An overhead hoist is a hoist or crane attached to the ceiling, granary, or structure of a building. They have motors with pulleys, wire ropes, and chains. The motors can be hydraulically, pneumatically, or manually powered. Overhead hoists are widely used for their superior strength and lifting capabilities. Read More…
Leading Manufacturers
Konecranes, Inc.
Springfield, OH | 937-525-5533KCI Konecranes, since 1910, has provided products, services and industry applications worldwide. KCI Konecrane has a worldwide network for maintenance services to cover all our customers' needs.

Brehob Corporation
Indianapolis, IN | 800-632-4451Brehob is a leading provider of high-quality electric hoists in addition to many other related products and parts. Brehob’s seasoned professionals provide outstanding fabricating services, 24-hour emergency service, inside repair, customized training and more.

Gorbel Inc.
Fishers, NY | 844-268-7055Gorbel®, Inc. is an innovator and leader in producing bridge cranes for the industry. Gorbel® provides a wide variety of overhead handling solutions that handle loads from fifty pounds up to forty tons.

Handling Systems International
McCook, IL | 888-352-1213Handling Systems International has become a premier leader in the crane manufacturers industry through our hard work and dedication. All of our cranes are built to fit the exact specifications of our customer's needs. We are committed to providing our customers with unbeatable service, high-quality products, and competitive prices.

Acculift
Winnipeg, MB | 888-317-8880Since 1985, Acculift has been a distinguished leader in the crane manufacturing industry. With our years of experience, we have proven to be one of the best in the crane manufacturing industry. Contact us today to learn more!

More Overhead Hoists Manufacturers

Overhead hoists are vertical lifting mechanisms for lifting heavy materials and equipment. The difference between overhead hoists and cranes is the type of lifting they can do. Cranes can move loads vertically and horizontally. However, overhead hoists simply raise items vertically. Overhead hoists are classified by lifting method, power, and suspension system. There are several forms of overhead hoists, including chain hoists, wire rope hoists, manual hoists, electric hoists, and pneumatic hoists.
Types of Overhead Hoist Lift Leverage Tools
When choosing the right hoist for an application, manufacturers consider lifting capacity, mounting type, length of reach, and lift type. Although the hoist was invented in the middle of the first industrial revolution, it wasn’t popular until it could be powered with electricity. Electric power sources increased the lifting capacity and efficiency of hoists and their efficiency.
- Chain Hoists – Chain hoists are the most common type of overhead hoist. They use a chain and a pulley for lifting heavy weights and can be manually powered, electrically powered, or pneumatically powered. Electric chain hoists are the most common.
- Wire Rope Hoists use a wire rope for the lifting mechanism. Wire rope offers the strength and stability needed to lift circular drums or boxes without a harness. The majority of wire rope overhead hoists are electrically powered.
- Pulley Overhead Hoist – Pulley overhead hoists use wire rope and a lever lock or cleat brake to hold a lifted load in place. The hoisting mechanism for pulley overhead hoists can be gantry-mounted or ceiling mounted for easy movement and flexibility.

Types of Overhead Hoist Power Supplies
Overhead hoists are powered by pneumatic power, electric power, and manual strength. The type of power determines the lifting strength of an overhead hoist and can vary from simple to powerful designs.
- Manual Overhead Hoist – Manual overhead hoists are known as ‘chain and block’ hoists, fairy hoists, or hand chain hoists. They are the original form of hoists from the first industrial revolution. They use a chain and pulley mounted on a gantry. They can also be mounted on I-beams attached to columns or on the ceiling. Manual hoists are used for lifting tasks with loads under 1000 lbs. For example, they can lift vehicle motors or 55-gallon drums.
- Electric Overhead Hoists – Electric overhead hoists are powered by an electric motor and use a wired or wireless controller to adjust the lifting height. Electric hoists are the most powerful and are capable of lifting several tons. They are used for industrial applications with huge gantries or I-beam ceiling bridges.
- Pneumatic Overhead Hoists – Pneumatic overhead hoists, referred to as air hoists, are powered by compressed air pressure provided by a piston or rotary-driven air compressor. They have a lifting capacity of up to 100 tons. They’re often on long duty cycles to operate continuously without the risk of overheating. Pneumatic hoists are used in environments that require explosion-proof equipment.

Overhead Hoist Suspension Systems
Overhead hoists are mounted on a rail system, or I-beams that move them from right to left. Complex mounting systems mount the hoist to an I-beam connected to a track. The track allows the hoist to move beyond a left-right motion. The suspension system connects the overhead hoist to a supporting system. Suspension systems are usually a hook, lug mounting, or clevis.
- Hook Suspension –In a hook suspension system, a hook is attached to the hoist frame or body. This connects the hoist to a trolley or fixed suspension point, like a boom extended from a wall. Additionally, hook suspensions can be attached to a fixture that is part of a building’s structure.
- Lug Suspension – Lug suspension systems have a mounting bracket attached or built into the hoist’s frame. Lug suspension overhead hoists can be electric or pneumatic.
- Clevis Suspension – A clevis suspension is a U-shaped metal bracket with holes in the prongs for a clevis pin. The U-shaped metal bracket and clevis pin suspend the hoist. Double clevis brackets have two U shapes connected at the curve of the bracket with pins in each set of prongs.
Overhead hoists are a material-handling tool used in warehouses, factories, manufacturing complexes, and shipyards. They are ubiquitous tools that provide the power and strength to transport heavy loads.