Since it is the equipment that effectively lifts and lowers a load, a hoist may be considered the most crucial part of an overhead crane system. A hoist on an overhead crane carries and drops weight by looping a chain or wire rope around a lift-wheel or drum. Though there are many chain hoist manufacturers in the market, partnering with the right and experienced one makes a huge difference.
Two important characteristics distinguish hoists:
- The hoisting medium (chain or wire rope) by which the load is supported.
- The type of power source used to conduct the lifting operation (hand-powered/manual, electric, or air-powered).
Based on the hoisting medium, the power sources utilized to control the hoist, and the attachment system, there are several diverse variants of hoists. Understanding what these phrases represent and which type is optimal for your overhead crane system can be confusing.
Chain Hoists— Perfect Tool for Lifting Operations
The metal chain is used as the hoisting medium, and the lifting is performed by pulling the chain using sprockets and dropping it into a container. When it comes to lifting heavy goods, chain hoists are very popular. They require very little maintenance and are usually less costly than wire rope hoists. Traditionally, electric or air-driven chain hoists are available.
Chain hoists have a lesser strength and are more often seen on lighter duty applications below 5-tons, while being a reliable and cost-effective solution.
Key Benefits of Using a Chain Hoist—
- The chain has a longer lifespan than wire rope.
- It is transportable and can withstand extra misuse.
- The ability to modify the lift’s height by just replacing the chain.
- There is no drum in this lightweight, space-saving design.
- Up to 25-tonne capacity (as standard design)
Key Disadvantages of Using a Chain Hoist—
- Lifting speed is controlled.
- It is a louder operation.
- At lift heights of more than 20 feet, this could be a challenge.
Electric Overhead Crane Hoists
Electric hoists can be built using a chain or wire rope. An electric motor is used to drive gears inside the hoist to move or drop the load. Pushbutton pendants or radio controllers are used to operate electric hoists.
Electric hoists are usually hard-wired into the power supply of the crane. Light-duty electric hoists that run on 110 volts can be plugged into any regular outlet ensuring a smooth operation.
Electric hoists can be widely utilized in different applications and are available in a wide variety of forms and setups, but their switching frequency and ability to work constantly are restricted. To avoid overheating, the motor in the crane needs a cooling-off period after operations.
Characteristics of Electric Chain Hoists
- Suitable for industrial facilities, power generation and manufacturing.
- Available in a variety of combinations with many options.
- When deciding on the hoist duty cycle, emphasize the overall number of lifting speeds, and the circumstance it will be used. Also, keep the following in mind:
- Number of lifts per hour
- The amount of load you’re lifting
- The duration of time the hoist is in use
Pneumatic or Air Hoists
Pneumatic hoists, also known as air hoists, use compressed air to drive a rotating or pneumatically driven motor. Since air circulates through the device and cools the hoist as it goes, unlike electrically driven hoists, air hoists can work continuously without interrupting or fearing the overheating of hoists.
Air hoists are suited for industrial and heavily loaded production situations, and they excel in high-speed, high-use situations with repeated start and pauses. They have a considerable lifting capability (up to 100 tons) and are resistant to extreme temperatures. Air hoists are widely used in explosion-proof areas and can be made spark-resistant by employing brass or stainless parts.
For a compressed air hoist to perform at its specified capacity and performance, the air quality, air circulation, and pressure it takes are critical.
Characteristics of Electric Chain Hoists
- Suitable for industrial facilities, power generation and manufacturing.
- Available in a variety of combinations with many options.
- When deciding on the hoist duty cycle, emphasize the overall number of lifting speeds, and the circumstance it will be used. Also, keep the following in mind:
- Number of lifts per hour
- The amount of load you’re lifting
- The duration of time the hoist is in use
Get In Touch with MIT Hoist Today!
Looking to add some good range of overhead lifting systems to help your business succeed? We are one of the leading electric chains and air chain hoists manufacturers providing industries with superlative overhead lifting systems since our inception.