What Is a Hoist?
A hoist is a mechanical device used for lifting and moving heavy loads. Typically, it is attached to an H-beam or I-beam in factories or warehouses and operates horizontally to raise or lower loads. Hoists are equipped with two separate motors—one for horizontal movement and another for vertical movement. The load can be raised or lowered by winding or unwinding the wire rope. The load capacity varies depending on the type of hoist, and it cannot lift loads heavier than its specified capacity.
While the primary function of a hoist is to lift and lower loads, it can also move horizontally when attached to a beam. Additionally, if the beam is equipped with a moving mechanism, the hoist can facilitate vertical movement as well.
Uses of Hoists
Hoists are primarily used for lifting and moving heavy objects that are challenging to handle manually. In factories and warehouses, where loads often exceed 100 kg, hoists play a crucial role in transferring objects between carts or transporting them directly.
Chain blocks are another commonly used lifting tool for manual operations. When combined with a trolley, a chain block can move horizontally in a single direction. An electric hoist operates similarly to a chain block but with electrical power.
Features of Hoists
Hoists, along with other material handling equipment, facilitate efficient load transportation. In addition to simple hoists that lift and lower loads, there are hoist-type cranes that can also move horizontally when suspended from a saddle.
While the hoist mechanism handles vertical movement, the crane mechanism enables horizontal movement. This combination simplifies and streamlines the process of moving heavy loads in warehouses and factories, enhancing overall logistics efficiency. Proper qualifications are necessary for operating hoists due to their potential hazards.
Types of Hoists
There are several types of hoists available:
1. Electric Hoist
An electric hoist utilizes an electric motor to raise and lower loads by winding or unwinding a wire rope. This type of hoist is commonly used in industrial settings such as factories and warehouses. Electric hoists can be controlled remotely via a switch.
2. Lever Hoist
A lever hoist consists of a chain, handle, hook, pulley, etc., and is operated by manually moving the lever or handle to lift or lower loads. It is lightweight, compact, and relatively inexpensive, finding applications in various industries.
3. Battery-Powered Portable Hoist
These hoists are powered by batteries and can be operated while moving. They are lightweight, easy to operate, and suitable for loading, unloading, and transporting tasks in civil engineering works and construction sites.
4. Air Hoist
An air hoist operates using compressed air instead of electricity, making it suitable for environments where sparks could cause ignition, such as chemical plants.
How to Choose Hoists
In addition to hoists, other material handling equipment includes chain blocks, winches, and cranes:
1. Chain Block
A chain block lifts loads using a chain and operates based on the principles of pulleys and leverage. Electric chain hoists offer remote-controlled operation for easy lifting and lowering of heavy loads.
2. Winch
While a hoist primarily lifts loads vertically, a winch is designed to pull heavy loads horizontally.
3. Crane
Unlike hoists, cranes can lift and lower loads vertically as well as move them horizontally, offering greater versatility in material handling operations.