Choosing the best electric hoist for your needs may seem overwhelming. The choices are many. Will electric chain hoists, electric rope hoists, or an electric cable hoist work best? Do you need industrial electric hoists, or will commercial electrical hoists suffice?

Determining the exact function of your electrical hoist will narrow your choices considerably. Different types of electric hoists are capable of lifting weights from 100 lbs to 100 tons. To choose the appropriate electric hoist consider the following:

1. What is the maximum weight you expect the hoist to lift?
   
   
2. At what speed do you need this weight lifted?
   
   
3. What are your normal lift lengths?
   
   
4. What is your average duty cycle?
   
   
5. Will a package hoist or a built-up hoist best meet these requirements?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Determine which electric hoist is right for you

There are industry standards and codes designed to help you choose the best electric hoist for your needs.

I recommend: The Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA) offers a document to help choose the most economical hoist for your project. It may be downloaded for free or ordered in printed book form for a small price. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) offers the codes and standards for a variety of electric hoists. These publications are also available for immediate download in PDF format or may be ordered in printed book form.

Choose the best package electric hoist for your needs

If your weight capacity is between 500 lbs and 30 tons, your speed and lift ranges are average, and you need only standard duty cycles; a package hoist may meet your needs. Virtually all electric chain hoists and most electric wire rope hoists are this type.

I recommend: ACE Industries, Inc. offers a variety of electric hoists and promises next day delivery on all orders received before 2:00 pm EST. American Crane offers larger industrial hoist packages for projects ranging from manufacturing to nuclear.

For highly specific or atypical needs, choose a built-up or custom electric hoist

Some companies offer design and engineering services in addition to sales. Many package hoists may be customized by adding specialty parts.

I recommend: American Crane & Hoist offers electric chain hoists and electric wire rope hoists with optional equipment that allows hoists to be customized or built-up to your specifications. Gorbel offers an online hoist resource center, custom design and engineering services.

Purchase used electric hoists or 'remanufactured' electrical hoists to save money

Many distributors list used electric hoists for construction and other purposes. Companies that sell refurbished or 'remanufactured' small electric hoists and heavy duty electric hoists may offer limited warranties.

I recommend: Hoists Direct Inc. offers used hoists sales in addition to a wide selection of new hoists. Another bonus of this site is the real time online chat available during business hours (EST). Just click on the “chat” box located in the top right corner of every page on the site. Washington Crane & Hoist also offers remanufactured equipment, and a 1 year limited warranty on parts and labor. International Process Plant offers a selection of used electric hoists and parts for sale on their site.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Electric chain hoists may be the best choice because they are usually less expensive than electric wire hoists, are more compact and allow more headroom. They also provide equal duty cycles compared to electric wire rope hoists.
• •  Choose an electric hoist that is reliable and one that is most familiar to your maintenance staff.
• •  Look for electrical chain hoists and electrical wire rope hoists with a limit switch for safety, rather than a clutch. The clutch safety feature will stop the hoist in the event of an emergency, but may also cause excessive wear on your electric engine hoist.