You don’t buy an electric hoist lightly. Before you buy an electric hoist, you need to ask yourself a few things. By doing this you will avoid disappointments or a hoist that simply does not fully meet the right requirements. Save yourself frustration by looking carefully at the important aspects of an electric hoist in advance. We have compiled this guide on how to choose the right electric chain hoist for your needs.
Why choose an electric hoist?
First of all, it’s important to know the benefits of an electric hoist. After all, there are different types of hoists, but an electric hoist is by far the nicest to work with. Electric hoists are distinguished by:
- Electric hoists are very safe. The hoists work very accurately and have a safety brake built in that prevents accidents.
- Electric hoists are configurable. For example, many electric hoists have two speeds. This is useful if you sometimes need to speed up and occasionally have to place your cargo very precisely.
- Electric hoists are easy to use and require virtually no training.
- Electric hoists ensure a safe working environment.
What should I consider before buying a hoist?
As mentioned earlier, it is important to carefully consider what type of hoist you need. After all, electric hoists are configurable and come in a variety of designs. The most essential questions to ask yourself beforehand are:
- What cargo needs to be lifted, how heavy is the load and what is the size of the load?
- How fast does the hoist need to be?
- How precize should the hoist be?
- How much power should the hoist have?
- How long should your chain be?
- Do you need a remote control?
- Is a auxiliary brake needed?
Depending on the answers to the above questions, you can get started on choosing a hoist. How do you get answers to the questions? We’ll explain that to you here. At the bottom of this article, you will also find an overview of all available Hitachi hoists and their characteristics.
Hoist: weight and force required
If you are looking for an electric hoist for your plant, the first thing you should know is the weight of what you are going to lift. This is the first basic requirement. Safety is a key consideration in your selection and it is best to err on the side of caution when selecting the safe working load of the hoist. Standard weights on lifting machinery and chain hoists are 125kg, 250kg, 500kg, 1.000kg, 2.000kg, 2.500kg, 3.000kg and 5.000kg.
So if, for example, your constant load is 500kg and you are likely to exceed that weight, take no chances. Choose the 1000 kg chain hoist to optimize your production and ensure the safety of both your workers and your load.
Necessary speed of a hoist
Lifting speed is your next step and you need special attention. If your goal is high production, then you will require a faster lifting speed to get the best possible return on your investment when purchasing your electric hoist. If you are simply unloading delivered goods and moving them sporadically, look for a more modest speed. Hoist speed is determined by several factors, including engine power, gearbox ratio, and chain winding.
What is the lifting height of a hoist?
After selecting the capacity and speed, you then need to consider the lift height that your task requires. The biggest limitation in this sense is the construction or industrial warehouse where the hoist will go. Don’t assume that because your building is a certain height, it will reach the same height by elevator. The size of both your lifting frame and the electric hoist should be determined before making any decisions. If you’re not sure, get in touch with one of our weight lifting professionals. Errors at this stage can be very costly and can be avoided with a simple consultation.
Don’t overlook your future needs
A 3-ton chain hoist may be suitable for lifting your items now, but what about future needs? Do you see yourself lifting heavier objects in the future? This would not be profitable every time you need to lift heavier items.
What type of material will the hoist lift?
Everyday items that need to be lifted from one place to another can be easily hoisted, but what if your load is something different, for example an asymmetric load? Also, are there any dangerous environmental issues to consider? In this regard, be as open and honest as possible with one of our experts and we will help you with every question or risk you can think of. Failure to disclose any hazards can waste valuable time, money and production and, of course, jeopardize the safety of those who operate the lifting equipment.
How often will the hoist run?
Before getting an electric hoist, you need to determine how often the crane will operate per day. Also, consider how long each cycle takes.
Types of Hitachi Hoists
Dependent on your needs you can choose between multiple electric hoists. In general, the hoists can be split into Series F and Series S. They all differ in terms of lifting capacity, speed, motor output, and other elements. Underneath you find a graph which shows you multiple types and the according hoist. Depending on your needs the graph will tell you which Hitachi hoist you will need.
Find the electric hoist you need
Now you know what to take into consideration, what type of electric hoists are available and which type can fulfill your needs. Now you can discover the hoist more thoroughly, configure it to your needs, and order easily online. All our hoists are directly shipped from stock and delivered in 3 business days. Discover our hoists: