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When it comes to heavy industrial lifting and pulling tasks, two common tools typically come to mind: the wire rope hoist and the basic cable puller, also known as a cable come along. While both can effectively serve the purpose of lifting and pulling, understanding the distinctions between these devices is crucial for making informed decisions about your job’s needs. Here, we will explore the unique features, capabilities, and applications of both the wire rope hoist and the come along, providing you with the knowledge to choose the right tool for your specific tasks.
Wire Rope Hoist
A wire rope hoist built for lifting and pulling in a wide variety of applications.. It mostly uses a wire rope made of stainless, bright, or galvanized steel to hoist items. They can either be manual or electrically operated.
Most wire rope hoists consist of a pair of jaws that alternately grip and pull a wire rope through the hoist's steel casing. When a force is applied to the jaws, they pull the rope and the load in the appropriate direction in a manner similar to if someone was using both hands to pull a rope.
During operation, the device is secured to a fixed, immovable object, and a length of wire rope is fed through the mechanism and firmly gripped by the hoist once the clutch is engaged. One end of the hoist has a swivel hook for firm anchoring or another robust fastening method, while the other has a pair of levers used to pull the rope in either direction. You only have to switch the handle to reverse the direction.
How Versatile are Wire Rope Hoists?
For an industrial wire rope hoist that is operated manually, there is no need for an external power source, fuel, or power cord. These devices are extremely versatile, meaning that they can work in any position, whether vertical, horizontal, or at any angle in between.
Any length of wire rope can be fed through a wire rope hoist, also adding to the device’s versatility. It differs from chain hoists, which have relatively time-consuming chain-swapping procedures, and drum hoists, which also have a limit on the length of wire rope that can be used.
The Load Capacities of Wire Rope Hoists
While an industrial wire rope hoist appears compact and simple, they pack great power and precision, making them some of the best material handling hoists. Look for a device with a weight capacity between 2,000-8,000 pounds when handling materials only. The highest capacity is three-quarters the hoist is being used to move a person (known as man-riding).
The maximum capacity above only refers to a situation where an individual hoist is in use, powered manually and without any extra equipment. However, increasing the hoist's effective force is possible using one or more sheave blocks, since it has unlimited rope length. Increasing the hoist's working load limit by a factor of three or four allows it to pull lift or lower over 30,000 pounds.
The Safety and Reliability of an Industrial Wire Rope Hoist
An industrial wire rope hoist is generally safe to work with and is incredibly reliable. One pair of jaws always grips the wire during operations, and when motion stops, both pairs of jaws share a grip on the load, enhancing stability and safety.
In case of weight overload, the devices have shear pins to prevent failure and mechanical damage. Operators can also use longer ropes with wire rope hoists, making them an ideal option when handling hazardous materials. It is, however, a good practice to check local regulations when working with these devices, to ensure full compliance.
Cable Puller/Cable Come Along
A cable come along is most commonly used to pull items horizontally or vertically. It consists of a level arm and a hook attached to one of its ends, and its drum wraps with a wire rope.
Cable pullers are excellent for load tensioning, pulling, and safe lifting. Its ratcheting gear pulley system allows heavy weights to be pulled horizontally easily. When in action, the device's cable is gradually coiled using a handle, moving the load with zero pressure.
In practical action, the main differentiators between a wire rope hoist and a come along is the length of the wire being pulled. While a wire rope hoist, by design, can pull any length of cable, a come along is limited by the diameter of the internal drum. The wire rope hoist also has the advantage of being able to lift or pull the load in both directions. This makes a wire rope hoist a much more versatile instrument for a variety of operations.
Capacity of a Cable Puller or Cable Come Along
A come along winch typically has a working capacity of around 4,000 pounds. However, this is the maximum load and lifting capacity, with the safest lifting limit being 2,000 pounds. It is always important to note that the capacity refers to the maximum load that the come along can safely handle. Exceeding the stated capacity can lead to equipment failure and pose serious safety risks. When selecting a cable puller, it's crucial to consider the weight of the loads you intend to lift or pull and choose a come along with an appropriate capacity that can accommodate your specific requirements.
The Bottom Line
A wire rope hoist and cable puller/ cable come along are both essential hoisting devices and come to mind for facilities looking for effective tools for their lifting and pulling needs. However, a wire rope hoist has more practical applications since it can accomplish a wider range of tasks due to its ability to work on a horizontal or vertical plane and any angle in between, with nearly any length of rope. By understanding the distinctions between these devices, your facility will be better equipped to make informed decisions about which device best suits your facility and job application’s needs.
At Tractel, we have a team of experts with seasoned experience ready to assist you in choosing the right equipment to aid the safe and efficient completion of all your lifting and pulling jobs. Contact us for more information or to talk to a professional about your facility’s lifting and pulling needs today.