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10 Jun 2017

Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Electric Chain Hoist

An electric chain hoist is comprised of an electric motor, brake, gearbox, controller and load chain wheel, as well as an alloy steel chain as the lifting component. They can lift a wide range of goods, offering fast speeds and precision control. But, how to choose an electric chain hoist for specific requirements?

This article will assist you and explain clearly what to consider when buying an electric chain hoist, including height of lift, suspension types, hoisting speeds and more. Remember, if you have any questions, a member of our team is standing ready to answer any questions about powered chain hoists for lifting.

 

5 QUESTIONS YOU MUST ASK BEFORE BUYING AN ELECTRIC HOIST

We’ve created this electric hoist buying guide because it’s important to choose an electric hoist that matches your environment, infrastructure and usage needs. However, before making a purchase, ask yourself these five critical questions:

1.       Is your structure compatible with the hoist?

Ensure the hoist is suitable for your overhead beam type and size. The beam must be rated for the weight you intend to lift, as well as be compatible with the trolley or clamp mechanism you’ll use.

2.       Do you have the correct power supply?

An electric chain hoist requires a specific power input depending on size and industrial setting. Confirm you have a stable and accessible supply to avoid costly rewiring or overloading issues. In industrial applications, this is usually three-phase 400v, which is cost effective, has the largest duty ratings and offers dual speed operation. We have a Lodestar Electric Chain Hoist to support different power requirements.

3.       Where will the hoist be used?

Think about where the hoist will be used. It might be used indoors, outdoors or have to withstand corrosive environments. If it is going to be in harsh conditions or outdoors, the hoist may require weatherproofing and components designed to accommodate these requirements.

4.       What is the exact weight of the loads?

Overestimating can lead to unnecessary cost, while underestimating can be dangerous. Choose a hoist with a safe working load (SWL) that covers your heaviest routine lifts, with room for occasional variation.

 5.       How frequently will it be used?

The duty cycle affects motor choice and cooling needs. For continuous or intensive use, choose a high-duty hoist designed for demanding applications.

KEY SPECIFICATIONS TO UNDERSTAND WHEN CHOOSING YOUR ELECTRIC CHAIN HOIST

HEIGHT OF LIFT

The electric chain hoist height of lift is typically measured in metres and refers to the vertical distance from the lowest load level to the underside of the beam/hoist body. It’s better to have a longer lifting height than one too short – having to purchase a new calibrated load chain can be an expensive mistake. For example, don’t make the mistake and purchase a 19m height of lift hoist and figure out that once installed, you require 20m – ouch! However, don’t have a height of lift too long, as you risk excess chain slack, which can interfere with operations.

Working this out is crucial, and the best way to calculate it is to measure the distance between where the hoist is mounted and the lowest point you need to lift from. Extended lift heights are essential for high-bay warehouses or mezzanine setups, so always specify this requirement when ordering.

SAFE WORKING LOAD (SWL)

The SWL is the maximum weight you intend to lift. Some like to have a little margin between the actual maximum load being lifted and the hoist’s SWL. This often results in customers buying the ‘next size up’, and while it’s not essential, it 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 electric chain hoist itself.

Just like you should follow all height safety rules, exceeding the safe working load chain hoist value risks damaging the hoist, compromising your structure and endangering staff. You must also ensure the supporting beam, frame or gantry matches or exceeds the hoist’s SWL rating. 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.

FALLS OF LOAD CHAIN

This refers to the number of chain falls or strands supporting the load. There are two types of chain fall: single fall hoists and dual fall hoists.

·         Single fall hoists use one chain line and are faster, lighter and more cost effective.

·         Dual fall hoists offer higher lifting capacity but may operate at reduced speed and require a larger chain container. A dual fall hoist chain is similar to a single variant, but instead of attaching directly to a load hook, it will reeve in around a chain wheel and out of a bottom block assembly. 

CHAIN CONTAINER

When researching how to choose an electric chain hoist, you should be aware of the chain container, which stores the slack or excess chain during lifting. The container collects and stores the unused chain safely, preventing tangling, reducing trip hazards and protecting the lifted load from contact with swinging chain lengths. 

SUSPENSION TYPES

This covers the way the hoist is suspended and can be broken down into several subcategories.

·         Hook (temporary mounting) – ideal for temporary or portable use, with a simple design that makes mounting and relocating easy.

·         Lug suspension – designed for permanent installation, offering a compact fit and rigid mounting.

·         Push trolley – hoists that are required to travel horizontally can be specified with manual push beam trolleys that fit to load-rated I-beams and RSJs.

·         Geared trolley – involves hand-operated lateral movement, where precise manual positioning is required.

·         Electric travel trolley – powered movement along a beam, perfect for high-frequency use or heavier loads, especially over longer distances.

Trolleys can also be supplied in electric format with single or two speeds of travel.

HOISTING AND TRAVEL SPEEDS

Speaking of travel speeds, chain hoists for lifting can operate at different speeds, and choosing the right one based on your operational needs will ensure efficient, productive, precise and safe lifting. Electric chain hoist lifting speed options vary depending on your load type, working environment and frequency of lifting. 

SINGLE SPEED VS DUAL SPEED HOISTS

·         Single speed hoists offer consistent, straightforward lifting. However, some see this as one of the downfalls of single phase hoists. But single speed works best for repetitive lifting tasks with little variation.

·         Dual speed hoists are considered best because you get a slow (creeping) speed and a fast (normal) speed. They allow for far greater control and are particularly useful for delicate or high-value loads, where careful movement is essential. 

SINGLE SPEED VS DUAL SPEED TRAVEL TROLLEY

If you’re using an electric travel trolley, consider whether your requirements need single speed or dual speed movement. Dual speed trolleys provide more precise positioning and smoother deceleration, helping to reduce swing and improve safety during lateral movement. A dual speed travel trolley is beneficial for larger or suspended loads in congested environments.

INDOOR VS OUTDOOR USAGE CONSIDERATIONS

Choosing an electric chain hoist for outdoor use requires research and specific attention to environmental conditions. Indoor hoists may not withstand the moisture, dust or temperature changes found in outdoor or industrial environments.

It’s important to look for electric chain hoists made with corrosion-resistant materials, such as zinc-plated load chains, or components made from galvanised or stainless steel. Weatherproofing and sealed casings help protect internal mechanisms, and looking out for the system’s IP (Ingress Protection) rating will give you a good indication if it is suitable for outdoor use. IP55 or higher is recommended.

You could also choose optional accessories for electric chain hoists, such as rain covers, outdoor-rated pendant controls and insulated cables, which help extend the hoist's life and maintain performance in harsher conditions. 

COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN CHOOSING AN ELECTRIC CHAIN HOIST

Don’t make these mistakes on what to consider when buying an electric chain hoist, as it can lead to downtime, safety risks and extra costs:

·         Underestimating load weight – always calculate maximum loads with a safety margin, as guessing leads to unsafe operation.

·         Ignoring duty cycle – frequent usage of your electric hoist will require a high-duty rating. Using a light-duty hoist intensively can lead to overheating and premature failure.

·         Choosing the wrong suspension method – ensure the mounting method suits the environment. For example, hook suspension in a permanent setting may lack stability.

·         Using indoor hoists outdoors – without the proper IP rating or weather protection, your hoist will be compromised due to rust and corrosion, leading to control failure and warranty voidance. 

GET THE IDEAL ELECTRIC CHAIN HOISTS WITH LES

Here at Lifting Equipment Store® (LES), we are experts in the supply of electric chain hoists, and our team has years of experience working on small single hoist projects up to more complex installations of multiple hoists and control systems. We serve several industries, including the industrial, aerospace and entertainment sectors, helping them find the ideal lifting equipment for their direct needs. 

Choosing the right electric chain hoists is essential for the safety, efficiency and longevity of your lifting operations. If you are ever unsure what hoist to choose, please contact a member of our sales team for further information, prices, specifications and guidance.

 

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