The right lifting capacity is based on the heaviest load you expect to lift. If your requirement falls between two standard sizes, it’s best to choose the larger size so your chain hoist, wire rope hoist, or electric hoist can handle the load safely within your crane system. Always make sure your girder’s capacity is rated to safely support the hoist you select.

A manual hoist, like a hand chain hoist or lever hoist, works well for occasional lifts, slower movements, or when precise positioning of a heavy load is required. Electric chain hoists are better when frequent lifting and faster operation are needed, especially in bridge cranes or workstation cranes.

Manual lever hoists are great for moving or lifting loads in tight spaces or at various angles. They provide accurate spotting for a heavy load and are useful in many overhead crane, jib crane, or gantry crane applications.

An electric chain hoist uses a chain running through sprockets, while an electric wire rope hoist winds rope onto a grooved drum. Wire rope hoists are often used in bridge crane or overhead bridge cranes for higher lifting capacity and faster speeds, while chain hoists excel in compact spaces or with lighter loads.

Reeving, or the arrangement of the rope, impacts lifting speed, headroom, and hook travel. Double-reeved electric wire rope hoists can achieve true vertical lift and are common in bridge crane systems handling heavy objects. For specialized needs, a davit crane or articulating jib cranes may be considered.

Many electric chain hoists and electric wire rope hoists for heavy-duty service are rated H-4. The right choice depends more on duty cycle and usage within your crane system than on whether it’s a chain or wire rope model. Certain double girder crane or double girder overhead crane designs may also influence your selection.

Overhead hoist systems can be adapted with protective features for demanding environments. For example, stainless or zinc-plated chain on chain hoists, sealed components on wire rope hoists, and covers for electric hoist controls can help extend service life.

Additional options include marine-grade epoxy coatings to resist salt spray, explosion-proof electric hoists for hazardous locations, food-grade lubricants and stainless steel parts for sanitary environments, spark-resistant components made from bronze or aluminum for flammable areas, and drain holes or moisture-resistant enclosures to handle high-humidity conditions.

In facilities with compressed air systems, an air hoist may be a better option for reliability and safety.

Overhead crane and bridge crane systems require frequent inspections by operators and periodic inspections by qualified personnel. This applies to overhead hoists, chain hoists, wire rope hoists, gantry cranes, and workstation cranes to ensure safe lifting capacity and performance. Load testing may be part of this process.

Load testing is required under OSHA (29 CFR 1910.179) when a crane or hoist is newly installed, altered, or re-rated—but not necessarily on an annual basis.

ASME standards also recommend load testing in these circumstances, with test loads from 100% to 125% of rated capacity. Routine periodic testing isn’t mandated, but many facilities follow CMAA guidelines and perform load tests every four years as a best practice to ensure continued safe operation.

Yes. In the U.S., OSHA requires that operators of cranes or derricks in construction must be trained, certified or licensed, and evaluated—through accredited entities like NCCCO—before operating equipment (29 CFR 1926.1427).

For general industry, OSHA mandates that only designated, qualified personnel may operate overhead cranes and hoists (29 CFR 1910.179).

Additionally, ASME B30.2 establishes best practices requiring employers to provide equipment-specific training (including written and practical evaluations), certify operators, and ensure they are physically and mentally fit for safe operation.