Overhead cranes are the lifelines of any industrial facility or manufacturing plant. They lift and move heavy loads all the time for the facility to run efficiently. There are several components in an overhead crane to perform the task.
Among those, the hoist system is one of the most critical parts of the equipment. It lifts, holds, and puts the load down. For that, it takes the maximum stress on the entire equipment. It is a given that you don’t want your hoist to break or malfunction during an operation. A sinister hoist can take the whole crane down. So, you must always go for the best for your crane.
There are several factors that you should consider for selecting a chain hoist for your needs. The points below will help you find your ideal hoist.
There are several chain hoist types available in the market. These are – manual hoist, pneumatic hoist, lever hoist, and electric chain hoist. This article is about selecting a chain hoist, that is perfect for you.
Weight lifting capacity
The first thing you should consider before choosing a hoist is the lifting capacity. For that, you should always check the lifting limit of the hoist. A prior inspection will help you determine the lifting needs of your facility. There are several weight classes for hoists, which go from 125kg to up to 2000kg for small cranes. There are also hoists to support heavier lifts such as 20 tonnes, 50 tonnes, and even 100 tonnes. If your usual lifting need is one tonne but may slightly exceed the limit, go for two tonnes. This method will allow you to keep your operations safe and also protect your equipment and employees.
Lift height
After the weight capacity, the next thing to consider is the lifting height. The hoist cannot be used for the entire reach of the building for technical reasons. The distance between the ground and the ceiling of your facility refers to the reach. The headroom is measured from the hook of the hoist to the ceiling. You get the lift height by subtracting the headroom from the total reach. It is best to go for a professional to assess the conditions of your building before installation.
Lifting speed and frequency
The lifting speed and frequency of your operation play a vital role in your facility. It is recommended that you have a general idea about the hoist’s speed. The hoist’s speed depends on multiple factors, such as the power of the motor, chain reeving, and the gear ratio.
You should go for a fast hoist if you want to use it in production. If basic loading and offloading are your things, then you should go for medium-paced hoist systems. It depends on the kind of work and the frequency of the operation.
To take note of the frequency, check the time the crane requires to complete one lifting cycle. This is something that you need to know for the maximum number of cycles your hoist can manage in a day. Go for a hoist system in which the maximum number of cycles is mentioned. The International Organization sets these standards for Standardization (ISO), making the hoist safe and dependable. Also, it depends on the kind of material you want to lift.
Material
Lifting speed and frequency are interrelated with the type of material you want to lift. Regular materials such as rigid boxes, containers, metal parts and equipment, and concrete slabs are easy to lift for their toughness.
On the contrary, hoists that are used in places other than industries can face some challenges. For example, if you want to lift things in a museum, it can be hard for you to choose the right hoist. Soft or brittle material like glass or stone needs special care during lifting. You should look for specialized hoist systems exclusively for those. Always consult certified personnel before opting for a hoist to avoid damages.
Suspension and power supply
The type of suspension you choose will significantly impact your hoist’s functionality. There are two types of suspension available in the market: the lug mount and the hook mount. The hook mount attaches the hoist to the trolley. A lug mount comes in handy when there is very little headroom available. It joins the hoist directly with the trolley with a few bolts.
You’ll be using an electric chain hoist for most of your operations, so it becomes a key objective to know about your power supply. Most of the industries use three-phase power in which the voltages go from 208V to 575V. Choosing the right voltage is vital, as any wrong voltage can fry the hoist.
With all the factors described above, there are more things to consider. The control type, the type of beam, the control pendant, and the working environment also is some key elements to look for. Last but not least, your budget will make the final decision while selecting a chain hoist.
Conclusion
Now you know the things to consider before choosing your ideal hoist. Don’t hesitate to consult an expert. The advice will guide you and make the decision easy to take.
