Ratchet Lever Hoists
We stock a range of ratchet lever hoists from a variety of trusted brands like Yale and William Hackett, sold at competitive prices and designed to make lifting, pulling and tensioning easier and more efficient. Shop today and start lifting more and worrying less.
WHAT ARE RATCHET LEVER HOISTS?
Ratchet lever hoists are a type of manual lifting equipment designed for the raising and lowering of heavy loads. Lever hoists are comprised of a lever, a chain or wire rope, a load hook, a brake and a ratchet and pawl system. The lever applies force to engage the ratchet to lift or lower the load incrementally for a range of applications. Ratchet hoists are also portable, have no limit to chain length and can feature different load-bearing capacities.
SELECTING THE RIGHT RATCHET LEVER HOIST
Choosing the right lever hoists for your business is down to the application you need them for. At LES, we offer a range of ratchet lever hoists which suit different industries and their applications. It’s best to factor in your load-bearing requirements, the type of environment (indoors or outdoors) the hoist will be situated as well as the height of the lift and fall of the chain.
If you’d like further advice or are unsure which ratchet lever hoist is right for you, reach out to our knowledgeable and friendly sales team, who will be more than happy to help you make an informed decision.
HOW MUCH WEIGHT CAN A RATCHET LEVER HOIST HOLD?
The amount of weight a lever hoist can lift will depend on the specifications of each individual hoist. Ratchet hoists are categorised as either light, medium or heavy-duty, each of which has different tolerable loads.
Each ratchet lever hoist is different and is optimised for different applications and weights. We have classic LES lever hoists, capable of lifting 3000kg, to William Hackett ATEX-L4 800kg-10TE lever hoists capable of lifting up to 10 tonnes! You should always check the specifications of your individual lever hoist before lifting.
COMMON APPLICATIONS FOR LEVER HOISTS
Ratchet lever hoists have more transferable uses than many other hoist tools. Their main function is to lift and lower heavy loads, but ratchet hoists can also be used for tensioning cables, ropes and chains, positioning machinery and piping and other general material handling processes. These hoists are often relatively lightweight and can be transported easily. Additionally, lever hoists are very compact and can be used to lift weights both horizontally and vertically, meaning if you’re confined for space and budget, they’re a great choice.
WHY BUY YOUR RATCHET LEVER HOISTS FROM LES?
At LES – Lifting Equipment Store®, no delivery is too big or too small, whether that’s one ratchet lever hoist or multiple to meet different lifting requirements. Our delivery service covers the entirety of the UK to international markets – we have the capacity to send anything, anywhere.
Benefit from same-day dispatch on orders placed before 2 pm, Monday-Thursday. Ordering online has never been easier – we accept flexible payment methods like Visa, PayPal, Apple Pay, American Express and Mastercard on all ratchet hoist orders and all our products.
Combine all this with our price match guarantee, our ‘Excellent’ rating on Trustpilot and our dedication to outstanding customer service, there really has never been a better time to improve lifting and rigging for your business with LES.
Ratchet Lever Hoist FAQs
No! Ratchet lever hoists are designed for specific applications and should only be used within their rated load capacity (WLL) and for vertical or near-vertical lifting/pulling tasks. They are not suitable for lifting people.
A pre-use check should include verifying the condition of the load chain, hooks, brakes, and levers for any signs of wear, deformation, or damage. The chain should be properly lubricated and free of rust or corrosion. The hoist’s identification markings, such as the WLL and serial number, should be clearly visible. If any defects are found, the equipment must be taken out of service immediately and reported.
A lever hoist uses a ratcheting handle to lift, lower or pull a load, whereas a chain hoist, often called a chain block, typically uses a hand chain for vertical lifting only. Ratchet lever hoists offer greater flexibility, especially when working at angles or in confined areas.
Ratchet hoists come in different capacities, usually ranging from 250kg up to 10 tonnes or more. Always check the Safe Working Load (SWL) marked on the hoist and never exceed the manufacturer’s rating for safe use.
Ratchet lever hoists must be subject to regular inspections to ensure ongoing safety. In accordance with LOLER, lifting equipment used for lifting loads is required to undergo a thorough examination by a competent person at least every 12 months— or used in a high-risk environment. Routine maintenance, such as lubrication and checking for wear or damage, should also be conducted regularly based on manufacturer guidelines and operational usage.
One of the key advantages of ratchet lever hoists is that they can be used for horizontal pulling, tensioning and positioning, as well as vertical lifting. This benefit makes lever hoists useful in rigging, maintenance and structural work where angled or non-vertical movement is needed.
Yes, in the UK, ratchet lever hoists must comply with the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 and relevant parts of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998. They must also carry a valid CE or UKCA mark and be accompanied by a Declaration of Conformity. Employers are responsible for ensuring that all lifting equipment is safe, maintained, and suitable for its intended use.