Hoists
A hoist is a machine specifically designed to raise and lower loads that are too heavy for manpower alone. Hoists have a drum or wheel around which wraps either a chain or rope that controls whether the load is raised or lowered.
Hoists come in all shapes and sizes. But what is a hoist? This article will uncover the definition of a hoist, the various types of hoists, the difference between hoists and cranes, and finally, some tips for purchasing a hoist. So let’s get to it.
Some hoists lift a lot of weight (over 50 tons!) and some lift fewer than 100 pounds. They truly come in all shapes, sizes, and purposes. However, there are many components that all hoists have in common.
Some components are unique to certain hoists. For example, electric-powered hoists have no use for the lever that manual-powered lever hoists have.
However, all hoists must have certain characteristics in order for them to claim the name ‘hoist.’ For example, all hoists have a load chain/rope, a lower hook, and a lifting/lowering mechanism. Let’s look at the other components of a hoist.
Hoists lift objects vertically (up and down) while cranes are capable of maneuvering vertically and horizontally (forward and back). However, cranes and hoists are often two parts of the same system.
One of the most common misunderstandings, when people are learning about hoists and cranes, is the difference between the two. Hoists & cranes often work together to achieve the same goal: to lift or lower something.
Typically, a hoist provided 1-Dimensional movement as it goes up and down. However, when a hoist is mounted on a crane, it allows for 2-Dimensional or 3-Dimensional movement. Therefore, the combined hoist & crane system has much greater flexibility than either machine acting alone.
There are several types of hoist devices. Most hoists are electric-powered, but they can also be pneumatic (air-powered) or manually operated. Let’s go through each hoist type to more thoroughly understand what exactly a hoist is and how they are used.
Operating a manual hoist, i.e. raising or lowering the load, is done by cranking a lever attachment or by pulling either end of the hand chain.
Manual chain hoists are not ideal for every scenario. However, there are plenty of situations where a manual hoist is the best solution. Let’s review some advantages and disadvantages of using manual hoists over a powered hoist.
We have a large selection of manual hoists for sale. These can be customized to lift various capacities, lift heights, and more, including accessories.
Just as manual chain hoists are not ideal for every scenario, electric chain hoists have pros and cons. Ultimately, the choice to purchase this type of hoist will depend on your intended use case. Let’s look at those pros and cons.
We have a large selection of electric-powered hoists for sale. These can be customized to lift various capacities, lift heights, and more, including accessories.
Air-powered hoists are the perfect choice for certain situations but not for others. With that said, let’s take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of air hoists.
We have a large selection of air-powered hoists for sale. They can be customized to lift various capacities, lift heights, and more, including accessories.
The history of hoists and lifting equipment goes back thousands of years. From the ancient Egyptians to the ancient Romans, humans have consistently developed ingenious technology to help them do the heavy lifting.
However, it wasn’t until the mid-1800’s that the world saw a revolution in hoisting equipment due to the inventions of electricity and hydraulics.
When choosing the right hoist, there are a number of factors to consider. The main three factors are:
Yet, if you still need more information before making a purchase, we have you covered. Check out our ultimate buyer’s guide for hoists or you can call us or chat with us using our live chat feature. We offer a range of customizations and shorter lead times than most other suppliers.
If you need to lift a heavy load, then a hoist is probably the right tool for the job. However, there are several types of hoists and advantages/disadvantages to using each of them. Therefore, it’s important to pick the model and specifications that are right for your project.
At Hoists.com, we’re happy to assist with all of your hoist and crane needs!