Hoists FAQs

Have you ever found yourself in a jam? You need to lift something heavy and you definitely cannot do it by hand. That is where a hoist comes into play. This mechanical device was designed to lift or move objects that normally could not be lifted with pure strength alone. Though it is a relatively simple machine, normal life would not be the same without it. There is a good chance that you have used a hoist sometime in your life and not really even realized it. If you want a great example of the work that hoists have done…take a look at the Egyptian pyramids. If you are still not sure of what a hoist is or how it works, this article can help explain it.

When was the first hoist invented?

The exact date that the first hoist was used is not clear, but it is safe to assume that shortly after the discovery of the winch, the hoist was born. Hoists have been documented in use as far back as the 1500's, and winches documented as early as 480BC. Early mining ventures relied upon the hoist to reliably raise and lower workers and ore great distances as they searched for valuable mineral deposits.

What are the different types of hoists?

There are many different types of hoists. To better explain it, let's break it down into similar groups. There are two main types of powered hoists. The first is the portable battery hoist. It is usually lightweight. You will see this type of hoist used frequently in situations such as nursing homes where a lift may be needed to move someone. The second type of powered hoist is one that is permanently attached to a track. You would find these in warehouses where large loads are continuously moved. Moving away from the powered hoist, you have various manual ones. If you want a good example of a manual hoist, take a look in a small mechanic's shop.

How does capacity affect hoists?

The capacity rating for a given hoist provides a considerable amount of information. A hoist rated at 1000 pound, such as a manually operated hoist, would not be an acceptable choice to lift a 2000 pound load. On the other hand, a 50 ton hoist would not be a practical for moving a 4000 pound vehicle.

Where can I buy hoists at?

The best idea for buying a hoist is to search through your local phone book. If you cannot find something locally or you want to compare prices, the internet is your best choice. A great place to check out is Harrington Hoists at www.harringtonhoists.com. You can find a wide selection to choose from and the prices are very competitive. If you have any questions the customer service can help you out. An additional positive is that they stand by their equipment.

More about Hoists

Hoists Equipment

Many different types of hoists equipment are used in several industries today. You can find this type of equipment being used in the construction industry, in warehouses and even around peers when products or heavy apparatus needs to be lifted onto ships.