Hoists are an integral part of material handling systems, as they facilitate the lifting, lowering and repositioning of heavy loads.
Consisting of a drum or wheel which has a chain, cable or rope attached, hoists can be standalone devices or be attached to a lifting setup such as an overhead crane. Commonly, hoists are used to lift heavy loads in settings such as construction, manufacturing, mining, shipbuilding and warehousing.
Similar to all types of material handling products and accessories, there are various types of hoists available.
In today’s post, we’ll cover the differences between air hoists and electric hoists, plus help you decide which is the best option for your operations.
Air Hoists
Air hoists are powered by compressed air and are sometimes referred to as pneumatic hoists.
In challenging or rugged environments, air hoists are preferred due to having a 100% duty cycle, meaning they can run continuously without overheating. Examples of such settings include chemical plants or oil refineries, where there may also be a need for the hoist to be resistant against dust and moisture, while also being able to withstand extreme temperatures.
There may also be a risk of explosion from sparks, meaning an electric hoist would be unsuitable. Therefore, an air hoist offers a safer alternative.
Air hoists are typically supplied hook-suspended although can also be integrated with a beam trolley. Their operation is via a pendant or cord control with either option providing smooth and speed-variable movements.
As with most heavy-duty equipment, air hoists do require a higher financial investment owing to their extreme durability. Another consideration is that air hoists are dependent on having reliable access to a compressed air source.
Electric Hoists
As the name suggests, an electric hoist means it is powered by electricity. The absence of any compressed air means that on the whole, electric hoists are easier to install and can also be cheaper to run.
While electric hoists use electricity to lift, lower and reposition loads, they do not offer a failsafe option for all environments. Specifically, electric hoists are intended for general industrial use, but not settings which would expose the hoist to moisture, dust or extreme temperatures.
Running on electricity also means that electric hoists have the potential to overheat. As a result, electric hoists are best suited to where there is an intermittent rather than a continuous need for lifting.
However, a benefit of electric hoists is that they are more energy-efficient and have a lower upfront cost. They can also be customised to suit endless applications and overall lifting requirements.
Selecting The Best Hoist For Your Requirements
In short, it’s not the case that air hoists are better than electric hoists or vice versa. Instead, it’s really about choosing the method of powering the hoist that will best match your lifting needs including not just the weight of the load, but also the environment where the hoist will be used.
If you’re in search of an air hoist that can be used in extreme environments, offer precise movements and can operate continuously, then choose an air hoist.
In contrast, electric hoists can offer a cost-effective solution for general lifting tasks, including where the hoist would not be in continuous use. Overall, the application would be considered non-hazardous due to the environment being controlled.
Shop Chain Hoists At Metreel
We hope the above information has helped sway not the load you are looking to lift, but rather your decision on the best hoist for your needs!
But, if you’d like to discuss your lifting needs in greater detail then we can also assist you further.
A great place to start is our Hoists, Balancers and Winches page where you can view the full range of hoists we can supply your business here at Metreel.
For anything else, please give us a call on 0115 932 7010 or fill out our contact form and we’ll be right with you.