Different Types of Hoists and Their Applications

In rigging, hoists lift or move heavy objects and support hanging loads like cargo, construction tools, and vehicle engines. Often comprising a chain or rope wrapped around a drum or lift wheel, these critical lifting devices are used in:

• Manufacturing facilities
• Logging camps
• Construction sites
• Auto repair shops

Most types of hoists have been around for a long time. The Ancient Egyptians reportedly leveraged primitive hoisting technology to raise and lower drawbridges at the fortress of Quban.

Centuries later, English engineer Sir William Armstrong invented the hydraulic crane to load or unload cargo onto boats.

Hoists are a staple in lifting projects. But not all of them are built the same. Hence, you must know how to distinguish different types of hoists if you want to make smart purchases for your business.

What Are the Different Types of Hoists and Their Applications?

Hoisting equipment types are generally categorized based on their lifting type, operation type, and suspension type. With these parameters in mind, let’s dive into the most common types of hoists used in lifting projects.

1. Manual Hoists

Manual hoists, also known as chain falls, are lever-actuated or hand-operated lifting devices. These types of hoists use a hand chain to control the lifting or lowering and a load chain for support. The operator either cranks a lever attachment or pulls on either end of the hand chain to lift or lower the goods.

There are plenty of perks to using manual hoists for lifting operations. For starters, they cost less than powered hoists and can suit a wide range of lifting tasks. Furthermore, manual hoists are ideal for situations where there’s no electricity.

These hoisting equipment types are of three kinds: lever, chain, and rope.

A. Lever Hoists

Lever hoists can lift items in most positions, including horizontally. They’re fitted with a heavy-duty safety cap to hold loads and a top-swivel connection to allow easy lifting from multiple angles. Common applications of these hoists include rigging, pulling pipes, stretching wires, and straightening poles.

B. Chain Hoists

Chain hoists use heavy-duty chains to lift and position heavy loads in ship wharves, paper mills, steel mills, production plants, and vehicle or aircraft workshops.

2. Electric Hoists

Electric hoists are powered by electricity and utilize chains or wire ropes to lift or lower objects. Rather than manually cranking a lever or pulling a chain, the operator just pushes a button to raise or de-load their cargo.

The applications of these hoists vary based on the type you choose: whether it’s electric chain hoists, electric wire rope hoists, or electric belt hoists. But they are generally used to shift engines, transformers dies, injection mold tools, turbines, and steel coils across various industries.

A. Electric Chain Hoists

Electric chain hoists use chains as the lifting medium. The chain is pulled by a motor that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy to lift the load. These types of hoists are low-maintenance and easier to install than their wire rope counterparts. Plus, they’re cost-effective.

B. Electric Wire Rope Hoists

On the other hand, electric wire rope hoists use wire rope instead of chains. Due to their construction, they can lift heavier loads at higher lift heights and support them for longer. However, the wire ropes may not hold out as well as load chains under certain conditions. They are also more expensive.

C. Electric Belt Hoists

Finally, we have electric belt hoists. Perfect for the food sector, electronic, pharmaceutical, and other cleanroom environments, these hoists cover a wide load range and are suited to many lifting applications.

3. Hydraulic Hoists

Unlike traditional lifts, hydraulic hoists rely on an oil-based piston mechanism in place of a motor system. The piston allows the hoist to lift much heavier loads with a smaller motor.

Most marinas and shipyards use hydraulic hoists to move boats in and out of the water. They can also load and unload shipping containers from vessels to nearby trucks and storage facilities.

4. Piston Hoists

These types of hoists are moved linearly by fluid pressure. It functions by applying force to one point of an incompressible liquid, which shifts the force to a second point. The process works with two pistons connected by an oil-filled pipe.

Hoists are grouped by power source (manual, electric, pneumatic, hydraulic) and lifting medium (chain, wire rope, belt); gearing and vane-type air motors are components within those categories rather than separate hoist types.

Pneumatic Hoists

Pneumatic hoists use compressed air to facilitate lifting and hauling. These types of hoists have a 100 percent duty cycle, meaning they can run continuously without rest. This makes them ideal for high-speed and heavy-duty lifting applications where other hoists would likely fail.

Because of their unique qualities, air hoists are best suited to particularly long lifts where an electric motor would overheat. Think of automotive assembly lines, warehouses, and shops that require heavy objects lifted repeatedly.

Curious about the applications of these hoists? Let’s dive into the three main categories of pneumatic hoists.

1. Pneumatic Piston Hoists

Piston hoists employ a hollow cylinder and piston as their lifting mechanism. An external motor or pump moves the piston within the cylinder, increasing the air pressure and aligning it with the piston’s axis. This movement creates a linear force used to extend the lift components, raising or lowering the load.

2. Pneumatic Chain Hoists

Air hoists have no electrical ignition source, and specific models are certified for use in classified areas. Certification is model-specific, the manufacturer's rating states which classification applies, self-cooling, and easier to repair than electric hoists, making them especially useful for harsh and dangerous environments. Air chain hoists are free from complicated electrical components and can be used virtually anywhere.

3. Pneumatic Wire Rope Hoists

Wire rope air hoists can position loads accurately without raising concerns about sparks. They allow variable speed controls and precise load spotting for better safety. Additionally, wire rope air hoists are virtually impervious to dust and humidity.

Applications of Hoists: Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hoist

Now that you know the different types of hoists, it’s time to decide which one best fits your lifting project. Multiple factors can influence your choice of a hoist, including:

1. Load Capacity

Different types of hoists have different load capacities. The rule of thumb is to ensure your loads don’t exceed the rated capacity at any point. Overloading can do more than damage your equipment- it can jeopardize site safety.

2. Lift Height

Lift is the vertical distance the hook travels between its highest and lowest positions. Headroom is the distance from the suspension point to the hook at its highest position. Account for the distance between the hook when it is raised and lowered. Also, remember to consider headroom- the distance between the hoist suspension and the hook when it’s raised.

3. Environment and Conditions

The lifting conditions play a crucial role in directing which type of hoist you should use. For example, Air hoists have no electrical ignition source, and specific models are certified for use in classified areas. Certification is model-specific the manufacturer's rating states which classification applies.

4. Ease of Use

Make sure you’re comfortable using the hoisting equipment type before settling on it. Discuss your options with a rigging hoist supplier in case you don’t know what to choose.

5. Maintenance Requirements

Since hoists are expensive, you want them to last as long as possible. Most types of hoists require regular maintenance to stay on top of their game- some more so than others. Check the maintenance guidelines carefully to make an informed decision. It’s best to pick a low-maintenance hoist to avoid extensive upkeep.

Get in Touch with Holloway- Your Trusted Rigging Hoist Supplier!

Lifting heavy loads is a significant risk. But the right hoist can make your job much easier and safer. Hopefully, this post has given you some insight into the different types of hoists and their applications so that you can pick your rigging equipment easily.