Air Hoists Technical Information
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Basics of... Air Hoists
Air Hoists offer the advantages of an electric hoist and are uniquely suitable for heavy usage allowing them to be run more continuously and in environments that make electrical hoists impractical. This is because an air hoist utilizes an air motor and there is no electrical arching making them excellent in chemical and petrochemical industries with hazardous environments. Air hoists also run cooler than electric hoists due to their self-cooling motor design. Air hoist with pendant throttle control offer a true variable speed control that offers precise spotting of the load and smooth acceleration in the lifting motion. Many have features such as overload protection keeping the hoist from operating above indented lifting capacity and/or limit switches that prevents damage to the hoist body if you go to far upwards or may regulate the downward travel as well.
Selection Criteria
Load Capacity (lbs. or tons):The weight of the load to be lifted. A hoists rated capacity is the maximum load for which the hoist is designed by the manufacturer to lift. Carefully consider the load weight including attachments such as slings, grabs, spreader beams etc. and the capacity of the hoist.
Lift (ft.):The maximum length of travel required for raising and lowering the load. Standard lifts are generally 8, 10, 15, and 20 foot lifts.
Lifting Medium:Chain or wire rope. Is true vertical lift required?
Power Supply:Must be clean, dry air supply and exceed or meet minimum CFM requirement.
Push Button Cord length:Standard length is approximately 4 ft. less than lift.
Abnormal Operating Conditions:Will the hoist function properly in its environment? Such as will it be used in a corrosive environment, outdoors, dusty/dirty condition, where an extreme temperature range exists, in a hazardous location, etc.).
Duty Cycle Requirements:Does the specific hoist you select meet the application duty requirement? Using a lower Service Classification Duty rating than your need will result in shorter hoist life that may not be covered by manufactures limited warranty.
Type of Suspension:Hook (swivel or rigid), lug, trolley (push, hand geared, or air motorized).
Headroom Requirements:The distance between the bearing surfaces of the upper and lower hook at the high hook position (or the minimum distance between hooks).
Trolley Hand Chain Drop (ft.):For hand-geared trolleys.
Trolley Speed Feet Per Minute (fpm):For those with a motorized trolley.
Beam Size:The type of beam that the trolley will operate on.
CAUTION:This equipment is intended for industrial use only and should NOT be used to lift, support, or otherwise transport people, or to suspend loads over people.
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