Using drums or lift wheels, hoists are able to move loads vertically and can be operated electrically or manually. Furthermore, industry professionals typically rely on one of two different types of electrical hoists, namely chain or wire rope. When you’re analyzing a particular lifting task, there are 4 key factors that you have to consider for both types of hoists including:
- application type
- capacity
- duty cycle
- environmental conditions
So whether it’s the aerospace, automotive, construction, or food and beverage industry, there is always a need for heavy materials lifting and handling equipment. You need to check and see the amount and varied lifting needs that your business has before investing in heavy-duty weight lifting options.
How Gantry Cranes and Hoists Work Together
A gantry crane is a freestanding, mobile frame that supports a horizontal I-beam or track. The hoist mounts to this beam and provides the vertical lifting capability. As the hoist moves along the beam, the load can be positioned with accuracy before being lowered. Together, the gantry and hoist create a mobile lifting solution suitable for both indoor and outdoor tasks.
This combination is commonly used for machine installation, maintenance tasks, HVAC positioning, and moving large components in tight spaces where forklifts may not fit or operate safely.
Types of Hoists Used with Gantry Cranes
Choosing the right hoist for your gantry crane depends on the type of work, load weight, frequency of use, and available power sources. Below are the most common types of hoists used with gantries:
- Manual Chain Hoists: Ideal for light-duty or occasional lifts. These are operated by hand, making them cost-effective and portable but slower and more physically demanding.
- Lever Hoists: Similar to manual chain hoists but operated by a lever, allowing for precise vertical movement and load control in tight areas.
- Electric Chain Hoists: Powered by electricity, these hoists are suitable for frequent or repetitive lifting tasks. They offer better speed, consistency, and reduced physical strain on operators.
- Air (Pneumatic) Hoists: Often used in environments where electricity is not safe or practical, such as hazardous or flammable areas.
Chain Hoists
These types of hoists lift materials by pulling a chain through a sprocket and then moving it into a chain holder. They are typically used in applications that require the lifting of loads weighing less than 10 tons. Compared to wire hoists, chain hoists require far less preventative maintenance. Additionally, they differ from rope hoists in that they are able to provide what is known as “true vertical lift.” In other words, they must rise straight up without making any lateral movement.
This is typically used with applications where precise vertical placement is required. For less demanding environmental projects and other shop tasks, chain hoists are the more economical (cost-effective) alternative. Since they are enclosed and protected against harmful chemicals and certain outdoor factors, chain hoists are the ideal choice for such applications and tasks.
Wire Rope Hoists
When lifting materials loads with a wire rope hoist, a cable is wrapped around a drum that has been grooved in order to accommodate it. For material loads weighing 10 tons or more, you want a wire rope hoist instead of a chain hoist. This particular type of hoist is characterized by having a broader variety of choices or options and is capable of lifting at much faster speeds. Because chain models are more susceptible to wear and tear, the wire rope varieties are the ideal choice for those tasks requiring frequent use.
However, since the wire rope travels around a grooved drum, slight lateral movement of material loads is not uncommon. Despite the fact that this movement is negligible, you have to use chain hoists in order to maintain true vertical lift. It’s important to keep this is mind when precise vertical placement is imperative for certain tasks such as stripping molds. It’s also important to understand which hoist is going to provide you with the most durability based on the type of application it is needed for.
