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A hoist is a device used for lifting or lowering a load by means of a drum or lift-wheel around which rope or chain wraps.

Overhead hoists are defined in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) B30 [1] standards as a machinery unit that is used for lifting or lowering a freely suspended (unguided) load.  These units are typically used in an industrial setting and may be part of an overhead crane.   

The suspension defines the type of mounting method used to suspend the hoist and includes hook, clevis, lug, trolley, deck, base, wall, or ceiling.

Hoist and Crane Services at Freeland Hoist & Crane, Inc.

TROLLEY HOIST

A hoist suspended from a trolley.  A hoist can be connected to a trolley by hook or clevis, or a hoist can be integral with the trolley.

CHAIN HOIST

Generally, any hoist which utilizes link or roller chain as its lifting medium.  Chain hoists can be manually operated  (hand or lever), pneumatically driven, or electrically driven.

PNEUMATIC HOIST

A motor driven hoist whose power is derived from pneumatically powered motors.  These hoist are often used in areas where electrical sparks are undesirable due to the possibility of explosion of fumes or materials.

AIR HOIST

A suspended machinery unit that is powered by pneumatically driven motors and is used to lift or lower a freely suspended (unguided) load.  Generally uses chain or wire rope as its lifting medium.

RATCHET HOIST

A lever operated manual device used to lift. lower, or pull a load and to apply or release tension.  Utilizes a ratchet and pawl mechanical configuration to incrementally raise or lower a load or to apply or release tension.

ELECTRIC HOIST

A suspended machinery unit that is powered by electrically driven motors and is used to lift or lower a freely suspended (unguided) load.  Generally uses chain or wire rope as its lifting medium.

MANUAL HOIST

A suspended machinery unit that, by use of manual operation, is used for lifting and lowering of a freely suspended (unguided) load.  Generally uses chain (roller or link) as its lifting medium.

LEVER HOIST

A lever operated manual device used to lift. lower, or pull a load and to apply or release tension.  Utilizes a ratchet and pawl mechanical configuration to incrementally raise or lower a load or to apply or release tension.

STRAP HOIST

A lever operated manual device, utilizing polyester or nylon straps as the lifting medium, used to lift, lower, or pull a load and to apply or release tension.

RATCHER LEVER HOIST

A lever operated manual device used to lift. lower, or pull a load and to apply or release tension.  Utilizes a ratchet and pawl mechanical configuration to incrementally raise or lower a load or to apply or release tension.

WIRE ROPE HOIST

A hoist that utilizes wire rope as the lifting medium. Often powered electrically or pneumatically. This lifting device is made up of a rope storage drum, motor(s), gear box and braking system and is suspended from a monorail or bridge beam(s) by means of a trolley.  May also be mounted in a stationary manner. Manual wire rope hoist are generally referred to as “pullers” and operate utilizing a ratchet and pawl tensioning technology.