Manual Chain Block Hoist
A manual chain block hoist is a simple and robust piece of equipment. It does not require electricity, so it saves money on utility bills. It also requires less maintenance and inspection than powered hoists.
It consists of a sturdy central housing which encloses two joined gears of differing sizes. Pulling the thinner hand chain forces movement of the heavy-duty load chain across the gears. A slack chain can catch on obstructions and pose a danger to people. This problem can be minimised with a chain collecting box or ‘chain bag’.
Durability
The durability of a manual chain block hoist depends on the conditions of use and how well it is maintained. The chain block should be regularly checked for illegible markings; damaged or distorted slack end anchors; damage to the trolley and hooks; chains that are worn, bent, notched, stretched or corroded; chains that do not hang freely, jump or twist; or a slack in the load chain. A chain block that is regularly used in a harsh environment should be examined at least monthly. It should also be inspected by a qualified person every three months.
Some chain blocks are supplied with a specialised chain bag to help prevent the build-up of grit and rust. This is particularly important when using the block in environments where this could occur, such as automotive shops and building constructions. The bag should be regularly emptied and cleaned of any debris or dirt. The hoist should also be kept free of lubrication to avoid the chain from becoming seized in the load or jumping, as well as maintaining a smooth operation and providing better security protection.
Other features that increase the durability of a chain block hoist include its fully enclosed stamped steel housing to protect internal components, a revolutionary rotating hand chain guide for flexibility and a high-quality brake. These features improve safety and security, reducing downtime for maintenance. It is also designed to meet ATEX requirements for use in potentially explosive environments.
Safety
In order to use a manual chain block hoist safely, it is important to follow proper safety rules. These are designed to prevent personal injury and damage to the equipment. They also ensure that the chain is not twisted or damaged and can be used effectively. A twisted chain will lose its tensile strength and could cause the load to drop, which may lead to personal injury. Using the wrong chain can also cause damage to the hoist. Incorrect connections between the chain and the sprocket can result in overloading or jamming.
There are several different types of chain hoists, manual chain block hoist including hand and electric powered. They are commonly used in construction sites to lift heavy rubble and steel beams. They can also be used in warehouses and factories to lift large loads. Electric chain hoists have an additional advantage over their manual counterparts: They can be operated remotely from a control panel. This reduces the need for the operator to stand next to the machine, which increases safety.
A manual chain block hoist has a working load limit that indicates its rated lifting capacity. A safe factor of 3 to 5 times is common for general purpose over-leaf chains and allows a buffer for unforeseen loads and stresses. They are typically able to handle multiple loads at once, but they should be tested for overload.
Efficiency
This type of hoist can lift heavy objects that are difficult to move by hand – but it also requires careful operation and maintenance. A quality manual chain block hoist can have a working load limit of up to 20 tonnes. It is important to choose the right size for your needs. You should consider the weight of your load, its dimensions and how you are going to use the hoist. You should also ensure that the chain and hook are not loaded beyond their capacity.
A chain bag can be helpful for collecting excess chain when the hoist is not in use. However, the bag should be well designed and have adequate capacity to collect all the chain when the bottom hook saddle is in its highest position. It should Manual Chain Block Hoist Manufacturer also have a drainage hole to prevent moisture from building up in the chain.
A crane engineer who performs inspections and maintenance on manually operated chain hoists says that some common problems he sees include safety catches getting worn, chains stretching, hooks stretching and contortion, and worn top return sprockets. These problems are usually caused by overloading or by using equipment for tasks it wasn’t designed to do. These issues can be prevented by following some simple maintenance and inspection procedures.
Cost
Manual chain block hoists can be a cost-effective choice for lifting heavy loads. They are easy to maintain and don’t require any electricity. They can be hung from a hook, eyebolt, or shackle for suspended applications, or combined with a trolley for travelling applications. They are typically used in building sites to lift rubble or steel beams – but they can also be used with slings to connect, anchor, and balance the load.
The most important thing to remember is that these devices must be used in accordance with their rated capacity, which is usually displayed on the device. Failure to do so could result in serious injuries or property damage. This is why it’s important to get proper training on how to use a chain hoist correctly.
When a small amount of pulling force is applied to the hand chain, this turns a series of cogs, axles, and gears. This, in turn, turns the second load chain that lifts a large load with mechanical advantage.
Most manual chain blocks have what is known as overload protection. This is achieved by providing an additional clutch between the hand chain wheel and the rest of the gear drive system. This allows the chain to slip at a pre-set input torque, but does not prevent the load from being lowered.