Wire rope vs chain hoists: what’s the difference and which should you choose?
At first glance the difference is obvious: one features a wire rope or cable, the other has a chain. But the differences run a little deeper than they first appear.
Here’s all you need to know about the battle of chain hoist vs wire rope hoist to ensure you pick the right piece of lifting equipment for your situation.
Wire rope vs chain hoist: the differences
When comparing a chain hoist vs cable hoist, the similarities stand out more than the differences. Both pieces of equipment look more or less the same, and are designed to efficiently lift and lower loads. But there are a few key differences that a buyer should be aware of.
Wire rope hoists
The wire rope or cable found on a wire rope hoist is usually made from twisted stainless steel strands. The cable sometimes features a central core made from fibre.
Wire rope hoists tend to be slightly bulkier and more complex than a like-for-like chain hoist, due to the wire rope winding around a drum but offer a number of comparative advantages:
- Wire ropes are capable of handling intense work conditions, and can be exposed to heat, moisture, dust, (some) chemicals, and harsh weather conditions.
- Pound for pound, wire rope tends to be stronger than chain, so wire rope hoists tend to have comparatively higher duty classifications, and are appropriate for regular, high load capacity and high height lifts
- Wire rope hoists are usually used in a permanent installation due to their larger size and complexity).Every link on a chain represents a single point of failure. Because a wire rope is made up of multiple metal strands, this risk is spread.
Chain hoists
Chain hoists are made from a series of steel and zinc metal chain links.
Advantages of chain hoists include:
- They are relatively simple and compact compared to wire rope hoists (when comparing like for like).
- This means that chain hoists tend to be more cost-effective than wire rope hoists.
- Chain hoists tend to have simpler handling procedures than wire rope hoists, so can be more efficient to use and can demand less operational room.
- Chain hoists are a more common choice in temporary settings, and can be shifted from one place to another more easily than wire rope hoists.
- Usually electric powered but can be pneumatic (air) powered for almost continuous duty cycle and reduced spark risk in explosive environments.
Chain hoist vs wire rope hoist: which should I choose?
Very basically, a wire rope hoist is best when:
- You need to complete regular, high load capacity lifts in one location.
- Long lift heights or long periods of suspended loads is required
- Your hoist will be exposed to extreme conditions.
- You have the necessary budget to invest in a wire rope hoist, and space to operate it.
A chain hoist is best when:
- Lifting capacity required is at the lower end of the scale (typically 10 T or less)
- Lifting cycles are intermittent, not constant (unless air operated chain hoist is selected)
- Lift height is typically 0-6m
- You need to be able to complete lifts in different spots around your warehouse, factory or worksite.
- Budget is a primary concern.
- The hoist won’t be exposed to extreme conditions.
- Lower maintenance requirements and repair costs is desired
But for a clearer idea of which hoist will work best in your situation, you should always consult with an expert – which is where we come in.
Helping New Zealand manufacturers safely solve their lifting challenges with the best local and global solutions
At Stratalign we’ve spent years helping Kiwi businesses identify and secure the lifting equipment they need. Our team has the knowledge and expertise you need to identify the ideal hoist for your situation – the type that can make your business safer, more efficient and more productive.
We offer a complete range of hoists, including wire rope and chain versions of manual, air-powered and electric hoists, each of which is certified to AS 1418.1.
