Choosing the Electric Chain Hoist that is right for you

Consider how long the hoist will be running in a single 8 hour shift or minutes running per hour. Starts per hour and running time determine the Duty Cycle you will need for your hoist. This can range from 5 minutes per hour to continuous duty of 60 minutes per hour. Making the right choice here will determine the longevity of the equipment you are buying.

These duty classifications are based on numerous factors, including the number of lifts performed per hour over a given work period, the average and maximum load that is lifted, the frequency at which the maximum load is lifted, the average distance the load is raised and lowered, and the maximum number of stops and starts per hour.

The table shown below is provided for reference to help you understand the significance of duty class ratings provided by the hoist manufacturer for their products.

The height of the lift is the height from the lowest load level up to the beam or hoist. It is recommended to purchase electric chain hoists with enough lift for the hook to reach the floor. Take Headroom into consideration to ensure that your load can be raised high enough to clear any obstructions that may be in your work areas.

The lifting speed of a hoist is influenced by motor horsepower, gearbox ratio, and chain reeving. Electric chain hoists offer lifting speeds from as slow as 3 feet per minute up to 64 feet per minute. Higher horsepower motors can add to the size, weight and power consumption of a hoist, as well as its cost. If you are in a fast-paced production business, you might need faster electric hoists. Faster lifting speeds are preferred for long lifts or for shorter lift applications in which a high number of lifting/lowering cycles must be completed in a relatively short period of time.

Whereas, if your business requires less lifting and lowering of loads, then you'd need slow or medium-paced hoists.

Two speed hoists offer the flexibility for the operator to make use of a higher speed for movement or a slower pace for more precise placement of loads.

Choose a hoist with an appropriate lifting speed based on your operational needs to ensure optimal performance and productivity.

Keep your operators safe and protect your product and equipment from costly damage. Choose electric hoists with safety features such as load limiters, secondary brakes, chain containers and loading protection. It provides a safe and secure environment, minimizing damage and accidents to the workspace or to the employees.

Make sure that the structure where you are going to mount your hoist is capable of supporting your hoist and its load and has been certified by a Professional Engineer.

Make sure that the structure where you are going to mount your hoist is capable of supporting your hoist and its load and has been certified by a Professional Engineer.

Standard chain hoists are designed for "normal operating conditions." Conditions such as temperature extremes, unprotected outdoor areas, salt-laden marine environments, corrosive atmospheres, classified hazardous areas, clean rooms, and wash-down areas, among others, may require hoists with special modifications or optional features that are designed for those locations.