The hoist is the part of a crane that does the lifting. For most overhead and jib cranes the choice comes down to two types: the electric wire rope hoist and the electric chain hoist.
This guide compares them so you can choose the right one for your load, your lifting height and your duty.
How they work
A wire rope hoist winds a steel rope onto a grooved drum. An electric chain hoist lifts the load with a calibrated steel chain that runs over a chain wheel and is stored in a chain container.
Electric wire rope hoist: where it fits
- Medium and heavy loads, and heavy duty.
- Long lifting heights.
- Higher lifting speeds and smooth, quiet running.
- Continuous or frequent operation in industrial plants.
- Standard fit for double girder cranes.
Electric chain hoist: where it fits
- Light to medium loads.
- Workshops, assembly lines, maintenance and light industrial use.
- Compact size and simple maintenance.
- Jib cranes and light single girder cranes.
How to choose
- Capacity. The heavier the load, the more likely a wire rope hoist is the right choice.
- Lifting height. Long lifts favour a wire rope hoist.
- Duty class. Many lifts per hour call for a hoist designed for that duty. Check the duty group to FEM or ISO.
- Speed and positioning. Inverter (VFD) control gives smooth starts and accurate positioning on both types.
- Headroom. Low-headroom versions exist for both. Measure the space between the runway and the roof.
- Environment. Heat, dust, humidity and hazardous areas affect the design.
- Maintenance. Consider inspection access, spare parts and the replacement of the rope or chain.
Safety and inspection
Both types need working limit switches, overload protection and regular inspection of the rope or chain, the hook and the brake. Follow the manufacturer’s manual and your local rules.
What a CESAN wire rope hoist includes
- Overload protection with a load cell, as standard. The load cell weighs the load and is set at 110% of the rated capacity. Mechanical switches that only read rope tension do not give the same protection.
- Brake. A negative, spring-applied electromagnetic disc brake on the motor. If power fails, the brake closes and holds the load. The brake safety factor is 2.5.
- Limit switches. A rotary limit switch secures the upper and lower hook positions. Travel limit switches work in two stages: first slowing down, then stopping. A second-stage upper limit switch is available as an option.
- Drum and rope. The drum is designed to DIN 15020 and FEM and machined with helical grooves. At least three turns of rope stay on the drum at the lowest hook position, and a rope guide leads the rope onto the drum.
- Motors and gearboxes. Motors in protection classes IP54, IP55 and IP65 with thermistor protection, and gearboxes running in a closed oil bath.
- Control. Inverter control of the cross travel and long travel for soft starts and stops, and a pendant with IP65 protection and an emergency stop. Radio remote control is available.
- Electrical components from European makers, with PLC and custom software available.
- Options. Emergency drum brake, anti-collision limit switch, slack rope prevention, panel heating with thermostat or air conditioning, a second travel speed, an external motor fan and epoxy paint in several colours.
How the FEM group is found
To choose the hoist type and size, first determine the duty: the average operating time per day and how heavily the hoist is loaded. From those two the FEM group of the hoist follows. A hoist that works a few minutes a day and one that works several hours need different groups, even at the same capacity.
Hand chain blocks and chain hoist accessories
- CESAN supplies hand chain blocks for loads up to 20 t, with galvanized hand and load chains made in Europe, ISO hooks with a safety latch and a double ratchet brake.
- The load chain is high-strength grade 80 alloy steel with a galvanized finish. The gear case and hand wheel cover are steel.
- Trolleys for chain blocks adjust to a wide range of beam flange widths, with sealed, maintenance-free wheel bearings, drop stops and rubber buffers.
- Low headroom trolleys are available where the space under the roof is tight.
How CESAN can help
CESAN supplies electric wire rope hoists and electric chain hoists, and builds them into its overhead, gantry and jib cranes. Our engineers will tell you which hoist fits your job.
Why choose CESAN
- Turkish manufacturer since 1976. CESAN designs and builds overhead, gantry and jib cranes and hoists in its own factory in Turkey, with engineering, sales and after-sales in one country.
- Projects in more than 52 countries. Experience with different standards, climates and site conditions.
- A full range. Single girder cranes up to 32 t, double girder cranes up to 250 t and gantry cranes up to 500 t, plus jib cranes, hoists, transfer carts and attachments.
- Recognized standards. Design to FEM 1.001, EN 13001 and ISO 4301, CE marking, and ISO 9001 and TSE certificates for the company.
- Installation and commissioning on site. CESAN handles installation, commissioning and the load test in any country.
- Factory acceptance test (FAT). The complete crane system is tested before delivery, and customers or third parties can witness the tests.
- 24-month warranty, with the terms stated in each quotation.
- An office in Dubai for Gulf customers.
Send us your requirements
To recommend a hoist we need the capacity, lifting height, duty, speeds, headroom and environment. Send them through the enquiry form and our engineers will reply with a technical and budgetary assessment.
See our electric hoists, overhead cranes and the guide crane hook selection.