Hoists are a piece of material handling equipment that helps lift and move heavy loads. They are often used in manufacturing, construction, and warehousing industries. There are two main types of hoist -- manual and electric. Let's take a detailed look at each type to understand their functionality, advantages, and limitations.
Manual Hoists
A manual hoist is powered by the operator pulling the load, usually using a chain or a rope. There are various types of manual hoists available on the market, including Chain Block Hoist, Lever Hoist, Ratchet Hoist and Hand Chain Hoist. Manual hoists are ideal for situations where there is no access to electricity or where the loads are relatively light (less than one ton). They are also useful when working in environments where there is a possibility of electrical sparks causing fire or explosion.
Chain Block Hoist
A chain block hoist, also known as a hand chain hoist, is a simple and reliable manual hoisting device. It consists of a wheel with a chain wrapped around it, providing a mechanical advantage for lifting heavy objects. Chain block hoists are ideal for lifting engines, generators, and machinery components in a manufacturing or construction environment. They are often used in automobile garages, shipyards, and aviation maintenance depots.
Lever Hoist
A lever hoist, also called a ratchet hoist or come-along, is another type of manual hoist that uses a lever to lift the load. It works by pulling the lever back and forth, which creates a ratcheting motion that moves the chain and lifts the load. Lever hoists are commonly used for lifting loads up to 10 tons in the construction, mining, and railroad industries.
Electric Hoists
An electric hoist is powered by electricity and designed to move heavier loads more efficiently than manual hoists. They use an electric motor to drive a pulley, which is attached to a hoist trolley. Electric hoists can be wired directly into the electrical system of a building or run on their own battery power. They are ideal for lifting loads that weigh more than one ton and when repeated lifting is required.
Wire Rope Hoist
A wire rope hoist is an electric hoist that uses a drum to wind steel cable around it. The drum is powered by an electric motor, which moves the hoist trolley along the cable. Wire rope hoists are ideal for lifting large machinery, vehicles or containers. They are often used in ports, shipyards and industrial factories for heavy-duty lifting applications.
Chain Hoist
A chain hoist is another type of electric hoist that uses a chain to lift and move objects vertically. It can be used with various lifting attachments, such as hooks or slings, depending on the weight and shape of the load. Chain hoists are typically used in assembly lines and warehouses where there is a need for repetitive lifting or positioning of products.
Conclusion
In summary, there are two main types of hoists that are used to lift and move heavy loads. Manual hoists are powered by hand or muscles, while electric hoists are powered by electricity or battery. The selection of hoist depends on the weight of the load, frequency of lifting, and the nature of the work environment.