We hope the information in this article provided insight into some of the considerations that should be taken before buying or specifying a hoist.

Determining Required Capacity
When selecting a manual hand Chain Hoist, the rated capacity should be at least as high as the weight of the heaviest load to be lifted and no higher than the rated capacity of the pad eye, monorail system or other overhead structure from which the hoist will be suspended.
Selecting a Suspension Type
Chain hoists can be suspended in a fixed location or they can be trolley mounted by means of a top hook or mounting lug. Trolleys can be rigid or articulating. Trolley traverse can be plain (push type), hand geared or motor-driven.
Choosing Lift, Reach & HeadroomIt’s appropriate to group these three parameters together because they are closely related. Simply put, the length of lift is the distance the load hook can travel between its fully lowered and fully raised positions. Reach is equal to the difference in elevation between the hoist suspension point (pad eye or trolley beam running surface) and the hook saddle in its lowest position. Headroom is the distance from the hoist suspension point and the fully raised hook saddle (see Figure 3). For a hoist with top-hook suspension, the headroom dimension is the distance between the saddle of the top hook and the saddle of the fully raised lower hook.
Manual hand chain hoists have the lowest purchase price, making them ideal for applications involving temporary or infrequent use, low capacities, short lift height and when power sources are not available.
Electric and pneumatic hoists offer faster lifting speeds, are more ergonomic and are better suited than manual hoists for heavy duty cycles, high capacities and long lifts.
electric hoists can have a lower purchase price than pneumatic hoists. They do not require the purchase and installation of an air compressor and are normally quieter than air hoists to operate. If suitable electric power is available, electric hoists are selected more often than pneumatic for most general lifting applications. Electric hoists can also be equipped with special motors and controls to make them suitable for use in designated hazardous areas.