Any overhead crane system relies on a hoist to lift and lower a load. Riggers also rely on hoisting tools to accomplish difficult lifting and winching tasks.
But as you go through your research process, you will see many different hoist configurations out there, ranging in size, shape, and price.
For some applications, the best option will be manual-operated hoists, and the two most popular options are hand chain hoists and lever hoists. While they have a similar purpose, each model has its advantages, disadvantages, and ideal applications to consider. So, how do you know which is the correct device for your application. When should you use one over the other?
Mazzella has partnered with some of the most respected hoist manufacturers in the industry, and our article will inform you on the following topics:
- How Can You Decide Between a Chain Hoists and Lever Hoist?
- What Industry Standards Impact Hand Chain Hoists and Lever Hoists?
What Is a Hand Chain Hoist?
A hand chain hoist, sometimes called a chain block or a chain fall, is an overhead hoist that uses a metal chain to vertically lift and lower loads and gives operators a mechanical advantage to lift heavy material.
Chain hoists are highly regarded for their durability, affordable prices, low maintenance, and ergonomic design. These factors make them a popular option for construction and excavation companies, but they can be used in many other industries and applications, like repair shops, warehouses, and barns.
Anywhere you can use an electric hoist, you can use a chain fall, but they are especially useful for environments without reliable power or electricity.
Because there’s no drum on a chain hoist, it’s more compact, making it easy to store and great for applications with little room. And, since the hoist can be dismantled with simple hand tools, it’s easy to inspect and repair. Typical capacities for a hand chain hoist range from 1/4-ton to 50-ton.
What are the Benefits of a Hand Chain Hoist?
Easy to Operate
Their simple design makes hand chain hoist an easy tool for any rigger to use, regardless of their experience level. Plus, the hoist allows riggers to lift and move heavy loads without much manual labor, reducing the chances of injuries and creating a safer work environment.
For example, Columbus McKinnon’s Coffing LHH Hand Chain Hoist has lubricated bearings and heat-treated gearing that ensures smooth lifts without much effort.
Increased Durability
While they are designed to be portable and lightweight, hand chain hoists are also built to withstand demanding environments. Their hardened load chain provides increased resistance and chain lift compared to a wire rope. Some chains are zinc-plated for extra durability. The hoist’s body is also made from a combination of cast aluminum and steel for extra durability.
What Is a Lever Hoist?
A lever hoist, also referred to as a come along or puller, is a popular manual lever-operated device that uses a cranking lever and gears to give operators leverage when lifting or pulling a load. Lever hoists can be fitted with different sized levers as well. The longer the lever, the more leverage you will get, but shorter levers will benefit riggers working in smaller spaces.
Lever hoists are great for the precise moving and positioning of heavy loads, like setting pipes in manholes and moving steel beams at a construction site. Lever hoists can be used in vertical lifting and horizontal pulling applications, making them great for multiple industries and applications. The typical capacity range for lever hoists is from 1/2-ton to 9-ton.
Where are Lever Hoists Used?
The lever hoists’ compact design makes it a great option for tight, confined spaces, especially those with low ceiling room. Lever hoists are most effective in horizontal pulling applications.
Lever hoists come in a variety of sizes and models, making them great for multiple applications. Like hand chain hoists, they’re popular on construction sites and iron work sites, but they can also be used in:
- Mining operations
- Iron work
- Offshore oil production
- Petroleum production sites
- Ship building
- Utility work and maintenance
- Steel fabrication
How Can You Decide Between a Chain Hoists and Lever Hoist?
A chain hoist and lever hoist were built with the same purpose in mind: to help workers lift heavy loads without exerting much manual labor. But there are several questions you should answer before using one, including:
What Is Your Application?
Dealing with the hand chain in the horizontal position is a challenge because of the excess chain hanging free. So, in the horizontal position, you would want to use a lever tool. But if needed, you can use a hand chain hoist—just be extra cautious about the working load limit.
If you are lifting a heavy load vertically, a chain block is your best option.
How Much Headroom Is Available?
What kind of headroom are you working with? If you have plenty of headroom, a chain fall will be the ideal choice, whereas low ceiling environments are better suited for lever hoist.
Also, are you going to mount the system to a trolley? Are you going to mount it to a swivel hoist ring fastened to an I-beam, or an anchor point in the ceiling? You’ll also want to consider those regarding height.
Will You Be Moving the Hoist?
If you plan on moving the unit from point to point at a job site, lifting various loads from different locations, a lever tool would be a good choice. If you have a job where you’re going to leave the lifting equipment there for a while, consecutive days or weeks, and it needs to be mounted from a fairly high point, you will want to consider a chain fall.
What Industry Standards Impact Hand Chain Hoists and Lever Hoists?
Hand chain hoists and lever hoists fall under different ASME standards. Lever hoists fall under ASME B30.21 standards, which covers testing and inspection requirements. Whether your lever hoist is new or has been repaired, it must pass an operational and load test to ensure the device is compliant.
Meanwhile, hand chain hoists adhere to ASME B30.16 Overhead Underhung and Stationary Hoists. This standard gives guidance on many components, including hoist testing.
How Can You Purchase an Overhead Hoist?
A big part of creating safe work environments is picking the right equipment. And if you’re deciding between a chain fall or lever hoist, we hope this article explained when to use one over the other.
Manual-operated hoists are great for multiple reasons. They are affordable, great for temporary applications, and ideal for environments without reliable energy sources. To pick the right tool for your next project:
- Consider your application
- Evaluate the environment’s headroom space
- Determine if the hoist will be stationary or not
- Are you hoisting or pulling?
It’s also important to remember that you are sacrificing lifting speed when choosing any manual chain hoists. If you need faster lifting speeds—and have suitable electric power—you may want to consider an electric, air, or pneumatic hoist. You would also want to consider electric, air, or pneumatic hoists if you are lifting heavier loads.
If you’re still unsure on which to use, reach out to one of Mazzella’s Rigging Specialists. They can help you decide which product to go with because they have decades of experience helping companies of all industries and sizes.
Mazzella is also a proud Columbus McKinnon distributor, one of the largest hoist manufacturing companies in the United States. Contact one of our Sales Representatives to purchase one for your organization.
Copyright 2024. Mazzella Companies.