A chain hoist is a device that’s used primarily in industrial and construction settings. The hoist works on a basic pulley system, which is made up of a drum or a lift wheel that has a chain system moving along its grooves. This can either be powered by electricity, pneumatics or even by manual labour. The chains may also be replaced with rubber belts or even rope and usually have a hook or a gripping arm at the end of it.
Are generally used to carry or move heavy objects such as construction steel, bricks and other industrial items. The hoist works by the collective movement of a combination of small and large gears that function to multiply the force that’s initially supplied to the system by the operator or an electrical or pneumatic control system. This enables heavy items to be carried or moved using minimal force. The movement of the gear then powers the movement of the chain pulley, which then carries the heavy load attached to the chain by the hook or gripping arm.
It sounds more complicated then it actually is. The mechanics behind this can be understood better when we look closer at the chain system. The chains used within the pulley system, also known as the chain block are divided into two types, the operating chain, and the endless chain.
The endless chain is attached to a tackle and it runs within the tackle, which is attached to a strong, grounded hook, usually fixed to the ceiling. The endless chain can be attached to the load that needs to be carried or moved by means of a hook or gripping arm. The operating chain will be used by the operator to supply initial force to the system. These chains are connected by the gears that will multiply the torque of the endless chain based on the amount of work completed by the operator or electrical system on the operating chain.
So now we’ve talked about the mechanics, some of the benefits are clear. A chain hoist is a hero in the workplace, preventing injuries for many workers who previously would have lifted heavy equipment on their own. Taking out this manual labour improves productivity whilst keeping employees fit and happy. Then if you were to choose an electric chain hoist, you get greater efficiency because everything is controlled by a remote, and these systems also tend to be faster too. Speed is everything in a factory or warehouses, as is safety, but with a chain hoist you get the best of both, and your employees will be all the happier for it. There are of course lots of different uses for a chain hoist, so you can choose extensions and accessories that fit your needs, such as particular hooks or holders, so lift the load safely without losing grip.