Chain hoists are a very useful invention that can be used to lift heavy equipment and other items all while minimizing the level of manpower and effort required to get the job done. They come in various sizes and can be found in venues such as auto repair shops to construction sites when used with jib and bridge cranes. Whether the unit is an electric or manual chain hoist, it can pay back many times the investment due to the efficiency it provides for lifting purposes. At Kennedy Wire Rope & Sling Company, we can help you decide which chain hoist is best suited for your application.
Development of the Chain Hoist
Chain hoists were developed from the older type of wire or rope cable pulley configuration. In such a configuration, fixed pulleys allow cool direction to be changed. Movable pulleys and compound pulleys produce force multiplication, or a mechanical advantage, of at least 100 percent or more. Wire cable pulleys do have some disadvantages, however. These include:
- The load will slip if pressure is not maintained on the cable or wrote. An electrical winch can minimize this occurrence.
- Wire and rope cable pulleys are susceptible to friction. The addition of ropes to multiply the effort tends to increase frictional forces which is counterproductive
- Ropes and cables are susceptible to fraying and potentially breaking – this can impose severe danger and cause serious injury or even death due to the forces and velocity involved in such an incident.
Chain hoists represented technological advancement over a pulley system, eliminating the above-mentioned disadvantages. These hoists are a very reliable method of handling heavy loads and are used commonly in warehousing, construction, and on other commercial and residential applications.
How They Work
Chain hoists function with a dual pulley system linked by a chain. This adds a mechanical advantage according to the same principle that works with a pulley. The load is prevented from slipping through a ratchet into the system. It is possible for chain to break, but not with a dangerous high velocity as can occur with a steel cable intention.
The use of manual chain hoists is common when lifting smaller items such as engine blocks. However electrical chain hoists are often used for heavier, more difficult loads. For very heavy loads, compressed air and hydraulic chain hoists are commonly used, many times with jibs and cranes.
It is important to have the right chain hoist for your particular application. At Kennedy Wire Rope & Sling Company, we can help you with your chain hoist requirements. Contact us today to get started!