Chain blocks, also known as chain hoists, require you to use your muscles to lift the load. They’re good for small loads and not using them often. Electric chain hoists have motors and do the lifting for you. They’re good for heavy loads and using them a lot. They’re faster, but they cost more and need electricity.
When it comes to lifting heavy stuff, it’s important to choose the right equipment to get the job done efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively. In this blog, we’ll break down the major differences between manual and electric chain hoists to help you better understand which one is right for you.
How are Manual and Electric Chain Hoists Operated?
A chain block is a device that uses a chain to lift and lower heavy objects. It has two wheels with a chain wrapped around them. When you pull the chain, it wraps around the wheels and lifts the object attached to the other end of the chain. You can also attach chain blocks to slings and chain bags to lift the object more evenly. This is all done manually. An electric hoist can lift much heavier objects with less effort.
An electric chain hoist has a motor and a brake. The brake holds the load when you lift it so that you can lift heavy things safely. The motor takes electrical energy and turns it into mechanical energy that lifts the load. The brake has a motor interlock. When the electric chain hoist is running, the power to the brake is released. When the motor is off, the power is automatically applied to the brake, and the brake holds the load on the crane. You don’t have to worry about lifting heavy things, and it doesn’t take as long.
Which Type of Chain Hoist Offers Better Speed and Efficiency?
Electric chain hoists are great for lifting heavy things fast. They’re also good for lifting things quickly. For example, in an automotive assembly line, you need to lift and move parts quickly to put them together fast.
Manual chain hoists are slower because you have to do the work. They’re good for lighter loads and not as often. They’re great when you can’t lift something by hand and you need a way to lift heavy things. For example, if you need to carefully lower a hoist into place, you could use a manual chain hoist. Or if you need to get a motor out of a tight spot, you could use a manual chain hoist.
What is the Load Capacity of Manual and Electric Chain Hoists?
Electric chain hoists are designed to handle larger and heavier loads, typically ranging from a few hundred kilograms to several tonnes. Our electric chain hoists can handle loads of up to 32 tonnes. This is because they are powered by electricity, which allows for efficient lifting in high-frequency and heavy-duty applications.
Manual chain hoists, on the other hand, generally have lower load capacities, though some models, like the Planeta range, can handle weights up to 30 tonnes. These hoists are operated manually for lifting tasks, making them suitable for lighter loads and situations where automation is not needed or possible.
What Do Manual and Electric Chain Hoists Cost?
When it comes to cost, both up front and over time, manual and electric chain hoists are very different. Electric chain hoists cost more up front because they have electrical components and extra features like overload protection and limit switches. They also cost more over time because you have to pay for electrical inspections and take care of the electrical parts. That’s the total cost of ownership.
On the other hand, manual chain hoists are less expensive to buy and usually have lower maintenance costs. They don’t have electrical parts, so you don’t have to pay for electrical inspections or buy expensive electrical components. This makes manual chain hoists great for small operations, shops, and applications where you don’t have a lot of money to spend.
Manual chain hoists might not lift as much weight or go up and down as fast as electric chain hoists, but they cost less overall. If you don’t need automation or fancy features, manual chain hoists are a good choice. You have to decide if the money you save on the front end is worth the extra money you’ll spend on maintenance and operation in the long run.
How Portable is Each Type of Chain Hoist?
Electric chain hoists are heavier and often require fixed installations or specific mounting systems, making them less portable than manual chain hoists. The electrical components and robust design required to handle larger loads contribute to their weight and installation requirements, making them better suited for permanent or semi-permanent setups in industrial environments.
Manual chain hoists are lightweight and easily portable, designed for flexibility in various locations and temporary setups. Their simple mechanical operation and lack of electrical components make them easy to transport and deploy in different work areas, including workshops, maintenance tasks, and remote locations where electrical access may be limited. This portability increases their versatility and makes manual chain hoists ideal for applications where mobility and flexibility are important considerations.
Do Chain Hoists Require Power?
Electric chain hoists need power to work, so you can’t use them in places where there’s no power or not enough power. Manual chain hoists don’t need power, so you can use them in places where there’s no power or not enough power. Each type has its advantages depending on whether you have power and what you’re doing, so you can use them in different places.
What are the Safety Features of Manual and Electric Chain Hoists?
Electric chain hoists have all kinds of safety stuff like overload protection, limit switches, and emergency stops to make sure you don’t kill yourself when you’re lifting heavy stuff in a factory. That’s why they’re good for picking up big loads all day long and putting them down in the right spot every time. Manual chain hoists usually have simple safety stuff like mechanical brakes and load limiters to keep you from hurting yourself when you’re picking up something with your hands.
How Much Maintenance Do Chain Hoists Require?
Electric chain hoists need more maintenance because they have more electrical parts that need to be checked and maintained to make sure they work right and don’t hurt anybody. This includes:
- Checking the electrical parts like the motor, wires, and controls.
- Putting oil on the parts that move and the bearings.
- Testing and adjusting the safety parts like the limit switches, the overload protection, and the emergency stop.
- Checking and fixing the brake.
- Having the hoist serviced on a regular schedule to make sure it works right and lasts a long time.
Because manual chain hoists don’t have any electrical parts, they’re much easier to take care of. Here’s what you need to do:
- Check and lubricate the mechanical parts, like chains, hooks, and gears.
- Make sure all the bolts and fasteners are tight.
- Look for any wear and tear on the parts that hold the load.
- Test the safety stuff, like the brakes and the thing that stops the load from going too high.
- Keep the hoist clean and in good shape so it doesn’t get rusty and works right.
Do I Require a Manual Chain Hoist or an Electric Chain Hoist?
When it comes to deciding whether to use a manual or an electric chain hoist, it really depends on what you’re lifting. Electric chain hoists are the way to go if you’re lifting heavy stuff all day long in a factory, a manufacturing plant, or a big construction job. They’re more efficient and precise because they’re powered, and they come with features like overload protection and limit switches.
On the other hand, if you’re doing small jobs or you don’t have electricity, a manual chain hoist is the way to go. They’re cheaper, easier to maintain, and portable. They’re great for shops, maintenance jobs, and temporary setups where you need to move stuff around and be flexible.
Find out more about how to choose the most suitable chain hoist.
