Ever wondered how Egyptian pyramids were built, especially considering the weight of the bricks used at the time and the fact that they’re still standing after several millennia? Well, it remains a global wonder. But away from that, the ability to lift heavy weights and objects has seen people constructing skyscrapers hundreds of floors tall.
If we were to, for instance, consider major historical achievements, we are left in awe of how much weight our forefathers lifted using simple yet effective lifting mechanisms and technology. As we evolve, the use of sophisticated machinery is not a surprise to many, but then again, we have to be impressed by how far we’ve come. Back in the day, the only caveat they had on their lifting tools was the lifting speed. Today, this issue has been solved by the invention of powered lifting units that can be operated mechanically using a power source instead of manual efforts and this has more than tripled the speeds at which heavy loads can be lifted today.
Unlike in the past when powerful lifting equipment was used in the construction industry, they’ve gained numerous uses these days. Today, we can see lifting devices such as lever hoists being used in loading and unloading goods such as in shipping yards, for instance, not forgetting how many people have their smaller versions in their garages for personal use.
There is no denying that such devices have helped to improve our quality of life while at the same time increasing work efficiency. Today, owning a lifting device has been made easy and affordable, with a wide range of options to choose from. Lever hoist, especially, are increasingly gaining popularity among the elite craftsmen and handymen in all the sectors of the economy. In this article, we are going to look at the different models of lever hoists and how to pick the right one.
Lever Hoist Models
If you regularly have to raise or lower heavy loads on your work-related chores or in your garage, chances are that you need some sort of lifting aid. Given the many types of hoists available in the market today, finding the right model to suit your needs is unquestionably imperative. Lever hoists are the most preferred as they offer a wide range of functionalities and the fact that they are portable makes them ideal for on-site and off-site operations. Here are four lever hoist models you might consider checking out.
1. Roughneck Lever Chain Hoist (Manually Operated)
Weighing at only 5lbs, this lever hoist model is by far one of the most affordable ones on the market today. In addition to this, it’s also lightweight, making it a tool that your tool chest shouldn’t lack if you occasionally of frequently do some jobs that require lifting loads up and down. It’s also definitely a must-have for pick-up owners. The guys at HoistNow, who provide expert reviews on the best hoists, winches, lifts, cranes, and anything in between, assert that a lever hoist operated by chain is the ideal option, especially if you’re working from cramped up spaces and tight and narrow places. Roughneck lever chain hoist is compact and is also made of tough steel, making it reliable and highly durable.
2. Mini Ratchet Lever Hoist- CM 602 Series
As the name suggests, this is a compact lever hoist operated using a lever that makes it easier to lift and load. It’s about the same weight as that of roughneck lever chain hoist, weighing about 5lbs. The mini ratchet lever chain hoist has a loading capacity of 550lbs and is built with tough steel. Additional features include load breaks that prevent your load from falling, forged hooks, rubberized handle grip for comfort, and an alloy steel loading chain.
3. ML003-10 Mini-Lever All Material Handling Chain Hoist
With the same weight capacity as the mini ratchet lever hoist, this model offers a 10-foot lifting distance with a gear system that helps to reduce the stress on the load breaks. It’s been made using modern-day lifting technology inclusive of a self-adjusting mechanical load brake.
4. Lever Hoist – CM Series 653 With Hook Mount
This is a heavy-duty type of lever hoist with a loading capacity of 1500lbs, which utilizes an 11-inch lever. Unlike the predecessor hoist models mentioned above, the 11-inch lever on this model operates on a 360-degree rotation with a chain guide that prevents it from jamming. It’s an ideal tool for those who require lifting heavier loads.
How To Pick The Right Lever Hoist
While you may be aware of how a lever hoist is operated, picking the best option of lever hoist can be somewhat overwhelming. To help you out, we’ve summed up the primary attributes you’ll want to consider before investing in the right lever hoist best suited for your needs.
1. Lifting Speed
Depending on the main demands of your job, one of your goals would be to consider a lever hoist that delivers on speed and efficiency. Various factors such as the length of the lever, the degree of lever rotation, and the gearbox ration may affect the lifting speeds. However, a lever hoist for offloading purposes doesn’t have to be overly sophisticated. But then again, it’s all based on preference.
2. Loading Capacity
Depending on the weight of what you’ll be lifting, it’s important to invest in a lever hoist that is appropriate for the same weight. It’s important to note about lever hoists that the loading capacity has an impact on safety standards. If, for instance, you’ll be lifting 500lbs loads frequently but may occasionally exceed this limit, you will then want to consider investing in a 1tone lever hoist to optimize on your operations while at the same time ensuring your safety and that of your employees.
3. Lift Height
One thing to note about lever hoists is that you need to have a strong structure where it’s attached. The kind of work you’ll be doing with your lever hoist, as well as the supporting structure where it’s attached will basically dictate the lifting distance required. On this note, different types of lever hoists have different lift height specifications, so you’ll need to choose one that works best for your site and your lifting height needs.
4. What Are Your Future Needs?
Your present needs of a lever hoist may only suit your present situations. But you also need to consider whether or not the lever hoist you invest in will be able to serve your lifting needs in the coming future. Before you invest in a 1tone lever hoist, it’s important to ask yourself if you’ll need the same load capacity in the future or more. This will save you the trouble of having to purchase another lever hoist and the costs that come with it.
Finally, it’s also important that you set a budget allocation for the purchase. As you may be aware, cheap is expensive, at least more often than not. Do not invest in a lever hoist simply because the price tag is as per your liking. Most importantly though, consider a dealer who offers support services on all their products. This, in the long run, will help to avoid unnecessary repair and maintenance costs.
