Electric chain hoists are often a strong choice when a lift requires speed, control, and consistent powered operation. Also known as electric chain fall hoists, these hoists are commonly used in construction, industrial maintenance, manufacturing, and other applications where manual lifting may be too slow or labor-intensive.
Electric chain hoist from LGH, helping to maintain the NYC MTA train system.
However, choosing the right electric chain hoist involves more than matching capacity to load weight. Power supply, duty cycle, lifting speed, height of lift, mounting style, headroom, jobsite conditions, and load angle can all affect whether an electric hoist is the best fit for the application.
Before selecting a hoist, it is important to understand how the equipment will be used, how often it will run, and what conditions it will operate in. This guide breaks down the key factors to consider when choosing and using an electric chain hoist on your jobsite.
One of the first things to confirm before choosing an electric chain hoist is the power available on the jobsite. The hoist’s voltage and amperage requirements must match the site’s power supply for the equipment to operate properly.
If the site is only wired for 120 volts, hoist options may be limited to lower-capacity models. Heavier-capacity electric hoists, especially those above 2.5 tons, typically require higher voltage. This is often 230 volts or 460 volts, depending on the model. Confirming the available power early helps determine whether an electric hoist is practical or whether another type of hoist should be considered.
Amperage is just as important as voltage. Even when the correct voltage is available, an undersized or overly long extension cord can prevent the hoist from receiving sufficient power. The wrong cord can cause poor performance, interruptions, or equipment issues during the lift. (Check out our blog post about electrical cord requirements for electric chain hoists to learn more on this topic.) Always verify that the power source, extension cord gauge, and cord length meet the hoist manufacturer’s requirements before operation.
Duty cycle is another important factor when selecting an electric chain hoist. A duty cycle refers to how long the hoist can operate within a given period before it needs time to cool down.
For example, if an electric chain hoist has a 25 percent duty cycle, it can operate for 15 minutes within a one-hour period before requiring rest time. This may be sufficient for occasional lifts, but it may not work for applications that require frequent, repeated lifting throughout the day.
Before choosing an electric hoist, consider how often the load will be lifted, how long each lift will take, and how much downtime the operation can tolerate. If the job requires continuous lifting or frequent cycling, an air hoist or another lifting solution may be better suited to the application.
The next thing to consider in conjunction with the above-mentioned duty cycle is how fast the hoist lifts a load against the height of lift. For example, let’s say you’re using a 5-ton hoist and lifting 60 feet in the air. With a lift speed of 11 feet per minute, that means for one lift, you are using just over five minutes of your duty cycle to raise the load. Will you need to make more than three lifts in an hour, or will that meet your needs?
If you need more frequent trips, you could add a second hoist. If possible, you could also step down to a lower-capacity hoist and lessen the load while increasing lifting speed. Making sure to factor in the height of lift, lifting speed, and frequency in your lift plan can keep the job running without a hitch.
The Harrington 2 ton electric chain hoist rental from LGH.
Another thing to consider is the style of mount you will require. With both hook tops and trolley tops available, one must ask, “Which is the best option for my project?” For example, suppose you have headroom restrictions and need a trolley for your hoist. In that case, there are hoists designed with a trolley mount top that not only cut down the headroom taken up by the hoist itself but also remove the headroom eaten up by the separate trolley. While that option is available on only a few capacities, it may be the preferred choice for your project when things get tight.
In conjunction with the headroom aspect, electric chain hoists weigh considerably more than their air and hand-operated counterparts. Often, you may find that to mount an electric chain hoist, you need a different hoist just to offset its weight. If you can mount your hoist before being in the air or have additional help already on the job site and prefer or require an electric hoist, then the weight is a non-issue.
Consider, however, a 10-ton electric hoist. Nearly any model you choose will tip the scales at over 500 pounds with a 10-foot height of lift (plus another 7-8 pounds per foot of additional lift). Compare that to an equivalent air hoist weighing around 200-270 pounds or a hand chain hoist weighing approximately 115 pounds, each equipped with the same 10-foot height of lift, and you may find an alternative option that fits your project profile a bit better.
An electric chain hoist rigging in a marine environment.
What does your job site look like? Do you have excessive humidity, dust, dirt, or other pollutants in the air? Can you ensure that the hoist and control pendant remain dry and free of moisture that may cause issues with the electricity? These are all things that can and will affect the performance of an electric chain hoist. If you find that your site may compromise any of the above factors, consider other options for your project.
Another critical and final thing to note on your lift is whether the load is being lifted in a straight line vertically or if there will be angular forces applied. An angular load always creates tension on the hoist. This can potentially render a hoist unusable if the load is at or near the hoist’s rated capacity. For instance, if you are lifting a load weighing in at 9,500 pounds using a 5-ton hoist, it may be in your best interest to opt for the next size up unless you intend to lift the load in a straight line vertically.
An electric chain hoist is a good choice when a lift requires faster operation, controlled vertical movement, and a reliable power source. These hoists are especially useful when loads need to be raised or lowered more efficiently than they could be with a manual hand chain hoist.
Electric chain hoists are commonly used for maintenance work, equipment installation, fabrication, manufacturing, and construction applications where speed and repeatability matter. They can help reduce operator fatigue and improve productivity when the jobsite has the correct voltage, amperage, and environmental conditions.
LGH offers a wide range of electric chain hoist models.
However, electric chain hoists are not the right solution for every lift. If the jobsite has limited power, excessive moisture, dust, or hazardous atmospheric conditions, another option may be better suited. Air hoists may be preferred in certain harsh or continuous-duty environments. Hand chain hoists may be more practical for lighter, slower, or more occasional lifting tasks.
Choosing an electric chain hoist starts with understanding the full lifting application, not just the weight of the load. Power supply, amperage, duty cycle, lifting speed, height of lift, mounting method, headroom, hoist weight, environmental conditions, and load angle can all affect whether an electric hoist is the right choice for the job.
Electric chain hoists can be an efficient solution when speed, control, and powered lifting are needed. However, they must be matched carefully to the jobsite and lift plan. If the available power, operating frequency, atmosphere, or installation conditions are not suitable, another hoist type may provide a safer or more practical option.
For help selecting the right hoist for your next lift, contact your local LGH representative or call 800-878-7305 to speak with a rental specialist. LGH can help you compare electric, air, and manual hoisting options based on your load, lift height, power requirements, and jobsite conditions.
LGH is North America’s largest single organization devoted exclusively to the provision of lifting and moving equipment for rent. LGH holds the most comprehensive inventory for hoisting, rigging, jacking, pulling, material handling, and safety equipment. With over 80,000 pieces, discover your next project solution at RentLGH.com.
