How to Select an Electric Hoist Model

How to Select an Electric Hoist Model

For industrial equipment buyers, choosing the right electric hoist model directly impacts subsequent production efficiency, safety compliance, and procurement costs. Improper model matching can lead to idle equipment and repeated repairs, or worse, safety incidents and regulatory violations in your target market. This article will analyze the scientific electric hoist selection process from four perspectives: needs analysis, core parameters, scenario adaptation, and compliance verification, to help you accurately match your procurement needs.

I. Pre-Selection Essentials: Identify the Three Basic Requirements

Before reviewing model parameters, it's important to identify the core requirements of the procurement scenario to avoid selection errors caused by redundant or missing parameters.

1. Accurately Define Load Requirements: Avoid Overload Risks and Wasted Performance

Prioritize the rated load capacity: The rated load should be based on the maximum weight of the objects actually handled. For example, if you frequently handle 8 tons of cargo, you should choose a model with a 10-ton load capacity (allowing for a 20% safety margin) rather than an 8-ton model (to avoid shortening the lifespan due to long-term full-load operation). Distinguish between "rated load" and "peak load": International standards (such as the EU FEM and the US CMAA) specify the "rated load" of an electric hoist as the long-term safe working load and should not be confused with the short-term peak load. Some suppliers may indicate the "maximum instantaneous load," so pay special attention to this.

2. Determine the duty cycle: Match frequency and intensity of use.

The "duty cycle" of an electric hoist is directly related to its service life. It's internationally recognized as "duty cycle (S1-S8) + energization duration (ED%)." When purchasing, consider the following factors based on average daily usage:
For light-duty scenarios (e.g., intermittent warehouse handling): Select an S3-S4 duty cycle with an ED% ≤ 25%, e.g., an e-commerce warehouse with 2-3 hours of daily use.
For medium-duty scenarios (e.g., workshop assembly lines): Select an S5-S6 duty cycle with an ED% of 25%-40%, e.g., an automotive factory assembly line with 6-8 hours of daily use.
For heavy-duty scenarios (e.g., metallurgy, ports): Select an S7-S8 duty cycle with an ED% ≥ 40%, e.g., a steel plant with 24-hour intermittent operation.

3. Identify Installation and Space Restrictions

Installation Method: First, determine whether the site is suitable for "fixed" (e.g., fixed lifting point on the top of a factory building), "single-beam operating" (mobile with a monorail crane), or "dual-beam operating" (large-scale operation with a double-beam crane). Different installation methods require different operating mechanism models.
Minimum Installation Height: Measure the distance from the site's overhead load-bearing structure to the ground. Allow for the electric hoist's own height (including the hook's lowering limit) to avoid space limitations. For example, in a workshop with a 3-meter ceiling, a model with a height exceeding 1.2 meters should not be selected.

II. Core Parameters: Five Key Indicators Determine Model Compatibility

After clarifying basic requirements, carefully review the electric hoist's core parameters to ensure they fully match the application. Pay particular attention to unit conversions and standard differences in international procurement.

1. Lifting Height: Marked based on actual handling height.
The lifting height refers to the distance from the hook's lowest to highest position and should be calculated based on the maximum height the cargo needs to be lifted. For example, if you are lifting cargo from the ground to a 5-meter-high shelf, you should select a model with a lifting height of 6 meters or higher (allowing a 1-meter margin for operational reasons).
Note for international purchases: Some European suppliers indicate the "lifting height" as the "effective winding length of the reel." Please confirm whether this includes the hook's length to avoid underestimating the actual lifting height.

2. Hoisting and Operating Speed: Balancing Efficiency and Precision
Lifting Speed: For light loads requiring rapid handling (e.g., port unloading), choose a high-speed model (8-12 m/min). For heavy loads requiring precise positioning (e.g., precision equipment assembly), choose a low-speed model (1-3 m/min). Some models support dual-speed adjustment (fast and slow gear switching), balancing efficiency and precision.
Operating Speed ​​(mobile models only): Single-beam models typically operate at 10-30 m/min, while dual-beam models operate at 20-45 m/min. This speed should be determined based on the span of the workshop. For spans exceeding 20 meters, a speed of 25 m/min or higher is recommended to avoid excessive movement times.

3. Power Supply and Voltage: Match the target market's standards.
Voltage mismatch is a common problem in international procurement. It's important to confirm the target market's power standards in advance:
Target Market
Common Voltage/Frequency
Notes
Europe and Asia (excluding Japan): 380V/50Hz, 400V/50Hz. Some Eastern European countries use 380V/50Hz. Please confirm whether ±10% voltage fluctuation is supported.
US and Canada: 460V/60Hz, 230V/60Hz. Most industrial equipment uses three-phase 460V. Please confirm whether a voltage conversion module is included.
Japan and South Korea: 200V/50Hz, 200V/60Hz. "Corresponding frequency" must be specifically marked to prevent motor burnout due to frequency mismatch.

4. Braking and Safety Devices: Comply with International Compliance Requirements. International markets have mandatory safety device requirements for electric hoists. When purchasing, please confirm the following features to avoid customs clearance issues due to compliance issues:
Braking System: Required "Power-off brake" (immediately locks upon power failure to prevent cargo from falling). Heavy-load models require an additional "hydraulic buffer brake."
Safety protection: Must include "overload protection" (automatic shutdown when the rated load is exceeded) and "limit protection" (automatic stop when the hook reaches the upper or lower limit). For the EU market, compliance with EN 13157, part of the CE certification, is required. For the US, compliance with OSHA 1910.179 is required.

5. Special Environment Adaptation: Choose Customized Models Based on Scenario
If the procurement scenario involves harsh environments, select a custom model to avoid equipment failure:

Explosion-proof applications (such as chemical and oil and gas plants): Select an "explosion-proof electric hoist." The explosion-proof rating must be specified (e.g., Ex d IIB T4 for flammable gas environments like propane and ethanol, Ex d IIC T6 for high-risk environments like hydrogen and acetylene).

Corrosion-resistant applications (such as marine and electroplating plants): Select a model with "stainless steel" or "anti-corrosion coating." Pay special attention to the materials of corrosion-prone components like the drum and hook (e.g., 304 stainless steel, epoxy resin coating).

High-temperature applications (such as metallurgy and glass factories): Select a "high-temperature model." The motor must include a heat sink, and the cables must be made of high-temperature-resistant materials (e.g., silicone rubber). The applicable temperature range must be marked with specific parameters such as "-20°C to 180°C."

III. Additional Procurement Considerations: Two Major Compliance and Verification Steps

As a purchaser, in addition to matching specifications, you must also complete compliance verification and supplier audits to avoid procurement risks.

1. Compliance Certifications for Target Markets: Confirm Customs Clearance Requirements in Advance
Different countries/regions have mandatory certification requirements for electric hoists. Products without certification cannot enter the market. You should request these from your supplier in advance:
EU: CE certification (must include Machinery Directive MD 2006/42/EC), ATEX certification (explosion-proof models);
US: OSHA certification, NRTL certification (such as UL, ETL);
Southeast Asia: TISI certification (Thailand), SIRIM certification (Malaysia), BPS certification (Indonesia);
Middle East: SASO certification (Saudi Arabia), GCC certification (Gulf States).

2. Supplier Verification: Ensure Product Quality and After-Sales Service
Qualification Review: Suppliers are required to provide ISO9001 quality management system certification and a production license. For large purchase volumes, a factory visit can be requested to review the production process and quality control standards.
Test Reports: Request a "load test report" (e.g., static test at 1.25 times the rated load, dynamic test at 1.1 times the rated load) and a "lifespan test report." For some high-end markets, an "EMC test report" is also required to prevent interference with other equipment.
After-Sales Service: Confirm whether international warranty is offered, including repair locations in the target market and the lead time for consumable parts (e.g., brake pads, wire ropes) to prevent delays in repairs in the event of equipment failure.

IV. Selection Mistakes: 3 Common Mistakes Buyers Should Avoid

1. "Choosing a Larger Load Capacity Over a Smaller Load Capacity": Excessive Pursuit of High Load Capacity Leads to Waste
Some buyers believe that "a larger load capacity is safer." However, high-load capacity models require greater motor power and weight, which not only increases procurement costs but also increases installation load requirements (such as requiring a sturdier steel structure). Long-term idleness can accelerate equipment depreciation. Selection should be based on "actual demand + 20% redundancy."

2. Ignoring "Duty Class": Focusing solely on load capacity without considering frequency of use
For example, purchasing a light-duty model (S3 duty cycle) for a workshop assembly line (medium-duty scenario) can lead to frequent motor overheating and accelerated brake wear, requiring repairs often every 6-8 months, ultimately increasing costs. The correct approach is to consider both "load capacity" and "duty class" considerations. 3. Ignoring "After-Sales and Spare Parts": Focusing solely on price without considering follow-up services
In international procurement, some low-cost suppliers don't provide overseas after-sales service. If equipment malfunctions, spare parts must be shipped from China, which can take up to 1-2 months and severely impact production. Consider "spare parts supply cycle" and "overseas repair response time" as evaluation criteria during procurement.

V. Model Selection Process Summary: Quickly Locate the Right Model in 4 Steps

Requirements Research: Record five key pieces of information: "rated load capacity, average daily operating hours, mounting method, lifting height, and target market voltage."

Parameter Screening: Select models that match your requirements for "operating class, lifting speed, and safety features," eliminating options that don't match those parameters.

Compliance Verification: Confirm that the model has mandatory certifications (such as CE and UL) for the target market and request test reports.

Supplier Evaluation: Compare the product warranty, spare parts availability, and overseas after-sales service of 3-5 suppliers before finalizing the model.