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Electric Chain Hoists
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Why should you use an electric chain hoist?
- Electricity is almost universally available and inexpensive.
- Productivity, ergonomics, and safety are enhanced.
- They are normally smaller and more compact than wire rope hoists, as a drum is not
required to store wire rope.
- Overload clutch to prevent dangerous overloads is normally standard.
- Portability is excellent as standard hook mounting allows simplified installation
(Lug mount required on wire rope hoist to wrap rope on drum precisely).
- Lift can be changed at any time with minimal cost by simply changing chain length.
- Numerous configurations and speeds are available in lighter capacities.
- Chain tends to be a more durable lifting medium than wire rope.
- Headroom of chain hoists is often better.
- Chain hoists are normally less expensive than wire rope.
- Most chain hoist duty cycles are equal to wire rope.
When should you use an electric chain hoist?
- Any time your capacity is 3 tons or less apply a chain hoist unless some other circumstance
specifically dictates wire rope.
- Any time your application is in a critical area, and the portability of a spare
chain hoist allows easy replacement of another unit in need of repair.
- Any time you need true vertical lift and the lowest cost.
- Any time initial cost and total operating cost are important.
Which electric chain hoist should you use?
- Use one with a rated capacity no greater than the structure on which it will be
placed.
- Use one in all medium to heavy duty applications with a capacity rating that is
no less than the maximum load to be lifted and approximately 155% of the mean load
to be lifted. Increase this percent as the duty cycle increases.
- Use one with the highest speed available that will not cause safety or spotting
problems.
- Use a two speed model when precise spotting and higher speeds are required.
- Use one with a hook mount unless the inch or so gained with lug mounting is important,
or you are going to use a motor driven trolley.
- Use one with a rigid hook mount to keep hoist aligned.
- Use one with a motor driven trolley above 2 ton capacity.
- Use one with a mechanical load brake when redundant safety is required to keep the
load suspended.
- Use one without a mechanical load brake to prevent heat buildup in the gear case
particularly on long lift applications.
- Use one with grease in the gear case when the immediate area must be completely free
from possible oil contamination.
- Use one with good reparability and with which your maintenance staff is familiar
- Use a 3 phase model instead of single phase when 3 phase current is available because
these hoists normally have a better duty cycle and are more dependable.
General Hoist Selection Tips
- The number of starts and stops per hour directly affects all electro-mechanical
devices such as motors, contactors, brakes, and solenoids, by causing a buildup
of heat due to the inrush amperage at startup being approximately 3 times the normal
running amps. Operator training and proper equipment selection can minimize this
frequent source of equipment damage. Two speed motors and inverters can solve many
of the spotting problems that result in the improper, "staccato", use of the push
button by the operator.
- When making hoist selection with regard to maximum capacity load to be lifted consider
that ball bearing life for the equipment normally varies inversely according to
the cube of the load. For example, a two ton hoist operated at a mean effective
load of one ton will have a ball bearing life eight times that of the same hoist
used steadily at its rated load. This can amount to huge savings in repairs and
downtime for critical use hoists.
- Remember that manufacturer's warranties are against product and labor defects and
not wear and tear. For all practical purposes almost any manufacturing defect will
show up within a month or so of installation. The advantage of a warranty for "lifetime"
as contrasted with 1 year is difficult to place a "price tag" on. Actually the most
important factors regarding warranty claims are the reputation of the factory, and
the distributor form which you buy a hoist. Ace has a 70 plus year history of standing
behind products and customers to insure satisfaction.
- A limit switch on a hoist is one of the most important safety features available
for electric chain hoists. These devices shut off the hoist when the hook rises
to highest position and normally also when it reaches it's low point. There are
generally two types of limit switches used in electric chain hoists shown in this
web and there is one limit switch "substitute" that is not a limit switch at all.
The two types of limit switch are the (1) screw type and the (2) paddle type. The
"substitute" is a clutch in the gear case that slips when the hoist makes contact
with the housing at the highest point. All limit switches are meant to be a safety
cut off in case the hoist reaches the maximum travel. They are not meant to be used
for a method of stopping the hoist a predetermined points. This is because the limit
switch is a back-up safety mechanism. If the switch should fail in being used as
a normal method of stopping, there would be no back up.
- A screw type limit switch operates normally by a screw and traveling nut mechanism
that breaks a circuit in the control wiring and cuts the hoist off at the desired
point. This type of limit switch is normally concealed within the hoist electrical
cover and is set in accordance with the factory instruction.
- A paddle or actuator type limit switch is one that operates by the hook or some
other actuator on the chain, contacting a paddle or other switch that opens a control
circuit and stops the motion.
- The "substitute" is no limit switch at all but instead depends upon the use of a
clutch mechanism in the hoist gearing to prevent damage when the hoist exceeds the
maximum limit. Problem with this substitute is that when it operates, the clutch
slips. If the operator holds his finger on the up button the clutch will continue
to slip. Slipping of the clutch excessively will result in wear on the brake disc,
and finally after an unknown time, with the inability of the hoist to raise the
capacity load when required.
- Ace recommends hoists with either a screw type or paddle limit switch. Hoists with
this feature are more costly.
CAUTION: These tips are provided as a starting point in the selection process and
are not universally applicable. Please consult our experts for the solution to your
specific application problem.
Why should you buy and electric
chain hoist from Ace Industries?
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Best selection of electric chain hoists from all major manufacturers
insures that you will get the best hoist for your application
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Most complete inventory available insures that you get quick delivery
of the hoist you need
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Most competitive price is guaranteed.
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Best technical and application advice to insure that your electric
chain hoist purchase will meet your need
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Same day shipments
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No labor charges for changes to lifts and most other normal modifications
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Best after sale service. We are a warranty repair center and
authorized master parts depot for all of the brands that we represent.
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Ace satisfaction guarantee*
*Ace satisfaction guarantee: If you are dissatisfied with any item
purchased from Ace, that is a normal stock item for Ace, you may return it for full
refund or credit at any time within 10 days following shipment. Items must
be returned prepaid, and a return goods authorization number must be issued by Ace
and be included with the return. Returned items must be complete, undamaged
and in new condition. Stock items modified by Ace to fit a particular application
such as changing chain lift, are not covered by this satisfaction guarantee and
are subject to a reasonable restocking charge.