Ask any nurse “What does a hoist do?”, and they are likely to tell you how invaluable they are when it comes to moving patients around in a hospital when they cannot move themselves. Imagine trying to get a 6ft 2, 17 stone man who is paraplegic, from his wheelchair to a hospital bed without a hoist!
Hoists come in all different shapes and sizes though, and in the challenging world of construction and crane operations, hoists stand as indispensable tools. They play a pivotal role in lifting and transporting heavy loads with precision and efficiency.
In this blog, we’ll explore what hoists do in the construction and crane industry and delve into how electric chain hoist hire can elevate your lifting projects to new heights.
How does an electric hoist work?
Definition and function
Before you google “electric hoist rental”, let’s start by understanding how these useful contraptions work.
A hoist is a mechanical device specifically designed for lifting and lowering heavy loads. In construction and crane operations, hoists serve as the backbone of vertical movement, facilitating the controlled ascent and descent of materials, equipment, and components.
Hoists are employed in various settings, from construction sites for lifting building materials to manufacturing facilities for transporting heavy machinery.
What kind of hoist?
There are several types of hoists catering to different lifting needs.
Common types include:
- electric chain hoists,
- wire rope hoists,
- air hoists,
- manual hoists.
The choice of hoist depends on factors such as load capacity, lifting height, and environmental conditions. Electric chain hoists, for example, are versatile and suitable for a wide range of applications, which is why electric chain hoist hire is the most popular option.
As the name suggests, these brilliant machines are electric. So how does an electric hoist work?
At the core of their functionality is an electric motor, which drives a gearbox. The gearbox controls the speed and torque of the hoist and ensures a controlled transfer of energy to the lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism consists of a load-bearing chain wound around a drum, and this chain is securely attached to a load hook or other load attachment point.
When the electric motor is engaged, it powers the gearbox and initiates the rotation of the drum. As the drum rotates, the load-bearing chain either winds up or unwinds, facilitating the lifting or lowering of the load.
This process is carefully controlled, allowing operators to precisely position heavy loads with ease. Electric chain hoists are equipped with safety features, such as overload protection and limit switches, ensuring secure and efficient lifting operations while prioritising the safety of personnel and the integrity of the load.
What does a hoist do and how can it help you with your construction project?
Material handling
One of the primary functions of hoists in construction is material handling.
Whether it’s lifting concrete blocks, steel beams, or other construction materials, hoists provide a safe and efficient means of transporting heavy loads vertically.
This is particularly crucial in high-rise construction projects, where the precise placement of materials is essential for structural integrity.
Rigging and assembly
Hoists play a vital role in the rigging and assembly processes. They are utilised to position and secure components during construction, ensuring that structures are assembled with precision.
Benefits of hoists in lifting operations
Hoists play a critical role in ensuring that loads are lifted, transported, and positioned with accuracy and control, reducing the risk of accidents and damage to the load.
Safety is paramount in lifting projects, and hoists contribute to a safer working environment.
With features such as overload protection and fail-safe mechanisms, hoists minimise the risk of accidents, protecting both personnel and valuable assets. The controlled ascent and descent facilitated by hoists reduce the likelihood of sudden movements that could compromise safety.
Finally, hoists are adaptable to various environments and lifting scenarios. Whether you’re working in a confined space or on a sprawling construction site, hoists can be configured to meet the specific challenges of the environment. This adaptability makes hoists valuable tools in a wide range of industries and lifting applications.
Contact us today to find out more about electric chain hoist hire. At Fortis, our experienced team will be happy to assist you with your electric hoist rental and advise you on any aspect of your project.
