Chain Hoists & Hoist Trolleys

Chain Hoists and Hoist Trolleys for Industrial Lifting

A chain hoist is a foundational mechanical device used to lift and lower heavy loads by applying a small amount of force over a long distance through a geared mechanism. Unlike electric or air-powered models, manual chain hoists and lever hoists allow riggers to maintain absolute control in environments where electrical power is absent, impractical, or hazardous.

At Holloway Houston, our hoists are sourced from world-class manufacturers like William Hackett and AMH, ensuring every unit meets the rigorous standards of ASME B30.16 (Overhead Hoists) and ASME B30.21 (Lever Hoists). Whether you are tensioning a line in a confined space or performing subsea intervention on an offshore platform, our 65 years of rigging expertise ensures you have the reliable mechanical advantage required for the task.

Mechanical Advantage and Control

The core of a chain hoist is its gear train. By pulling a hand chain or ratcheting a lever, the operator drives a pocket wheel that moves the high-strength load chain. This system converts human energy into massive lifting force. Holloway Houston specialists assist clients in selecting the correct hoist based on the Working Load Limit (WLL) and lift height to ensure that every lift remains within the safety design factors of the equipment.

Types of Chain Hoists Available at Holloway Houston

Different industrial environments demand specific hoist architectures. Below are the primary categories maintained in our Houston inventory.

Manual Hand Chain Hoists

The manual hand chain hoist is the standard workhorse for stationary vertical lifting. The operator pulls a continuous loop of hand chain to raise or lower the load. We stock the AMH MA-Series, covering capacities from 0.5 tons to 30 tons. These units are ideal for maintenance shops and construction sites where a permanent overhead anchor point is available.

Lever Chain Hoists (Ratchet Hoists)

Lever hoists are operated by a short handle rather than a chain loop. This design makes them the preferred choice for horizontal pulling, tensioning, and lifting in confined spaces. The AMH LA-Series and the William Hackett WH-L4 are staples for riggers who need to "come-along" a load or manage precise fit-ups. These models feature a freewheeling mechanism that allows for quick adjustment of the chain when not under load.

Subsea Lever Hoists

For the brutal conditions of offshore and underwater operations, standard hardware is insufficient. Holloway Houston provides the William Hackett SS-L5 QP, a hoist purpose-built for subsea environments. These are certified for single and multi-immersion service (up to 31 days) and utilize a Quad Pawl (QP) mechanism for enhanced safety and precision in underwater intervention.

Hoist Trolleys

To add horizontal mobility to your lift, we provide push and geared hoist trolleys. A trolley mounts to the flange of an I-beam, allowing the hoist to travel along the beam track. Geared trolleys use a hand chain for controlled movement of heavy loads, while push trolleys are moved by manually pushing the load along the axis of the beam.

Technical Specifications: Capacity, Lift, and Suspension

Selecting the correct hoist requires a precise match between the hoist's engineering and your project requirements.

1. Working Load Limit (WLL)

Our catalog covers a vast capacity spectrum:

• Light Service (0.25 – 1 Ton) : AMH compact models for tool handling and light maintenance.
• Medium Service (1.5 – 6.3 Tons) : Standard LA and MA series for general construction and industrial fit-ups.
• Heavy Duty (7.5 – 30 Tons) : High-capacity manual units for power plant maintenance and heavy manufacturing.

2. Lift Height and Chain Length

Standard lift heights typically range from 10 feet to 20 feet, but Holloway Houston can provide custom chain falls to meet specific reach requirements. It is vital to ensure that the load chain is long enough to reach the load without "reaching the end of the chain," as this can damage the internal dead-end anchor.

3. Suspension and Fitting Type

How a hoist connects to your structure affects its safety and versatility:

• Swivel Hooks : Found on both the top and bottom of most hoists, allowing the unit to align with the load path to prevent side-loading.
• Vario Suspension : Specialized AMH models that allow for adjustable upper suspension heights.
• Trolley Mount : Direct connection to a beam trolley for integrated lateral movement.

Our Brands: William Hackett and AMH

Holloway Houston is a premier authorized distributor for the most trusted names in manual hoisting.

William Hackett

Based in the UK, William Hackett is the industry leader for offshore and subsea lifting. Their hoists, such as the WH-L4 and SS-L5, are designed to meet the stringent IMCA DO28 guidance notes. Every Hackett hoist undergoes rigorous factory proof-testing and features a dual-anti-lock brake system, ensuring that the brake remains functional even in high-moisture or underwater conditions.

AMH (All Material Handling)

AMH provides the standard industrial layer of our inventory. Their MA and LA series are known for their ruggedness and various safety options, including overload protection (UV models) and self-locking hooks (UL models). AMH hoists are the go-to solution for contractors who need reliable, ASME-compliant performance for daily lifting tasks.

Chain Hoist Applications by Industry

Chain hoists from Holloway Houston are deployed across several critical sectors:

• Construction : Positioning structural steel and tensioning Chain slings during fit-ups.
• Oil and Gas : Turnaround maintenance and valve handling in refineries and process plants.
• Marine & Subsea : Underwater intervention and platform maintenance using corrosion-resistant subsea models.
• Mining : Equipment repair in underground headings where space and power are restricted.
• Utilities : Tensioning lines and lifting transformers during grid maintenance.

Selection Guide: How to Choose the Right Hoist

When consulting with a Holloway Houston lifting specialist, please have the following information ready:

• Maximum Load Weight : Ensure the WLL of the hoist is never exceeded.
• Lifting Axis : Are you lifting vertically (Hand Chain) or pulling at an angle (Lever Hoist)?
• Operating Environment : Will the unit be exposed to salt spray, chemicals, or complete immersion?
• Beam Dimensions : If using a trolley, confirm the I-beam flange width and thickness.

Safety, Inspection, and Maintenance

Because hoists are complex mechanical devices, they require strict adherence to inspection protocols.

• Chain Inspection : Check for "stretch" or elongation. If a load chain is stretched beyond manufacturer limits, it will not seat properly in the pocket wheel, leading to jumping or failure.
• Brake Function : Always test the brake with a small load a few inches off the ground before proceeding with a full lift.
• Hook Deformation : Inspect hooks for "opening" or twist. Any hook that has deformed more than 10% from its original shape must be removed from service.
• ASME Compliance : Conduct periodic inspections according to ASME B30.16 or B30.21. Holloway Houston provides full documentation and tracking for every unit we sell.

Complete Your Rigging System

• Rigging Shackles : Secure your hoist to anchor points and master links.
• Chain Slings : Durable lifting assemblies for high-heat or abrasive environments.
• Shank Hooks : Essential for block-to-block and hook-to-load connections.
• Wire Rope Slings : Custom-fabricated in Houston for any capacity.

Did not find the exact hoist you need? Holloway Houston has access to thousands of lifting configurations and custom chain lengths. Call our specialists at 1-888-496-4700 or visit our facility at 5833 Armour Dr., Houston, TX 77020.