When to Use a Manual Hoist, a Lever Hoist, or an Electric Hoist

Having the right hoist for the job is crucial in any industry involving lifting, suspending, or moving heavy materials, such as construction, manufacturing, utilities, or warehousing. The appropriate type of hoist enhances efficiency and directly impacts worker safety, equipment longevity, and the job success rate. 

Before purchasing a hoist, it's important to have an idea when to use a manual, a lever, or an electric hoist. Each type offers advantages and is designed for specific job site conditions. Below, we will cover some of the key differences between each and discuss which option might be best for your project or operations.

Overview - Manual chain hoists, often referred to as hand chain hoists or chain blocks, are some of the simplest lifting tools in the industry. They operate by pulling a loop of hand chain, which raises the load through a system of gears and internal components that enhance mechanical advantage. As they require neither electricity nor compressed air, they are completely mechanical and portable.

Manual hoists are usually suspended from a beam or trolley, enabling them to lift vertically from a fixed point. They are available in various capacities, ranging from light-duty models for a few hundred pounds to heavy-duty industrial units rated for several tons.

Manual hoists are great to use in settings where reliability, simplicity, and cost are top priorities, as they don't rely on power.

•   Infrequent Lifting: Best utilized when lifting is not part of the daily workload, such as for occasional maintenance or setup tasks.
•   Remote Locations: Ideal for sites lacking electricity, such as outdoor construction areas, agricultural environments, or mining operations.
•   Tight Budgets: A cost-efficient solution for small operations that do not require automation or high throughput.

•   Lightweight and easy to transport.
•   Fewer moving parts result in reduced maintenance requirements.
•   Easy to use and dependable in tough environments.

•   Each lift requires manual effort, which can cause fatigue.
•   Lifting speed is slower than powered options, which may limit throughput.

Lever hoists, sometimes referred to as come-alongs, are versatile tools intended for pulling, lifting, and positioning loads. Unlike traditional chain hoists that solely lift vertically, lever hoists can be utilized in nearly any orientation—including horizontal or angled pulls.

Using a ratcheting handle, the user moves the load incrementally with each stroke. This design enables precise adjustments, making it a good choice for tasks that require exact load placement.

Lever hoists, commonly used in steel erection, utility work, mechanical rigging, and equipment installations, are chosen for their control and adaptability in confined or irregular workspaces.

•   Tight or Confined Areas: The compact design makes lever hoists an excellent choice for spaces with limited overhead clearance.
•   Horizontal or Angled Pulling: For tensioning cables, aligning steel components, or positioning items.
•   Precision Tasks: The ratcheting mechanism enables precise positioning of critical loads, inch by inch.

•   Can operate in any direction: vertical, horizontal, or diagonal.
•   Ideal for tasks that require small, controlled adjustments.
•   Tough and rugged construction withstands demanding work environments.

•   Not always the best choice for excessive or repetitive lifting due to manual fatigue.
•   Generally, lower load capacity than electric options.

Electric hoists are powered by a motor and utilize either a chain or wire rope to lift and lower loads. Designed for efficiency and consistency, electric hoists excel in industrial environments where heavy lifting is common and time is limited.

These hoists frequently incorporate advanced safety features, including thermal protection, emergency stop switches, and limit switches designed to prevent over-travel. They can be either stationary or mounted on a trolley system, allowing for horizontal travel along beams or gantries.

Electric hoists can increase productivity and help reduce physical strain on workers in operations where time and volume are important because they automate the lifting process.

•   Repetitive or High-Frequency Lifting: In warehouses, factories, and assembly lines where lifting is a routine task and requires speed.
•   Heavy Loads: Great for managing large machinery, dies, or components weighing several tons or more.
•   Precision in High-Volume Settings: Smooth operations help with more accurate placement of large, delicate items in production environments.

•  Quicker lifting speed compared to manual or lever hoists.
•  Decreases fatigue and physical strain on workers.
•  Reliable and repeatable performance for mass production or logistics operations.
•  Integrated safety systems with optional remote controls.

•   Requires access to a dependable power supply.
•   Costlier and bulkier at first.
•   Periodic maintenance may be needed on motors and controls.

Choosing the appropriate hoist involves more than just considering capacity; it's about aligning the tool with the job. Consider the following questions:

•   Always select a hoist that is rated above your maximum anticipated load.
•   Consider the shape and delicacy of the item being lifted.

•   Occasional lifts? Use a manual or lever hoist.
•   Daily or repetitive lifting? Electric lifting is the most efficient.

•   Manual hoists are vertical.
•   Lever hoists operate in vertical, horizontal, and angular configurations.
•   Electric hoists are typically vertical but can also be mounted on trolleys for horizontal travel.

•   If you're working in an area without electricity or indoors subject to strict safety standards, a manual or lever hoist may be more suitable.
•   Electric hoists streamline operations on shop floors and in manufacturing.

•   Manual hoists offer the best affordability.
•   Lever hoists may be more expensive, but they provide directional flexibility.
•   Electric hoists are generally the most costly, but offer unparalleled speed and productivity.

Whether you're lifting hundreds of pounds in a maintenance shop or moving tons of material in a production facility, Hanes Supply has the hoisting equipment to get the job done right.

We offer a comprehensive range of manual hoists, lever hoists, and electric hoists from reputable manufacturers specifically designed to meet the unique requirements of your industry. Unsure which hoist is ideal for your application? Contact our team of lifting specialists, ready to assist you in finding the safest and most cost-effective solution!