Chain Hoists & Hoist Trolleys

A chain hoist goes where electrical power doesn't - up a scaffold, inside a confined space, on a barge deck, or anywhere the crew needs to pick a load without running cable. Manual and lever hoists give the rigger direct mechanical control: raise, lower, and hold with a hand chain or lever, no power source required. Holloway Houston stocks manual hand chain hoists, lever chain hoists, and specialty subsea hoists produced for offshore and underwater applications.

Our hoists come from William Hackett and AMH - manufacturers whose designs are produced to ASME B30.16 and B30.21 requirements. Working load limits run from 0.5 tons on compact manual models up to 15 tons on the William Hackett subsea line. Paired hoist trolleys let the same unit travel along a beam flange for horizontal positioning.

Chain Hoists and Hoist Trolleys for Industrial Lifting

A chain hoist uses a hand chain, lever, or motor to drive a load chain through a geared lifting mechanism. The load hangs from a lower hook; the upper hook or trolley connects to the overhead structure. Mechanical advantage produced through the gear train allows one person to raise loads far exceeding their own strength.

Manual hand chain hoists and lever hoists fall under ASME B30.16 (Overhead Hoists) and ASME B30.21 (Lever Hoists). These standards cover design, marking, inspection, maintenance, and safe use.

Holloway Houston carries hand chain hoists and lever hoists from the AMH and William Hackett lines, covering working load limits from 0.5 tons through 15 tons. The subsea category features the William Hackett SS-L5 QP - a hoist purpose-produced for offshore and underwater operations where standard models are not rated for immersion. Hoist trolleys are available separately for beam-mounted travel.

Types of Chain Hoists and Hoist Trolleys

Manual Hand Chain Hoists

The hand chain hoist is the standard workhorse for stationary overhead lifting without power. A hand chain runs through the mechanism, driving the load chain up or down through the gear train. The AMH MA-Series covers WLLs from 0.5 tons through 30 tons across 16 models (MA005 through MA300), with lift heights from 10 feet to 20 feet standard. Models with Vario (V) configuration offer adjustable upper suspension for varying hook heights. Some configurations include overload protection (UV) or self-locking hooks (UL) as factory-fitted options.

Lever Chain Hoists

Lever hoists are pulled and pushed with a short ratchet lever instead of a continuous hand chain - which makes them the go-to for horizontal pulling, tensioning, and lifting in confined or awkward positions. Holloway Houston stocks the AMH LA-Series and William Hackett WH-L4 lever hoists across a range of capacities and lift heights, including offshore-rated configurations. See all lever chain hoist models, capacities, and configurations

Subsea Lever Hoists

The William Hackett SS-L5 QP is produced for offshore platform and underwater subsea operations where standard hoists are not rated for immersion. WLL runs from 0.8 tons to 15 tons. Full specs, certifications, and configuration details

Hoist Trolleys

Hoist trolleys mount to an I-beam flange and let the hoist travel along the beam track - converting a fixed lifting point into a horizontal travel axis. Push trolleys move by hand; geared trolleys use a hand chain for controlled lateral movement. Trolleys are matched to the beam flange width and hoist capacity to keep the load centered under the lifting point.

Find Your Chain Hoist

Manual hand chain hoist, lever hoist, or subsea model - Holloway Houston has the capacity range, lift height, and manufacturer to match your application. Our rigging specialists can help you configure the right hoist and trolley pairing for your structure and load. Shop All Chain Hoists | Call 1-888-496-4700 for Assistance

Chain Hoists by Working Load Limit and Lift Height

Manual Hand Chain Hoists (AMH MA-Series)

• 0.5 ton (MA005): compact hand chain hoist for light service
• 1 ton (MA010): standard hand chain hoist, single lift
• 2 ton (MA020): Mid-range MA hand chain hoist
• Range: Continues through 30 tons (MA300) - 16 models total (MA005–MA300)
• Lift heights: 10 feet to 20 feet standard; Vario models allow adjustable suspension

Lever Chain Hoists (AMH LA-Series)

• 0.8 ton: compact lever hoist, short lift heights available
• 1 ton: standard one-ton lever hoist
• 1.6 ton: mid-capacity lever hoist
• 3.2 ton: Upper range of the AMH LA-Series
• Lift heights: 5 feet to 20 feet

Lever Chain Hoists (William Hackett WH-L4)

• 1.6 ton: 10-foot and 20-foot lift
• 3.2 ton: 10-foot and 20-foot lift
• Meets IMCA DO28 Rev. 1 offshore guidance

Subsea Lever Hoists (William Hackett SS-L5 QP)

• Capacity: 0.8 ton to 15 tons
• Immersion rating: 21-day single / 31-day multi-immersion
• Marine coating: ISO 12944 C5-rated

Key Features to Match to Application

• Overload protection (UV models): Internal mechanism limits chain load to rated WLL
• Self-locking hooks (UL models): Hook throat closes without manual latch action
• Vario suspension (V models): Adjustable upper hook height
• Quad Pawl (QP): Subsea-specific; finer ratchet increment for precision

Brands We Carry

Holloway Houston is an authorized distributor for William Hackett and AMH in the chain hoist category. Each manufacturer brings a distinct focus to the product line.

William Hackett (UK) designs hoists for demanding offshore and subsea environments. The WH-L4 lever hoist is produced to IMCA DO28 guidance for offshore lever hoist use. The SS-L5 QP subsea hoist extends that capability underwater, with a Quad Pawl mechanism, Dual Anti-Lock Brake System, full corrosion protection on internal components, and certification for immersion service. William Hackett hoists are proof-tested at the factory and come with full certification documentation.

AMH (All Material Handling Inc.) produces the MA-Series hand chain hoists and LA-Series lever hoists that form the standard inventory layer at Holloway Houston. The MA and LA lines cover the everyday lifting range from 0.5 tons through 6.3 tons with a broad selection of lift heights and configuration options including overload protection and self-locking hooks.

Every chain hoist shipped by Holloway Houston includes manufacturer certification and is traceable to its original proof test. Shop Chain Hoists

Shop by Product Type

• Manual Hand Chain Hoists (AMH MA-Series)
• Lever Chain Hoists (AMH LA-Series)
• Lever Chain Hoists (William Hackett WH-L4)
• Subsea Lever Hoists (William Hackett SS-L5 QP)
• Hoist Trolleys

Chain Hoist Applications by Industry

• Construction: Lifting structural steel, precast panels, and equipment into position at sites without permanent power. Lever hoists tension choker slings and manage loads during fit-up.
• Offshore and Marine: Platform maintenance, subsea intervention, and marine deck work where electrical power is absent or impractical. The William Hackett subsea line is designed specifically for these environments.
• Oil and Gas: Valve work, vessel maintenance, and turnaround rigging in process plant areas. Lever hoists provide load control in tight quarters around pipe racks and heat exchangers.
• Mining: Equipment maintenance in underground headings and surface conveyors where compact, manual hoists fit the access constraints of the work area.
• Shipbuilding and Ship Repair: Fitting and positioning heavy components in confined holds and bilge spaces during construction and drydock maintenance.
• Manufacturing: Assembly line maintenance, tooling changes, and die handling in plants where overhead cranes are not positioned over every work station.
• Utilities and Power Generation: Turbine and generator maintenance, cable pulling, and equipment positioning during planned outages.

Why Holloway Houston for Chain Hoists

Holloway Houston has been in the rigging and lifting business for over 65 years, operating out of Houston, Texas. Our chain hoist inventory covers the spectrum from standard hand chain models for everyday plant use to specialty subsea hoists for offshore and underwater operations.

The William Hackett line gives buyers access to hoists produced specifically for the offshore market - hoists that are proof-tested, immersion-certified, and documented to the detail that offshore operators and certification bodies require. The AMH line covers the high-volume daily lifting work with a wide range of capacities, lift heights, and options.

Holloway Houston also stocks rigging slings, hooks, shackles, and hardware to pair with your hoist in a complete lifting assembly. Our rigging specialists can help you match the right hoist to your beam flange, confirm trolley compatibility, and put together the documentation package you need.

With over 250 employees and one of the largest rigging equipment inventories in the country, our team is set up to handle both single-unit orders and volume procurement for fleet maintenance.

Selection Considerations for Chain Hoist

The right hoist depends on four things: how much load it needs to raise, how far it needs to lift, where the upper suspension point is, and what conditions the hoist will work in.

Working Load Limit

The WLL of the hoist covers the intended load in service. Manufacturer documentation provides the specific WLL and any de-rating that applies to angle lifts or non-vertical chain falls.

Lift Height

Standard lift heights on manual and lever hoists run from 5 feet to 20 feet at most capacities. Longer chain falls and extended chain configurations are available for applications with greater lift requirements.

Suspension

Manual hand chain hoists hang from a fixed upper hook. Hoist trolleys allow beam travel - specify the trolley for push or geared operation, and confirm the beam flange width and load rating before installing.

Application Type

Hand chain hoists work well for stationary vertical lifts. Lever hoists are the choice for pulling, tensioning, and lifting from angles. Subsea models are the only option for underwater and severe offshore marine environments.

Environment

Standard models are rated for indoor and covered outdoor use. Offshore service calls for the William Hackett line, which features corrosion-resistant components, marine paint, and immersion certification.

Chain Hoist Safety and Awareness

Chain hoists and hoist trolleys in overhead lifting service are governed by ASME B30.16 (Overhead Hoists) and ASME B30.21 (Lever Hoists). The following awareness points apply to chain hoist selection and inspection:

• Chain hoists are marked with the working load limit per ASME B30.16. Operation within the rated WLL is standard practice.
• Before each use, inspect the load chain for twisted or kinked links, wear, and corrosion. Chain elongation criteria for removal from service are defined in ASME B30.16 and the manufacturer's inspection documentation.
• Visual inspection of hooks for cracks, deformation, and latch function is standard practice before each use. A hook with throat opening beyond the manufacturer's specification or a non-functioning latch on a latched model warrants removal from service.
• The load chain is designed to run straight. Side-pulling a chain hoist - using it to drag a load laterally - can overload the chain, sheave, and frame beyond rated capacity.
• Lever hoists used at angles or in pulling service have different effective load capacity considerations. Manufacturer documentation addresses angle applications.
• Hoist trolleys are matched to the beam size and load. An undersized trolley or a trolley running on a beam outside its rated flange width creates an instability risk.
• Proof test certificates and inspection records from the manufacturer are typically maintained for the service life of the hoist. Holloway Houston provides certification documentation with every hoist shipment.

Complete Your Rigging System

• Lever Chain Hoists - Browse the full lever hoist category for all models, lift heights, and configurations.
• Subsea Hoists - William Hackett SS-L5 QP hoists for offshore and underwater operations.
• Shackles - Connect hoists to wire rope slings, chain assemblies, and overhead structures.
• Chain Slings - Pair with chain hoists for complete chain-based lifting assemblies.

DISCLAIMER

Chain hoists and hoist trolleys are load-bearing lifting devices. Proper selection, inspection, and use call for training consistent with ASME B30.16 (Overhead Hoists) and ASME B30.21 (Lever Hoists), and applicable OSHA standards. The information on this page is provided for general product awareness and does not replace qualified engineering judgment, manufacturer documentation, or site-specific lift planning.