Hoist Choices: Which Wire Rope Hoists are Right for Your Application?

Throughout the course of these critical projects, the need for tools and solutions that serve in mission-critical roles becomes increasingly more important. One of the most vital of those roles in any construction and infrastructure project is lifting and handling. In many instances, it can be the difference between getting a job done right or not at all.

That is why safety directors, project managers, and equipment specialists are turning to wire rope hoists, wire rope pullers and wire rope come-alongs for heavy lifting of materials in various industrial applications. These versatile workhorses have proven to be indispensable lifting and handling tools that can be used for a broad range of tasks on a project.

THE VERSATILE CHOICE

Wire rope hoist models are available in a wide range of lifting and pulling power, and they are also quick to set up and easy to use. Even more importantly, the distance or height these hoists can lift or pull is only limited by the length of the wire rope used. This makes them ideal for countless applications.

THE WIRE MATTERS

A good hoist choice includes paying careful attention to the physical make-up of the wire rope itself. Wire rope is manufactured using multiple individual strands of wire that are twisted into one larger, composite strand.

Wire rope is also exceptionally resistant to corrosion, abrasion, and rust, making wire rope hoists highly suitable (and the preferred lifting medium) for applications where heavy lifting occurs outdoors or in otherwise harsh environments regularly.

This inherent versatility allows pass-through manual wire rope hoists (griphoist® / tirfor®, pull-all) or electric wire rope hoists (minifor®) to operate efficiently in a variety of environments, with minimum effort on the part of the end-user and maximum results.

This powerful combination of features and benefits is why wire rope hoists are ideal for varied applications such as:

• Moving and placement of materials, supplies and equipment on new construction and retrofits.
• Installation and maintenance of elevators in both commercial and residential buildings.
• Energy industry applications such as wind, solar, and oil & gas.
• Lifting and handling using overhead cranes.
• Deploying/retracting scenery and other elements at major stadiums and venues.
• Extraction/lifting of vehicles or heavy equipment by fire rescue teams.
• Controlling treefall direction during tree removal.
• Many applications for bridge building.
• Collapsing structures from a safe distance in building demolition and mining.

SELECTION CRITERIA FOR WIRE ROPE HOISTS

When choosing a wire rope hoist, it is important to consider the following factors:

WEIGHT – This is the simplest question, but probably the most important when evaluating wire rope hoists. Generally speaking, the capacity of the hoist must be calculated at the weight of the heaviest load to be lifted. However, in many instances, operators will preemptively select a hoist that can handle loads that are larger than the anticipated max load, as a means of avoiding overload or potential equipment fatigue.

• 2,000 lbs / 1 ton Wire Rope Hoists
• 4,000 lbs / 2 ton Wire Rope Hoists
• 8,000 lbs / 4 ton Wire Rope Hoists

For larger/heavier loads, the use of pullies can also increase your lifting & pulling capacity as required.

HEIGHT – The distance which the load needs to be lifted or moved is also important because this will dictate how much wire rope is required, as well as how much a specific hoist can handle.

• 10 m Wire Rope Hoists
• 15 m Wire Rope Hoists
• 20 m. Wire Rope Hoists
• 30 m. Wire Rope Hoists
• 45 m. Wire Rope Hoists
• 60 m. Wire Rope Hoists

Variable lengths of wire rope can be used in any of these hoists. Longer custom-made rope lengths are also available. Ask your salesperson for details.

POWER – Is there a power source available for your hoist? That will be the biggest determining factor between whether an electric or manual wire rope hoist is required. While many locations and facilities will have adequate power, some job sites and/or applications will dictate the use of only manual hoists.

• Manual Wire Rope Hoists
• Electric Wire Rope Hoists

RELIABILITY – FROM A PROVEN LEADER

For over 70 years, Tractel has been providing industry-leading solutions like wire rope hoists, wire rope pullers and wire rope come-alongs for a variety of end-user applications across the globe. With manufacturing facilities throughout Europe, the USA, Canada, China, and Singapore, we can provide you with the products, R&D, and engineering know-how to make sure your job is done right.

Contact us today. Our dedicated team of professionals is standing by to help you find the solution for your needs.