Choosing the Right Electric Hoist
An electric hoist is a device used to lift heavy objects in a variety of settings. This equipment is usually attached to a crane like a gantry or jib or to a trolley in construction settings.
They are designed to help alleviate strain and injury on anyone trying to lift a heavy object by themselves. However, there are some things to look out for when choosing the right hoist.
Safety Features
Electric hoists are a critical piece of overhead lifting electric hoist equipment in construction sites and warehouses. They can handle heavy loads that would be difficult or dangerous to lift manually, enhancing operational efficiency and safety in the workplace. These hoists come in a range of configurations to accommodate different load capacities and application needs.
Some important components of an electric hoist include the wire rope, control system, and hook or lifting attachment. The wire rope acts as the primary link between the hoist and the load, requiring an adequate design and rating to ensure safe operation and avoid failure during the lifting process. The control system enables the operator to manage the hoist movements, speed, and direction. It can also provide important safety features like limit switches and emergency stop buttons to prevent accidents during operations.
Some models of electric hoists are equipped with brake slip detection to monitor the integrity of the wire rope and the holding brake. It will alert the operator if there is not enough torque to keep the load secure, which could lead to a dropped load. This feature improves overall safety and increases the lifespan of the wire rope. It is recommended to lubricate the wire rope with the proper oil every six months and perform regular tests and inspections on the hoist to identify potential problems.
Lifting Capacity
When selecting the right electric hoist, it is essential to consider various factors. These include the lifting requirements, application, available space and safety features. Additionally, power requirements should be assessed, as they can influence the choice of equipment. For instance, many electrically powered pieces of equipment operate on a 25 percent duty cycle. This means they can run for up to 15 minutes continuously before they need a cool-down period. In addition, electric hoists tend to be less costly than pneumatic ones and can be used in hazardous environments if equipped with suitable hazardous-duty motors.
An electric hoist consists of several components that work together during operation, including an electric motor, brake system, load chain or wire rope and hook or lifting attachment. These devices help alleviate the strain on workers when handling heavy loads in areas such as construction sites, warehouses, workshops and car maintenance garages.
There are a variety of types of electric hoists, such as low headroom models, explosion-proof options and geared or motorized trolleys. For example, a double speed electric wire rope hoist is typically found on single-girder and bridge cranes, gantry cranes and jib cranes for material handling. It is designed to offer increased productivity and performance, as well as a higher lifting capacity than single-speed models. These units also feature a high-speed lift and lower function for increased efficiency.
Maintenance
Hoists are commonly used in construction sites, industrial facilities, warehouses, car maintenance garages and dockyards to lift and lower heavy objects that would be too difficult for human hands to handle. They are also popular in mining operations to transport equipment and materials that can be too large or bulky for manual handling.
Hoist maintenance is a crucial part of any operation and should be carried out regularly. In order to minimize downtime, it is important to understand the causes of common problems with electric hoists.
Some signs that your hoist is in need of maintenance include:
• Hoist load brake locks up (handle works in “UP” but not in “DOWN” direction).
The most common problem with a hoist is the failure to properly maintain the load chain. The chain should be inspected and cleaned regularly to make sure that it is free of dirt, grease, or other contaminants that can damage the link. It should also be lubricated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Another common problem is the electrical failure to operate. This can be caused by:
Electricity
Electric hoists are powered by electricity and consist of a motor, gearbox, brake system, wire rope or chain, hook or lifting attachment, and a control system. When choosing the right hoist, it is important to consider the maximum load capacity that it can handle as well as its intended use and working conditions.
The speed at which a hoist can lift and lower a load is also important, Electric Hoist Manufacturer as it will impact the rate of production and turnaround time. An electric hoist can be equipped with a fixed or adjustable travel speed that is manipulated using the hoist controller.
Some types of electric hoists are also available as part of a crane package, including wall-mounted jib cranes that can be used as standalone equipment or mounted on existing structures like building columns. There are two types of wall-mounted jib cranes: cantilever and tie rod supported.
Pneumatic hoists are another type of lifting device that can be used to move heavy loads, but they require a compressor for operation, which adds to maintenance requirements and reduces power efficiency. They also tend to be louder than electric hoists and may take longer to respond to controls.