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What Is an Electric Wire Rope Hoist?

Maggie J. Hall
Maggie J. Hall

Lifting large objects or pieces of equipment is the purpose of an electric wire rope hoist. The device is typically mounted overhead and can be stationary or travel back and forth on a rail. Companies generally design and manufacture different types of hoists having specific load capacities ranging from 0.5 to 45 tons (0.45 to 41 metric tons).

These industrial hoists usually consist of an enclosed electric motor that turns a grooved drum. Wrapped around the drum is a wire rope which is constructed of numerous metal strands coiled together. One end of the wire rope or ropes attaches to the drum by iron clamps. The other end or ends descend through an enclosed tackle device. Suspended from the tackle is a large hook and spring latch closure. The number of ropes traveling through the block tackle varies according to the weight limit of the device.

Man with a drill
Man with a drill

The tackle usually has the capability of swinging back and forth in an 180-degree line from its center. The hook underneath the tackle generally has the capability of swiveling 360 degrees. A cable extends from the motor housing of the electric wire rope hoist. The cable has a push button remote control on the end, allowing the user to lower or raise the hook and tackle. A mechanical professional hoist usually contains some type of braking device which prevents the wire rope from slipping or advancing once the controller stops the motor.

A fully contained electric wire rope hoist may be mounted in a stationary position on an overhead beam. Some models have grooved wheels, allowing mounting on an overhead monorail or track which enables workers to operate the hoist in more than one location. The ability to move the hoist also allows users to move objects from one location to another. With track mounting, the electric wire rope hoist may be moved back and forth on the rail manually or by means of a motorized mechanism.

Movable hoists generally have some type of braking system to prevent the hoist from moving on the track before workers engage the system. Using an electric hoist merely requires pushing a button, causing the tackle and hook to descend to the required height. Once centered over the object to be lifted, workers attach the object to the hoist via chains or by attaching the hook directly to the item. Pushing another button on the remote control causing the motor to turn the drum in the opposite direction which recoils the rope cable and lifts the object.

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    • Man with a drill
      Man with a drill