10 Jun 2017
CHOOSING YOUR ELECTRIC CHAIN HOIST
This article will assist you in Choosing an Electric Chain Hoist that is right for your application, we hope you find it helpful, remember- if you have any questions, a member of our team is standing by ready to answer any questions about powered chain hoists that you may have.
Points To Consider When Choosing An Electric Chain Hoist
Safe Working Load (SWL) this is the maximum weight you intend on lifting, some people like to have a little margin between the actual maximum load being lifted and the hoists SWL, this often results in customers buying 'the next size up', this is not essential but can be a good idea as sometimes this will result in a faster lifting speed and a lower impact on the larger hoist motor, in theory, this could lead to a longer working life of the hoist itself. But to keep it simple, you can work on the nearest model up from the maximum weight you intend on lifting, this might be 250kg, 500kg, 1000kg, 2000kg etc.
Height of Lift is measured usually in meters from the lowest load level to the underside of the beam/hoist body, its better to have a longer lifting height than one too short, having to purchase a new calibrated load chain can be an expensive mistake if you purchase a 19m height of lift hoist and figure out once installed that you require 20m- ouch! While we understand this sometimes happens we are lenient to customers who can sometimes make this mistake and will offer a new load chain at as close to cost as possible.
Suspension Method meaning basically the way the hoist is suspended. This might be from a simple static suspension point such as a top hook with safety catch or eye type lug suspension, this is simply bolted to the hoist body and is perfect for hoists that are not required to travel horizontally. Hoists that are required to travel horizontally can be specified with manual 'push' beam trolleys that fit to load rated I-beams and RSJs which allow the user to push and pull the hoist along the beam laterally by the load or load hook (you should never pull it along by the pendant control). Trolleys can also be supplied in electric format with single or two speeds of travel.
Supply Voltage is the type of electricity being fed to the hoist, so basically the power type at your site. In residential applications, this is usually 110v or 230v (UK Domestic 3Pin plug) Single Phase. In industrial applications, this is usually Three Phase 400v. We recommend if the supply is available that you purchase a 400v three phase hoist because these are the most cost effective, have the largest duty ratings and offer dual speed operation, generally if you can accommodate it you will benefit with more for your money with a three phase hoist.
Number of Chain Falls the best stability and reduced load sway comes from models with two falls of chain, however this can result in a very heavy hoist when working with twice as much chain as a single fall, they tend to have slower lifting speeds (sometimes desired) while hoist bodies tend to be smaller than those of the equivalent SWL in single fall. A two fall hoist chain is similar to a normal single fall chain but instead of attaching directly to a load hook, a two fall hoist chain will reeve in, around a chain wheel and out of a bottom block assembly. Single fall units where the hook is bolted directly into a hook can run faster, often are able to be set to two fall formats to increase lifting capacity and reduce speed- however, this can be an expensive conversion.
Motor Duty Something to consider is how often will you use the hoist? How many times per hour? Will these be full lifts of the total chain length or just part lifts? This information all determines which hoist is right for you. Now, although this sounds confusing, it only really applies to hoists being used more intensely or on a constant basis where the motor will be pushed and could overheat. This shouldn't make you concerned if you are using your hoist in normal conditions at a standard duty as all of our hoists are high quality and offer at least 25% duty rating. Our team can point you in the direction of hoists with a larger motor duty and those with overheat protection that will simply shut off in an event where the motor heat increases to a certain high point (this should only be used as a safety feature, however, not a guide).
Single or Dual Speed Ideally dual speed is best because you get a slow (creeping) speed and a fast (normal) speed. Single phase units, however, will only operate in single speed, one of the downfalls to single phase hoists. Three phase units usually offer dual speed operation in both the hoist and the trolley (if electric), this makes ideal smooth and precise movements.
Delivery of your hoist
Once ordered online or over the phone, your chain hoist order will be confirmed by email, your hoist will be chained up, tested, certified, packed and dispatched within 12-48 hours. Normal standardised hoists are delivered in 2-3 working days of order (unless otherwise advised). International delivery dates will vary due to transit times. Specialist hoists can be made to order and there for have increased lead times in some cases up to 12 working weeks. We have a huge range of manufacturers that we work with closely and will always do our best to accommodate your required delivery deadlines.
Service and Maintenance of Your Hoist
After service is something we pride ourselves on. Not only do we look after you while you make your first purchase with us, but we also go the extra mile once you join the LES family. We offer a complete maintenance package that is fully LOLER and PUWER compliant. LES are able to carry out warranty claims and out of warranty repairs for a huge range of the manufacturers, we work with, saving you time and money while dealing with your dedicated customer service representative of LES.
We are experts in the supply of Electric Chain Hoists and our team have years of experience in working on small single hoist projects up to more complex installations of multiple hoists and control systems in the industrial, aerospace and entertainment industries. Do remember that this article is guidance only and you are ultimately responsible for purchasing the correct hoist, please contact a member of our sales team for further information, prices, specifications and drawings or CAD files.
