Lever Hoists

About this category

Lever hoists are manual lifting products that differ from manual chain hoists in operating mechanism; a lever hoist uses a reciprocating lever moved back and forth to generate a lifting motion through an internal gear train rather than a hand-chain loop. Models differ in documented rated capacity and documented chain pull length, and each model is defined by its capacity in the manufacturer's documentation. Models vary in the lever's own length per design, and lever length influences the mechanical advantage. Load-chain designs vary between models in material, diameter and number of chain falls. Many models provide a free-chain feature that allows the chain to be pulled quickly to the required length before lifting begins, depending on the design. Models vary in load-brake design that prevents the load from lowering when operation stops, and a single brake mechanism should not be assumed across the category. Lever hoists are used for vertical lifting and horizontal pulling operations depending on design. A lever hoist being lever-operated does not make it a substitute for wire rope hoists or powered pulling equipment. Electric chain hoists, wire rope hoists and powered pulling equipment are excluded from this category. Industrial buyers select lever hoist models based on rated capacity, chain pull length, brake system and lever length.