Electric Hoists Types and Terms

  • Auxiliary hoists are supplemental hoists that are used to handle light loads at a higher speed than the main hoist.
  • Boat hoists are lifting units specially designed to raise and lower boats. Boat hoists are typically hydraulically or electrically powered and can lift up to 20,000 pounds.
  • Chain hoists use roller or link chains as a lifting medium. Chain hoists are typically electrically powered, but can be manually and pneumatically operated as well.
  • Engine hoists are lifting units designed to allow engine removal from automobiles, airplanes or boats. Engine hoists are typically hydraulically powered, but sometimes use an electrical motor.
  • Gate hoists are exclusively used to lift the water controlling gates at dams.
  • Hoists are devices used to lift heavy loads.
  • Modular hoists have an integral drum, motor and gearbox, with no visible shaft couplings between them.
  • Overhead hoists are attached to wall columns or ceilings.
  • Trolley hoists are hoists suspended from a trolley. These hoists can be built into the trolley or connected to the trolley using a clevis or hook.
  • Winch pulls heavy loads horizontally.
  • Wire rope hoists use wire rope as a raising/lowering medium. A complete wire rope hoist consists of a rope storage drum, one or more motors, a gear box and a braking system; they can be mounted in a stationary position or along a monorail attached to a trolley that allows them to slide to different locations.

Attachments - Components that are used along with lifting devices, forged, stamped or cast.

Boom (Crane) - The projecting part of a hoist, sometimes connected to a rotating structure. This is responsible for supporting the hoisting tackle and load.

Breaking Strength - The measured load that is required to break a chain or wire rope.

Carbon Chain - A type of chain commonly used for various pulling and towing purposes.

Clevis - A U-shaped fitting that has a pin or a number of pins. A shackle clevis is a device used to safely lift a load.

Controller - A device used by the hoist operator to adjust the amount of power delivered to the unit's electrical motor.

Critical Load - The load point at which any uncontrolled movement will result in hazardous safety conditions.

Critical Service - Using hoisting equipment for the handling of critical items.

Cushioned Start - A way of reducing the rate of acceleration when moving loads.

Drum - A cylindrically-shaped barrel with a uniform diameter that can be found in grooved or smooth configurations. Wire rope or chain is wound around the drum for operation and storage.

Festooning - A way of supplying power to a hoist that is moving along a beam.

Hook - A lifting attachment that is connected to a hoist.

Hook Load - The total weight that is supported by the hook of a hoist. This includes the load, wire or rope tackle and any other masses suspended from the hook.

Idler - A roller that is used to support and guide a rope or chain.

Lifters - Grabs that are designed to attach, hold, control and direct a load, commonly used with hoists.

Line Speed - A measure of the quickness of a hoist to wind up or let out its lifting/lowering medium. Line speed is typically measured by the manufacturer without a load attached to the hoist.

Load Capacity - The maximum weight that a hoist is designed to safely carry. Under full loads a hoist's maximum line speed is typically reduced.

Pawl - The device that acts directly upon the ratchet. The pawl ensures the one way travel of the ratchet, which adds safety in case the raising/lowering force is suddenly withdrawn.

Plate Clamps - Devices that are used with hoists to lift large, heavy steel plates.

Qualified Inspector - A professional or manufacturing representative who is certified to inspect a hoist or other type of rigging system.

Ratchet - A circular-shaped mechanism with uniform ridges. The ratchet allows for line retrieval of intake.

Reeving - The path of the wire rope on a hoist when it pays off the hoist drum and wraps around the upper and lower sheaves.

Rigging - Any necessary equipment or hardware used to attach a load to a hoist.

Running Sheave - A sheave that will rotate when the hook is raised and lowered.

Side Pull - The portion of the hoist's pull that is acting horizontally when hoist lines are not acting vertically.

Sheave - The grooved wheel/pulley that uses a chain or a rope to change the direction and point of application of the pulling force.

Tag Line - A type of rope used to avoid load rotation.

Trolley - A wheeled mechanism supported by a frame from which the hoist is suspended. The trolley allows for movement of the hoist for transporting supported loads.

Winch - A lifting device, which consists of a horizontal cylinder on a wire rope or chain, wound by a crank.