect any breakers or fuses for tripping or blowing. Reset or replace them if necessary.

2. Listen for Unusual Noises

• Grinding or Clunking: This may indicate worn gears or bearings.
• Clicking: Could indicate a relay or electrical component failure.
• Squealing or Screeching: Could point to a brake or motor issue.

3. Test Controls

• Check Pendant or Remote Controls: Inspect buttons and switches for wear or damage. Ensure connections to the control unit are secure.
• Test Functions: Operate the hoist in both directions and at all speeds (if applicable) to see if it responds properly. If not, the control circuit or switches may need attention.

4. Examine Load Chain or Wire Rope

• Check for Wear or Damage: Inspect for stretching, kinking, or fraying. If you notice any damage, the chain or rope should be replaced immediately.
• Proper Lubrication: Ensure the load chain or wire rope is adequately lubricated to prevent excessive wear.

5. Check the Hook and Load Block

• Look for Deformation: Inspect the hook for signs of bending or cracking. A damaged hook can lead to unsafe lifting operations.
• Verify Hook Safety Latch: Ensure the latch works properly and is not missing or damaged.

6. Test the Brakes

• Check Brake Response: Lift a small load and lower it. If the load slips or takes a long time to stop, the brakes may be worn out or improperly adjusted.
• Adjust or Replace: If the brakes don’t engage properly, you may need to adjust or replace brake pads or other braking components.

7. Check for Overheating

• Inspect the Motor: If the hoist motor overheats, it could be due to overuse, improper voltage, or internal motor issues like worn brushes or windings.
• Allow Cooling: Let the motor cool down and check if it operates again. If overheating persists, the motor may need service or replacement.

8. Verify Limit Switches

• Check Switch Functionality: If the hoist doesn’t stop at the upper or lower limits, inspect the limit switches for wear or damage.
• Adjust or Replace: If the limit switches don’t engage, you may need to adjust or replace them.

9. Examine Gears and Bearings

• Check for Wear or Misalignment: If the hoist makes grinding noises or operates roughly, inspect the gears and bearings for signs of wear or misalignment.
• Replace as Needed: Worn or damaged gears and bearings should be replaced to ensure smooth operation.

10. Inspect Safety Devices

• Emergency Stop: Test the emergency stop button to ensure it works properly.
• Overload Protection: If the hoist shuts down under a normal load, inspect the overload protection system. It may need to be reset or serviced.

The best way to identify the specific parts you need for your hoist is by checking your hoists operation manual or parts list. If you’ve already determined via troubleshooting which parts need replacing, your operation manual will give you the specifics. This includes the size, quantity, voltage, and any other attribute. It will also tell you the manufacturer part number.

Once you have the part number, you can either do a quick search on the web for that part number, or you can contact us at Hoists.com. We have a large inventory of hoist parts available for purchase and if we don’t have the part you need, we will find it for you.