Chain Blocks or Come Alongs?How do them work?
Chain blocks are portable devices used to manually lift or lower a load. A hand-operated chain hoist is usually smaller and more compact compared to an electric hoist of the same size. Chain blocks are able to lift in a vertical position only. If they are side loaded or used horizontally it is possible for the mechanism to jam.
A come along (also called a wire rope hand ratchet puller) is a manual device that can make moving heavy loads by hand possible.
A chain block is operated manually, made from a combination of internal geared pulleys fitted with chain. The user will pull down on the hand chain, this will turn a pulley mechanism inside the hoist to move the load. There is a hook on the end of the load chain for ease of attachment to the load and a hook on top to secure the chain hoist to a suitable support.
A wire rope puller operates very similarly to a lever block except with wire rope instead of chain. To release the cable from the reel, make sure the mechanism is in a neutral position. Used for pulling only, they cannot be used for any lifting applications.
For lifting purposes
Every certified lever and chain block will be manufactured to be capable of lifting a specific working load limit e.g. 2 ton. The total weight of the load to be lifted (including the weight of any rigging equipment attached) must not exceed this working load limit. The WLL of a lifting device will be clearly displayed on the side of the hoist, along with the manufacturer and serial number.
For lashing purposes
Cable pullers and lever hoists can be used for lashing. These are commonly used in the transport industry for tensioning or pulling a heavy load.
What is a lever hoist?
Lever hoists are portable devices used to manually lift, lower or pull a load. A lever hoist can also be used for tensioning and lashing loads for transport. Lever hoists have the advantage of being able to lift in most positions, including horizontally and vertically, where chain hoists can typically only be used vertically.
Lever hoist’s (also known as blocks) have a handle on the side of the block which houses an internal gearing and ratchet system fitted with load chain. A lever block works by cranking the lever up and down to engage the ratchet and pawl system, which causes the load to move a set distance per crank. The direction of the internal gear can be easily switched, to move the load up or down as needed. There is a hook on the end of the load chain for easy attachment to a load, and a hook attached to the housing of the lever block for attachment to secure support (e.g. steel beam).
Benefits Of An Electric Hoist vs Manual Hoists
Hoists are used to lift and lower heavy loads and are valuable pieces of equipment in the construction industry. When choosing a hoist for your lifting applications, it’s important to choose one that is best suited to your operations in the long term.
Not only will you need to think about the amount of weight your hoist will typically be lifting, but you’ll also need to think about the preferred speed and the height you’ll need for the lift. Once you’ve decided this, you should consider whether manual or electric is best suited to your requirements. You should choose a hoist that can cater to both your present and future needs, which is why you should be critical when making your decision.
With a wide range of hoists to choose from, it’s best to start by choosing whether an electric hoist or a manual hoist is better for you. In this blog, we compare the differences between electric and manual hoists and identify the benefits of each so that you can make an informed decision.
Electric Hoists
Electric hoists (also known as electric chain hoists) are used for lifting or lowering material with the use of its electric motor and controller to easily lift and lower, with the ability to adjust the speed of the hoist.
Most ideal for industrial purposes, electric hoists are ideal for more frequent and everyday usage, where faster lifting is required. They make light work of heavy objects in comparison to when manual hoists are used.
Our best-selling electric hoist is the Yale CPV/F Electric Hoist With Integrated Trolley which is ideal for carrying loads above 1000kg and for moving them across long distances, making it the perfect choice for frequent use. It offers a smooth startup, self-braking and boasts a compact and robust structure with low overall height.
Benefits of Using Electric Hoists
One of the main advantages of using electric hoists is the speed in which lifting and lowering can be done. Some of the slower models can reach 1.5 metres in one minute, whereas some of the faster electric hoists can reach 12 metres per minute. This means that if you are looking for a fast electric hoist, you should take this into consideration and electric hoists will all have different speeds. With the quick speeds, you’ll be able to complete lifting operations much more efficiently and faster.
Electric hoists are easy to use, meaning that less work is required to lift heavier loads in comparison to manual hoists. This means that if you’re intending to use the hoist for frequent operations, you will most likely benefit more from an electric hoist.
With lifting made much easier, the operations can be carried out without compromising on safety, therefore protecting the load and individuals using the electric hoist.
While electric hoists are more costly than manual hoists, they are inexpensive compared to cranes and are therefore one of the most popular options in the industry due to their efficient operations even in demanding conditions. They are hassle-free, can be easily operated with basic controls and lift goods with high precision.
Manual Hoists
Manual hoists are a simple device made from durable, high-grade steel. While manual hoists are extremely easy to move around, however, they do require more effort to lift heavier loads in comparison to electric hoists.
When choosing a hoist that suits you, you should understand that manual hoists are designed for hoisting and lowering loads, and aren’t designed for pulling.
Our best-selling manual hoist is the LGD Chain Hoist which boasts a number of different lifting capacities. The hoist is ideal for heavy industrial use or tough mining operations. The different lifting capacities for the manual chain block range from the smallest at 0.5 tonnes, to the largest hand chain block at 5 tonnes. This means that the hoist should cover the majority of everyday lifting tasks.
Benefits of Using Manual Hoists
Manual hoists work by hand, so no power is required to lift loads. This means that manual hoists can be used virtually anywhere, as long as they are used securely. As manual hoists are generally easier to move around than electrical, they work perfectly for when you’re regularly on the move, particularly as they do not require an electrical source to operate.
In comparison to electric hoists, manual hoists are more affordable and are best used for light lifting where a bulkier alternative isn’t appropriate. As they do not require electricity, they are also much cheaper to run.
Manual hoists are safe to use, durable and are lightweight, making it a firm favourite for those in the industry who are unable to transport the heavier electric hoist.
