f you’ve landed on this article, it’s likely because you’re in the market for a new manual chain hoist, you are looking to know the difference between the different types available, or you are simply trying to learn how best to use this particular piece of lifting equipment. If that’s the case, you're in the right place. We're going to go into detail on what they are, how they work, and five different examples of how you can use chain hoists.
We think it's important that you know all the differences, advantages, and use cases before deciding which hoist is right for you and your business.
That's why today in this article we will cover everything from what one is and how they work to the different types of hoists available before getting into five ways you can use them to help your business achieve more.
If you get to the end of this article and are wondering how you can use the piece of lifting equipment for your business, you can contact an experienced member of Lifting Equipment Store USA (LES USA) to discuss a bespoke solution tailored to your business challenge.
WHAT IS A MANUAL CHAIN HOIST?
It's a simple mechanical device capable of lifting a considerable amount of weight. You will find that they are used in a wide variety of industries due to their flexibility in moving heavy objects without the use of any electricity.
Manual hoists are considered more cost-effective compared to the fancier electric or hydraulic hoists. Electric hoists are more expensive from the get-go, but they will also continuously raise your electricity bill.
Because the ones we're discussing are manual, they don’t require electricity, making them easily portable and more affordable. Manual hoists are also easier to maintain and repair, keeping your costs low.
If you are interested in seeing how an electric model can be of use to you, please give our article "How your company can benefit from using an electric chain hoist" where we go into detail on why this can be a great choice for your required applications.
HOW DO MANUAL CHAIN HOISTS WORK?
The manual hand chain hoist employs a mechanical advantage that allows the device to leverage small force over a long distance and transform it into large force over short distance. This is made possible by a series of large and small gears.
In order to lift a load, the hand chain hoist operator pulls the hand chain down, which turns the hand chain and in turn rotates the cog. The cog then turns the driveshaft and gears, turning the load chain sprocket, which subsequently rotates the load chain looped over the load chain sprocket, ultimately lifting the load.
Although the larger gears move slower than the smaller gears, they create more force, causing the chain hoist to lift slower than other hoists. A grab hook is located at the end of the lifting chain, allowing a load to attach and detach easily.
Lever hoists work a little differently due to a lever being attached to the mechanism. The hoist operator simply cranks the lever to lift or lower the load. The top hook of the hoist can be attached to any secure supports in order to suspend the lever chain hoist.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LEVER CHAIN HOISTS AND HAND CHAIN HOISTS
There are two types you can get: Lever Chain Hoists and Hand Chain Hoists. Besides the way in which the chains are turned, there are a few key differences between a lever chain hoist and a hand chain hoist that will help you gauge which device is right for you.
LEVER CHAIN HOIST
Lever hoists may be known by many names, including lever pullers, come alongs, or ratchet hoists. Lever chain hoists can be operated both horizontally and vertically, for applications such as lifting, pulling and positioning heavy objects. Lever hoists are available in 1 ¼-ton to 9-ton and larger capacities and are usually equipped with 360° rotation of both the lever and top swivel hook for easy movement.
Like hand chain hoists, lever chain hoists are easy to use and maintain – simply crank the side lever attached to the lifting mechanism. Unlike hand hoists, however, lever hoists can be operated with just one hand. Although lever hoists can be used to both lift and pull items during the rigging process, they are more commonly used for pulling and securing heavy objects.
Lever hoists are ideally used for installing, repairing and aligning machinery in industrial environments because of their compact size and capability to move vertically and horizontally in tight spaces. You will mostly see lever hoists on construction sites, lumber yards and mining sites.
HAND CHAIN HOIST
Hand hoists, also popularly known as chain blocks, have a simple design and require the use of both hands in order to lift and lower loads ranging from 1 1/4-ton to 50-ton. Hand chain hoists can be attached to lifting slings (link to products) and chain bags (link to products) for optimal support, which allows for a safer and more even lift.
Unlike the lever hoist, hand hoists are ideal for high vertical lifts because you don’t have to stand directly next to the mechanism. Even when the hoist is positioned high up above, you can still operate the pulling chain from the ground. Many chain hoists are also equipped with a braking system that will prevent the load from slipping back down.
Although hand hoists are easy and efficient to use, they are not the speediest way to lift loads and therefore are best used when time is not of the essence. Hand hoists should not be employed for continuous lifting, especially lifts that require extended suspension.
5 WAYS TO USE ONE
Now that we’ve discussed what this piece of gear is, how they work, and the different types, let’s get into the five ways you can use them.
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LIFT ENGINES FROM MOTORCYCLES AND CARS
They can be used to lift engines from cars and motorcycles with ease. The mechanics can use a manual chain to hoist an engine from a car, with the help of a gantry crane, with little lifting effort on the mechanics part making it easy to get heavy parts out of the way. Manual chain hoists are also fully capable of lifting an entire motorcycle in need of an oil change. For these reasons, hand hoists are commonly found at car repair shops.
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MOVE HEAVY LOGS
You can use them to lift heavy logs up just enough to position a hydraulic cart, or anything else for that matter, underneath it. An example is a way in which lumber yards use them to move logs to get underneath to cut up the logs.
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REMOVE A TREE
You can use one to remove a tree by creating your own intricate pulley system to uproot a leaning tree, which might require constant adjustments. By using one lever chain hoist in this situation, the person could have gotten the job done in no time with minimal effort due to the lifting capabilities.
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LIFT A GARDEN TRACTOR 3-4 FEET
If you are able to install a hand chain hoist in somewhere like your garage from the floor of your attic, it can allow you to lift the front and back ends of your garden tractor with no problem due to being able to take the weight of a heavy item such as a garden tractor in this example. This is an example for you and for any do-it-yourselfers looking to change the tires or blades on garden tractors and similar machinery.
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PULL A BARBED WIRE FENCE
Pulling barbed wire is as safe and easy as it can be with a lever hoist and the correct protective gear (e.g. boots, gloves, etc.). Many farmers and landowners use a lever hoist to pull wire fences safely and effectively on their own.
THINK YOUR BUSINESS CAN BENEFIT FROM HAVING ONE?
We've looked at how this piece of manual lifting equipment works and what its applications are, however, the question remains, do you need one of these great and powerful lifting items for your business?
To give you more food for thought, you can give the article "Do you know what manual chain hoists are? Here's everything you need to know" where we break down in even more detail how you can use one and why you should use one.
If you've read this article and have questions about how this manual lifting solution can help your business specifically, then please get in touch with the LES USA team today where an experienced team member will discuss with you how a manual chain hoist can provide the right solution for your business goals.
