Types of Hoists and Their Uses
Hoists facilitate the lifting, lowering and transporting of materials in industrial settings where conveyor systems or cranes are not practical or functional. These lifting systems can be powered by air, hydraulics or electricity.
Provides a full range of hoist products and parts. Services include fabricating, 24-hour emergency service, inside repair, customized training and more.
Lifting Capacity
Hoists help transfer materials and machines in a number of industrial applications. They can be used in manufacturing lines to transport raw materials or completed products between different stages, or in construction projects to lift and transport heavy building materials and engines. They are also commonly used in warehouses to lift and store materials.
When choosing a hoist, it is important to know its lifting capacity. This will help ensure that it is able to lift the load at the required speed without damaging the equipment. Some hoists have an overload protection device that decreases the lifting speed when the load approaches the hoist’s maximum capacity.
Besides capacity, another factor to consider is the hoist’s operating type. Some of the types include manual, electric, and pneumatic. Manual hoists are less expensive and can handle intermittent use, while electric and pneumatic hoists are more durable and can withstand consistent use. They are also easier to operate and are less physically taxing on the operators.
Lifting Speed
Hoists are used in manufacturing, warehouses and transporting heavy loads. Some types of hoists are built to handle specialized loads like food, pharmaceuticals and hazardous materials. These special hoists may be built to withstand extreme temperatures, harsh environments or continuous heavy operation.
The lifting speed of a hoist is the rate at which the wire or chain moves up and down a sheave. It can be increased or decreased by changing the diameter of the sheave. It is also influenced by the number of turns made on the ratchet.
TAWI manufactures high-performance electric chain hoists for load-lifting applications. They feature a high lift/tonnage hoist Suppliers capacity, overload sensors and fault diagnostic systems display. The company offers several different models for various applications. It serves the power generation, oil and gas and marine industries.
Columbus McKinnon builds overhead, hand and electric chain hoists at multiple locations throughout the country. Their Damascus, Virginia facility employs 270 people to produce standard and specialized hoists. Their Wadesboro, North Carolina facility employs 180 workers who make hoists and related equipment. Wastequip in Winamac, Indiana produces hydraulic hoists commonly used to change out trailer bodies for flatbeds and dumpsters.
Hook Load Capacity
The hook load capacity is based on the equipment’s break strength, which is achieved during factory testing under ideal conditions. During real-life applications, the load may be subjected to different forces, environmental factors and stresses, which can affect its ability to support the weight of the product.
It is crucial to consider all these variables to determine the most appropriate hoist model for a particular application. This will help ensure that the lift length, headroom and load hook capacity are within safety limits. The shackle clevis should also be checked for damage, cracks and bending as these conditions can reduce the equipment’s capacity.
Columbus McKinnon in Damascus, VA, constructs a range of hoist models including wire rope, manual chain and explosion proof units. These are used in logistics and cargo hauling to transport items throughout a warehouse or distribution center. They also provide service, inspection, instruction and training to support their equipment. They manufacture standard and custom hoists. One type is a drum handling unit that features a powder-coated steel construction and a gearbox capable of rotating 360 degrees.
Hook Weight Capacity
Hoists are used to lift, lower and transport materials and equipment in manufacturing plants. Their designs have to be carefully considered to meet compliance standards for health and safety guidelines. A well-designed system can minimize the amount of manual effort required to operate it and ensure that the maximum load capacity is not exceeded.
The rated capacity of hoists is usually defined by the amount of force the hoist can apply to the hook when pulling it up. The total weight of the load and the wire or rope tackle are taken into consideration when determining this amount of force. The number of times the hook is pulled during a shift is also taken into account when calculating this rated capacity.
RGC manufactures hoists designed for a variety of applications including roof construction. Their platform hoists can be mounted on the side or bottom of a roof and can lift plywood & studs, windows and skylights, bricks and mortar, and roofing materials. They can also support attachments such as trash trays and gravel buckets.
Lifting Conditions
Hoists are used to lift and lower loads in a wide range of applications in industrial settings where conveyor systems and cranes are not viable options. They can be powered by air, electricity or manually.
Many factors can impact a hoist’s ability to safely and efficiently lift its rated load, including overload conditions, lack of maintenance, improper usage or electrical issues. Always adhere to the hoist manufacturer’s guidelines and carefully hoist Suppliers inspect and lubricate equipment before using it. Anti-load sway technology can help improve efficiency by centering the load on the hoist’s hook and preventing it from dragging or swinging wildly.
When determining the weight of a load, consult the hoist or crane manufacturer’s catalog, drawings, bills of lading and steel manuals for information. Incorrect load weights are one of the leading causes of accidents when handling heavy materials. Hoist manufacturers often provide a shackle clevis, which is a U-shaped fitting with a pin or a series of pins, to attach the load to the hoist’s hook. This prevents the load from becoming unbalanced during lifting and lowers.