Before I order any lifting gear, I ask one question: what’s the SWL?

Before I order any lifting gear, I ask one question: what’s the SWL? Safe Working Load (SWL) is the maximum weight that rigging or lifting equipment can safely support under normal use. I almost had a project shutdown once for overlooking SWL. Good thing I double-checked the specs. [Table of contents] What’s the difference between […]
What Is Single Phase and Is It Suitable for Electric Chain Hoists in Industrial Use?

Single-phase power looks simple and affordable, but is it really good enough for industrial chain hoists? Single-phase power is suitable for light to medium-duty electric chain hoists, especially in small workshops or industrial setups with limited access to three-phase electricity. I remember struggling with this exact question during a setup for a client’s workshop. Choosing […]
Is the packaging suitable for sea transport? How should the fragile parts of the electric hoist be protected?

The hoist might be tough—but shipping damage is real. Yes, electric hoists must be packaged in wooden crates with inner cushioning, moisture-proof layers, and reinforced supports to ensure safe sea transport. Fragile components require extra shock protection. I’ve seen too many shipments arrive with dented control boxes and loose hooks. All because someone used bubble […]
What is the approximate price of a 1-ton electric hoist? How do I calculate the import cost including taxes?

Knowing the product cost is only half the story—landed cost tells the truth. A 1-ton electric hoist typically costs $150–$600 FOB from China and $2,500–$6,700 from branded U.S./EU suppliers. Import costs depend on freight, duty, and destination fees. A client once asked why their $400 hoist “turned into $950” after arrival. Let’s go through why […]
Does the electric hoist support remote control or controller control?

Getting close to a load isn’t always safe—or necessary. Yes, electric hoists support both pendant (wired) and remote (wireless) controls. Remote control improves safety, flexibility, and efficiency in hazardous or large-area operations. I’ve worked on job sites where pendant control was the only option. Until someone got too close during a load swing. Since then, […]
What is the material of the chain of the electric hoist? Is G80 alloy steel safe enough?

Chain strength isn’t just technical—it’s a safety decision that can save lives. Electric hoist chains are commonly made from G80 alloy steel, which is safe for lifting when certified and properly rated, but G100 offers higher strength for more demanding applications. I’ve seen factories choose G80 simply because it’s the standard—without asking if it’s the […]
What is the motor power required to drive a 1-ton load for a long period of time?

Just because a motor can lift a ton doesn’t mean it can do it all day. To drive a 1-ton load continuously, a motor with 1.5–2.2 kW (2–3 HP) is typically required, depending on lifting speed, duty cycle, and system efficiency. Overload protection is critical. I’ve seen motors burn out not because they were weak—but […]
Is the 110V power supply single-phase or three-phase? Is it suitable for your industrial environment?

Choosing the wrong voltage might not break the machine—but it can break the project. 110V is typically a single-phase supply, especially in the U.S. and Japan, but specific industrial applications may use 110V three-phase systems with custom configurations. I once saw a site install a 110V electric hoist assuming it would run fine. It tripped […]
How to reduce the impact of tax increases? How to avoid risks from the supply chain structure?

Tariffs raise prices—but they also expose deeper problems in the supply chain. To reduce the impact of tax increases, companies are using bonded area transshipment, segmented production, and supply chain diversification to bypass tariff risk points. A few years ago, the worst-case scenario was a shipment delay. Now, the wrong sourcing structure can make your […]
How to negotiate prices with Chinese suppliers after the US tariff increase?

Tariffs went up again. I don’t want my unit costs to follow. After the 2025 US tariff hike, it’s possible to negotiate lower prices by requesting FOB term adjustments, securing volume discounts, and proposing tariff-sharing mechanisms. Last month, I renegotiated a year-long supply contract. Same hoist. New pricing terms. Let me show you how I […]