Ideal for shifting and hoisting heavy loads, electric hoists are robust, versatile, reliable, relatively lightweight lifting devices designed to improve the efficiency and safety of material handling operations, and differ to other hoist types due to their ability to move loads horizontally, as well as vertically.

Powered by an electric motor with a dedicated pendant or radio remote controller to adjust lifting parameters, and a load chain for hoisting, electric hoists are often employed where the usage of large girder cranes or other lifting devices is impractical, and may be used in conjunction with other equipment as part of a larger lifting system – or simply as a standalone lifting device on an overhead girder or arm.

As one of the most common hoist types seen throughout industrial settings, electric hoists are often seen being used as engine hoists, lifting heavy machinery or parts in manufacturing plants, or in conjunction with crane systems such as overhead cranes, gantry cranes, jib cranes, and workstation cranes.

Why use an electric hoist?

There are many reasons to use an electric hoist – the first of which being that not everyone will have access to a larger overhead gantry crane or a winch, and, if they do, they often lack the required accessories and attachments to efficiently and safely move everything they need.

Owing to their relative ease of operation, electric hoists are a commonplace utility item in many workplaces, and feature a controller for operators to seamlessly lift or lower heavy loads with exacting precision – it is for this reason that many businesses look for electric hoists for gantry cranes. Most electric hoists are also resistant to the elements, with many featuring waterproof and dust proof ratings.

One of the reasons for choosing an electric hoist is the ability to move a suspended load horizontally, as well as vertically. Electric hoists have a range of weight capacities, otherwise known as Working Load Limit WLL) and formerly known as Safe Working Load (SWL). Electric hoists are capable of lifting 20 tons or greater, depending on the hoist model.

Electric hoists can be found in use throughout New Zealand across a wide range of industrial, automotive, manufacturing, construction, and logistical operations.

What types of electric hoists are available?

Electric hoists come in a variety of models, and are determined by seven factors:

• Type
• Single or Three Phase Power
• Lifting and Travel Speed
• Lifting Capacity (Working Load Limit)
• Chain drop Length
• Low Headroom
• Explosion Proof

At Stratalign, we offer two distinct types of electric hoists – the “standard” electric chain hoist, and the less common electric wire rope hoist.

As the name suggests, an electric wire rope hoist utilises an electric motor to lift heavy loads by winding a large rope around a drum, with a hook situated at the end of the wire rope, and are typically small electric hoists (and therefore more portable) than electric chain hoists.

Standard electric chain hoists differ to electric wire rope hoists as they feature a chain, which is driven by an electric motor, and utilised where robust heavy lifting duties are required. Electric chain hoists offer greater flexibility in that the load can be moved horizontally as well as vertically, and are better suited to more demanding workstations, often used in conjunction with an overhead crane, a workstation crane, or with a jib crane.

Whether you need a portable electric hoist or an electric hoist for a gantry crane, electric hoists have a great range of options, and are often found to be a practical lifting solution for many material handling operations, with the right electric hoist solution to be determined by each operator’s desired application and situation.

Stratalign electric hoists

As New Zealand’s industrial hoist experts, we supply a range of top quality electric chain and electric wire rope hoists. We’ve used our extensive industry knowledge to handpick reputable brands that we know are reliable and safe, ensuring our customers get the right lifting solution product, without having to compromise on quality.

We offer an array of electric hoist options including electrically powered motors with chain or wire rope options, and weight capacities which vary from 250kg up to heavy 3,000kg loads.

Let us do the heavy lifting for you

Electric hoists can play an important role in many material handling operations, but, as with all heavy machinery, care must be taken to ensure that the proposed usage meets the appropriate application and does not exceed technical limitations.

Our knowledgeable team of problem solvers can help you to choose the correct electric hoist setup for your situation, improving the efficiency and safety of your material handling operation by ensuring you have the “right tool for the job”.

Let us do the heavy lifting for you. Contact us today for a consultation and quote.