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.