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Safety and efficiency are never taken for granted when working in construction. Avoiding safety hazards and completing the project on time can be challenges of their own. Part of getting the job done right is selecting the appropriate lifting and lowering equipment.
This article aims to help you choose the right hoist by elaborating on all the factors that contribute to this selection. The global construction equipment market is expected to reach $234.6 billion by 2030, contributing to the vast options available to you. Let's review the features that make a hoist suitable for your needs.
The four hoist types come with their own set of advantages and limitations:
This hoist type is the most budget-friendly and plain and is best used for occasional lifting or lowering projects. Compact and easy to carry, it's intended for straightforward usage. However, due to frequent chain pulling, working with a manual hoist can be a demanding task. Another downside is that these hoists don't support a load heavier than 6 tons or higher than 6.5 yards.
Electric hoists have a larger load capacity and are more silent than manual hoists. You can easily adjust their speed, going from very slow to fast, or use an emergency break when necessary. Although highly precise, the hoist's engine tends to overheat if you use it for a long time.
Pneumatic hoists are different from electric hoists in that they use compressed air instead of electricity. This prevents overheating and makes them suitable for continuous use. Some of the benefits of pneumatic hoists are their precision and the possibility of being used in environments where there is a risk of explosion, such as mines, oil rigs, or chemical plants.
Since they don't use electricity as a power source, the danger of short circuits or an occasional spark is eliminated. To ensure uninterrupted operation, keep the air filters clean and unclogged at all times.
This type of hoist can be operated in highly explosive areas. It has a high load capacity and lifting precision. However, it needs a suitable power supply and can be quite costly.
Each hoist has a rated capacity, which you must not exceed to preserve its longevity and protect human lives. The I-beam, gantry crane, or overhead crane that rigs up the hoist also has a rated capacity. Make sure you prevent overloading.
Before making a purchase, check the maximum height from the floor to the hook. Headroom is the space between the raised hook and the hoist suspension and it might be another factor you want to consider.
Regarding speed, you need a faster hoist for long-distance and short-distance lifts that require many lifts over a short period.
Duty class is a standard for hoists published by the American Society of Engineers and The Hoist Manufacturers Institute that will help you determine the type of hoist you are using and what to best use it for.
Most manufacturers offer one of three suspension options. The hook-mounted type can have a rigid or swivel system, depending on whether you need stable lift or rotational movements. The lug-mounted type can be connected to any support structure, and the trolley-mounted type usually comes with an integral trolley.
The power source is especially important when using electrical hoists. You can encounter a single (for lighter loads) or a three-phase (for heavier loads) power supply option. For safety, make sure your hoists comply with the OSHA standards and ANSI specifications.
Most hoists come with additional safety features. Limit switches warn you when using your hoist is no longer safe. Over-speed brakes prevent free-falling, and overload sensors stop the hoist from burning out.
Are there any dimensional constraints in the area where you plan to use your hoist? To avoid side pulling, make sure you have substantial headroom clearance, side clearance, and end approach.
In most construction work, the lifting and lowering of heavy objects can be the scariest and most challenging part of the job. Southeast Rigging, Inc. is a leading supplier in the industry in Jacksonville, Tampa, and Orlando.
As a reliable company of rigging hardware in Florida, we meet the highest standards and are proud to provide high-quality technologies and products. If you have any questions about purchasing a hoist, our trained professionals are here to clear out any doubt.
Put safety first, and contact us today to choose the right hoist for your job! We are here to consider all your hoisting needs and provide details about our products and services.
