Hoists are invaluable in construction sites where they make the transportation of critical materials convenient and straightforward by lifting or lowering them with the help of a motorised or manual device that can carry heavy loads.
However, when selecting a suitable hoist, do you understand all the essential factors that should be considered? Read on in this blog from Conveying & Hoisting Solutions to learn about the most critical aspects of hoist selection.
Types of Hoists
Hoists can be divided into four categories: manual, lever, electric, and pneumatic. Particular hoists may be more suitable in specific applications depending on the type of work you’re doing and your needs. Let’s go over what these different hoist types are.
A manual chain hoist is lifted manually by a person who pulls on a chain. This is ideal for low-capacity loads at lower heights and when lifting is needed on an infrequent basis. These are cheaper but are much more strenuous to operate and much less convenient.
A lever hoist is used for lightweight and short lifts, but they are more flexible and are better suited for pulling in different positions. They often come with a freewheel function that enables the user to adjust the lifting position.
An electric hoist is an automatic hoist that is powered electrically, enabling you to lift at higher capacities with more frequency. These are suitable for much higher lifting heights, and at the click of a simple button, these make the most convenient hoists and a must-have for businesses with frequent lifting needs.
Like electric hoists, pneumatic hoists have variable speeds and faster lifting speeds. They are more precise, durable, and less noisy. If you require hoists in areas of fire hazards, they are much safer to use because they don’t short circuit. While they are more resistant to the elements, they can also malfunction without properly caring for and maintaining them.
Capacity
An important factor when selecting your hoist is the capacity rating. This tells you the maximum amount of lifting capacity that the hoist can handle. Determining the lifting requirements for your work is the first step.
We recommend that you look for something overrated than what you need, since the capacity factors in not only the load of the equipment but also the beam or crane. You should ensure that it can withstand a weight that exceeds the heaviest load that you need. While price increases with lifting capacity, so does the expected hoist life.
Type of Suspension
You can choose how the hoist is suspended when working with chain hoists. Suspension can be fixed (hook mounted) or lug mounted. The different types include push-type trolleys, which are lug mounted, lug mounted geared, and motorised trolleys. Push-type trolleys are operated with a pushing motion. This does not allow for a lot of precision. Geared trolleys are controlled using a hand chain, but these are less suitable for further distances because of the labour involved. Finally, motorised trolleys are very convenient and are ideal for high-frequency use.
Lift Parameters
Next, you’ll need to determine what lifting speed you need, depending on how far you need to carry your load and how quickly you want it to get there. Manual hoists operate at low speeds, so they will take much longer to reach their desired distance.
This is where powered hoists increase the speed over longer distances. Higher lifting speeds are also efficient when high precision is not necessary, but you must make many lifts. The more accuracy you need, the slower the lifting speed should be. Controlling lifting speed only applies to electric hoists.
You also should consider lift height requirements such as lift length, reach, and headroom. The lift height is the maximum distance from the ground to the hook while at rest. Also, consider the distance between the hook and floor when it is raised and lowered.
Power Supply
For electric hoists, choosing the correct power supply is also crucial. The two main power supply times are single-phase and three-phase hoists. A single-phase hoist is better suited for lighter loads and max out around 500 kg. On the other hand, a three-phase hoist will be needed for heavier loads, such as in commercial warehouses or factories.
Final Thoughts
There are many variables to consider when selecting the perfect hoist. These factors include the hoist type, capacity rating, suspension type, lift height and speed, and power supply. After carefully weighing all these factors, you’ll find it much easier to narrow your options.
At Conveying Hoisting Solutions, we offer hoist rentals that meet any project’s needs and can even help you get licensed to operate hoists. Contact us today, and we can help you navigate our range of hoists.
