Hand Hoists

A hand hoist is a chain mechanism for lifting loads. The product consists of an enclosed housing and a mechanism that includes a system of pulleys, gears of different diameters, hooks, and chains. Models differ by mobility: lever-type, mobile, and stationary versions are produced as standard.

Operation is accessible to staff without specialized skills. Stationary models are controlled by pulling the chain, with the operator positioned below.

Operating features

Hand hoists are used indoors or outdoors within the temperature range of -50…+45 °C per GOST 15150-69. Hoists must not be used to lift people, substances posing an explosion or poisoning risk, red-hot substances or slag, or in fire-hazardous environments.

Application areas for hand hoists:

1. Country household use. Lifting loads, raising water levels in a well, or lifting buckets.
2. Construction. Used in private and commercial homebuilding to lift loads to the working height. The device is combined with a frame crane or a mobile jib.
3. Automotive repair. Lifting a vehicle body or removing the engine assembly from under the hood.

Using a hoist to lift personnel or animals is prohibited by safety regulations.

Operating principle

The mechanism is simple and reliable. The chain is driven by an elongated pulley and runs over a traction wheel located on the side of the unit.

Rotation of the drive shaft with gear teeth transmits torque to several gears that control the direction of rotation, from which vertical motion is transferred to the load block, through which the link chain is mounted.

Design

A hand hoist includes the following elements:

1. A housing with a built-in lifting mechanism.
2. A chain or a steel wire rope.
3. A hook for suspending products, materials, or workpieces.
4. An installation kit.

The lifting mechanism consists of a block and tackle, a gear reducer, and a manual drive. The drive is engaged by an endless chain loop or, for lever-type units, by a ratchet mechanism. A load brake is used to stop lifting.

Types of hoists

Two types of manually driven hoists are produced as standard:

1. Gear-type — a widespread type of equipment. It includes a pair of chains for suspending the load and operating the mechanism. The load is lifted by the operator’s muscular effort from below. Suitable for work in spaces higher than 6 m.
2. Lever-type. Operation is performed via a lever built into the hoist housing, which simplifies the work. The operator is positioned next to the hoist’s mounting point. The device is suitable for work in small spaces — wells, pipelines. It may be used in place of a winch.

Selecting a hoist

Many hoist variants are produced as standard with a load capacity of 0.5 t, 1 t, 2 t, 3 t and higher. Selection requires determining the equipment type, the lifting weight, and the height.

It is advisable to leave a margin of at least 30% for weight and height. This will expand the equipment’s range of application.

When operating a hoist in an aggressive environment, at an industrial facility, or under heavy loads, models with increased strength belonging to the professional class should be considered.