How to Choose a Chain Hoist
Chain hoists come in handy when the load you need to move is far more than you and all your strongest friends put together can handle. They are also widely used in every industry for which heavy lifting and moving are required. Chain hoists are the ideal movers when a very heavy load needs to be positioned and placed precisely. Their simple mechanism of geared trolleys and hand wheels is engineered to handle serious tonnage when called upon. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Choose how strong a hoist you need, since they come in different weight bearing capacities, from ¼ ton to ten tons and up. Consider the maximum weight you will ever need or try to move safely. There is no need to buy a 12-ton hoist when the most you will ever lift and move is two tons.
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Deciding where to mount the hoist for the best convenience is sometimes an issue. Decide where and how you want to mount the hoist, since this will also inform your mount style. Choose a trolley-mounted hoist if you need a hoist that is movable. Buy a hook mount if your hoist will always occupy the same location.
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Buy a hoist that contains interchangeable parts. This keeps you prepared for when your hoist needs worn and/or broken parts replaced.
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Think of your hoist as a minature crane. Look for a hoist that has a simple load limiter for overload protection, since it is unlikely you will weigh every load before you try to move it. Get a hoist with an automatic brake for better control of the loads you move.
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Shop for a hoist with highly efficient spur gearing. This gives more lift with less effort exerted. Check the lift wheel pockets for sufficient depth to allow the chain room to move freely, smoothly and unobstructed.
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Buying a hoist with strengthened chain will prevent hoist disasters. Read the specs of the hoist to make sure the frame and covers are strong aluminum alloy. Buy the hoist with the strongest hoist chain that has a standard hand chain drop two feet less than lift. For instance, an eight foot lift hoist should have a six foot drop.
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Get the universal tread trolley wheels if your hoist choice is a trolley mount setup. Purchase the hoist that gives you the same moving safety and power on a flat beam mount as on a flanged beam mount.
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Tips & Warnings
Check the hoist warranty, and buy only a hoist that has exceeded industry production standards.
Mount the hoist solidly with lag bolts and washers.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit chain image by Tomasz Plawski from Fotolia.com Milling machine is cutting metal image by Andrei Merkulov from Fotolia.com hoisting crane image by Dev from Fotolia.com chain image by Pefkos from Fotolia.com
