Manual Chain Block Hoist
Various industries like construction, manufacturing, and maintenance use manual chain block hoist for material handling. They can also be used to suspend equipment for repair or inspection work.
The basic mechanism of a manual chain hoist is that when you pull the hand chain it causes a series of gears and inside loops to rotate. The rotation helps to lift the load.
Compact Design
A chain block hoist is a type of lifting device that is ideal for use in many different settings and applications. They are great for rigging, construction, and maintenance work because they do not require electricity or other power sources to operate. They also provide a great amount of lifting power with just a few turns of the handle.
These devices are commonly found on construction sites or in car service stations where they are used to lift and place engines into the vehicle. They are also used in warehouses, workshops, and shops for general lifting and rigging applications.
The first thing to consider when selecting a manual chain hoist is the maximum load capacity you will need. Once you know the capacity, you can then select a model that meets your requirements. There are a variety of models available, including spark resistant, ATEX rated and heavy duty versions for specialised applications.
Another consideration is how you will be using the hoist, for example, will it need to travel along a gantry beam? If so, you should consider a trolley mounted version.
Finally, the type of suspension you will need is also an important factor to consider, there are a number of options available including hook suspended and lug mounted. You may also want to choose a version that comes pre-chained, most come with 3 metres HOL as standard but 6 and 9 metre options are available for a small additional cost.
Easy to Operate
Unlike electric or hydraulic hoists that require electricity to operate, this manual chain block requires no power to lift heavy loads. It is also very light and easy to handle, making it ideal for use in garages or construction sites. This type of hoist can also be used to lift items above a certain height such as vehicles or machinery for repair and maintenance work, without requiring stairs.
However, using this kind of hoist isn’t completely safe. If not operated properly, it can put everyone in the vicinity manual chain block hoist at risk. For instance, if the chain is raised too fast it can be displaced from its suspension hook saddle and fall off, potentially damaging the load or hitting anyone nearby. This is why the operative should always remember to use the hoist slowly and carefully.
The good news is that this kind of hoist is usually equipped with overload protection that prevents the pawl rod lever from being pulled too far and exceeding its limit. Generally, this is achieved by using a belleville spring and friction disc assembly that slips at a preset input torque in the hoisting direction. However, this system can’t stop the application of a load that is independent of the chain block’s hand chain drive.
This kind of hoist is available in a wide range of capacities from 250kg up to 50 tonnes, making it suitable for all types of applications. They come with premium quality nickel-plated Grade 100 load chain that is long-lasting, a mechanical brake and double ratchet springs. They are also explosion-protected and have copper-coated suspension and load hooks.
Low Maintenance
Compared to powered hoists which require a motor and electric wiring for operation, manual chain block hoists have far less maintenance requirements. A simple design with no complex moving parts means they can be easily repaired in the field or at the workshop. This keeps your overhead lifting equipment working efficiently and avoids expensive downtime.
Unlike powered hoists which have a large number of components to fail, manual chain blocks are made from high quality materials and designed for rugged day-in and day-out use. Typical maintenance includes regular inspection, cleaning and lubrication. It is recommended that you use a tacky high pressure lube like Never Seize or gear grease on your hoists to keep them running smoothly and preventing corrosion.
Lever hoists or come alongs as they are also known, are used to pull, lift and position loads across industries. They are compact, portable and can be operated in most positions including horizontally, vertically or even inverted. Suitable for plant maintenance, industrial jobs and construction sites they are an excellent alternative to power-driven lifting devices such as hydraulic or electric chain hoists.
Most hand chains have a top and bottom hook with safety catches to secure the load when it is raised or lowered. Typically the chain has some slack, this is to ensure that the chain does not catch on obstructions and create a hazard to persons. To minimize this risk a ‘chain bag’ is provided with your hoist to collect the slack. It is essential that the chain bag is of adequate capacity to handle your load.
Durability
Unlike electric chain hoists, which require an Manual Chain Block Hoist Manufacturer internal motor to lift loads, manual chain block hoists require the user to manually pull on a hand chain in order to lift objects. The pulling action is used to turn a series of cogs, axles and gears which lift the load.
A chain block features a static top hook which suspends from a beam clamp or trolley, and a bottom/load hook. Loads can then be attached to the hook using lifting chains, slings or shackles. Safety catches ensure that the load is secure once suspended.
The manual chain hoist is a durable and reliable lifting solution for a wide range of applications, especially in construction sites or industrial settings. However, as with all lifting equipment, the chain block must be used correctly to ensure maximum safety and performance. Failure to follow proper procedure can result in damage, injury and equipment downtime.
Common misuses of chain hoists include overloading or exceeding the safe working load, improper shackle selection, and incorrect chain type. This can result in strained hooks, load damage or hoist failure and may cause personal injury.
To avoid such incidents, it is recommended that the user carries out an inspection before each use of the equipment. This includes a visual check of all components and a test run to ensure the chain is in good condition. It is also advisable to barricade the area of operation, use tag lines to control the load and never touch or stand close to the suspended load during horizontal movement.