- Jan 08, 2025
- News
What to Consider When Choosing and Using Electric Hoists?
The key factors to consider when choosing an electric hoist: load capacity, environment, efficiency, headroom, power supply, and control type. Make an decision for safe and effective lifting!
Electric hoists power material handling in a variety of industries, from automotive assembly to steel mills, by allowing workers to elevate heavy objects with the stroke of a button. Not only can they increase throughput and reduce musculoskeletal problems, but when used correctly, they also cut downtime and maintenance expenses. In this post, we'll look at the six most important aspects to consider while selecting and using an electric hoist.
Importance of Choosing the Right Electric Hoist
Why it's important: Electric hoists are at the heart of the lifting workflow - a hoist with the wrong rating or a mismatched model can have a knock-on effect on your operation, leading to longer cycle times, unplanned maintenance, and even workplace injuries. For example, one of our customers, a food processing plant, saw its line speed drop by 20% and its annual maintenance costs double when it installed an out-of-spec hoist. Selecting the right hoist size for the environment and load is the key to reliable, cost-effective material handling.
Factors to Consider When Selecting an Electric Hoist
When selecting an electric hoist for your lifting project, there are six important factors to consider: load capacity, operating environment, operating efficiency, headroom, power supply, and control type.
1. Load Capacity
Determine Your Actual Load: Weigh the heaviest single lift—including slings, hooks, and attachments. For example, a 1.8 t steel skid with rigging may actually weigh 2t in practice.
- Apply a Safety Margin: To account for dynamic forces and future load increases, industry best practices recommend selecting a hoist that is 25-50% larger than your net load. So, for that 2t skid, select at least a 3t hoist.
- Load Profiles: Keep a track of all lifts and evaluate it annually; if your peak load exceeds 80% of capacity, it's time to upgrade.
2. Operating Environment
The conditions under which the hoist operates significantly influence its design and durability.
- Indoor vs. Outdoor Use Indoor hoists can be low-profile or banquet-rated; outdoor units must have IP65-rated enclosures and corrosion-resistant finishes.
- Environmental Hazards: If you handle food, pharmaceuticals, or corrosive chemicals, choose stainless-steel or food-grade models with FDA-approved lubricants.
- Temperature Rating: Motors and electronics often derate below –20 °C or above 50 °C—verify your hoist’s ambient rating chart.
- Dust & Moisture: In dusty or high-humidity settings (e.g., cement plants), specify sealed brake assemblies and dust-proof trolley wheels to prevent premature wear.
3. Operational Efficiency
Efficient operation not only saves time but also extends the lifespan of the hoist.
- Control Systems: Compare pendant stations versus wireless remotes—wireless can improve safety by up to 30% by freeing operators from hazard zones.
- Speed Variability: Applications requiring delicate load handling benefit from hoists with adjustable speed settings.
- Power Consumption: Modern hoists with IE3 motors or regenerative drives can cut energy use by 15 % over traditional designs—important for 24/7 operations.
4. Headroom
Headroom refers to the vertical space available between the hoist and the overhead structure or beam. If the working area has low ceilings or restricted space, it’s vital to choose a hoist designed for low-headroom applications. Yuantai has specially designed a low headroom hoist for this situation. The lifting height of this hoist can be increased by 200-500mm compared to ordinary electric hoists, making it ideal for applications where height is limited.
5. Power Supply
- Voltage and Phase: Confirm facility power (e.g., 230 V 1-phase vs. 400 V 3-phase). Mismatches cause motor overheating.
- Frequency and Inrush: At 60 Hz, inrush currents increase by 20%; select soft-start settings to safeguard upstream breakers.
- Backup Power: For essential lifts (e.g., cleanrooms, data centers), include an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to keep the hoist operational during outages.
6. Control Type
Control systems significantly impact the ease of use and precision of an electric hoist. Common options include:
- Pendant Controls: Offer straightforward, user-friendly operation with wired control units.
- Radio Remote Controls: Provide flexibility, enabling operators to manage the hoist from a safe distance.
Additional Considerations for Selecting an Electric Hoist
Beyond the primary factors, other technical and practical elements play a role in the decision-making process.
A. Type of Hoist
Decide between chain hoists and wire rope hoists based on your specific requirements. While chain hoists are ideal for compact spaces and lighter loads, wire rope hoists handle heavier capacities and provide smoother operation.
B. Mounting Options
Evaluate whether a stationary or mobile hoist suits your operational needs. For versatile applications, hoists with trolleys provide the flexibility to move along beams.
C. Safety Features
Ensure the hoist is equipped with essential safety mechanisms such as overload protection, emergency stop buttons, and anti-sway systems.
D. Manufacturer and Certification
Purchase from reputable manufacturers offering certified products that comply with industry standards. This ensures durability, reliability, and adherence to safety regulations. Yuantai's cranes and hoists are certified to ensure that the equipment meets international standards.
Tips for Using Electric Hoists
Choosing the right hoist is just the first step; proper usage and maintenance are equally important.
1. Regular Inspections
Before each use, inspect the hoist for signs of wear, such as frayed cables, damaged hooks, or abnormal sounds during operation. Regular maintenance prevents unexpected breakdowns and prolongs the hoist’s lifespan.
2. Operator Training
Ensure that operators are trained to use the hoist safely. Familiarity with load limits, control mechanisms, and emergency protocols reduces the risk of accidents.
3. Load Balancing
Always secure and balance the load to prevent tipping or uneven lifting. Improper load handling can damage both the hoist and the load.
4. Adhering to Load Limits
Never exceed the rated capacity of the hoist. Overloading increases wear on components and poses severe safety risks.
Comparison Table: Electric Hoists vs. Manual Hoists
| Feature | Electric Hoists | Manual Hoists |
|---|---|---|
| Load Capacity | High, suitable for heavy-duty tasks | Limited to moderate loads |
| Ease of Use | Operated with minimal physical effort | Requires manual effort |
| Speed | Faster lifting and lowering | Slower, depending on user effort |
| Applications | Industrial, repetitive lifting tasks | Occasional or low-frequency use |
| Power Source | Electric motor | Manual operation |
Conclusion
By carefully evaluating load, environment, efficiency, headroom, power, and controls—and by following these usage tips—you’ll select an electric hoist that meets your operational demands and safety requirements. Yuantai Crane, with 10+ years of ISO 9001-certified manufacturing and 150+ global installations annually, stands ready to provide expert guidance and tailored hoist solutions to optimize your workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How do I know if I need a wire-rope or chain hoist?
Wire-rope hoists are suited for loads above 5 t and high cycle rates; chain hoists excel in compact spaces and lower duty applications.
Q2: Can I retrofit an existing crane runway with an electric hoist?
Yes—most systems support end-truck or trolley upgrades; verify runway gauge and load capacity per CMAA #70 specs.
Q3: What maintenance interval should I follow?
Perform daily visual checks, monthly functional tests, and annual load tests at 125 % capacity as per OSHA 1910.179.
