Industrial Lifting Equipment

Understanding and Preventing Overhead Crane Hazards

In the manufacturing industry, effective hoisting and lifting equipment is essential for operational efficiency and worker safety. Whether you need to move heavy machinery, raw materials, or finished goods, having the right equipment can make a significant difference. At Columbus McKinnon, we offer an extensive range of manual and powered chain and wire rope hoists suitable for overhead, workstation, and jib cranes. We understand that each environment has unique lifting requirements, from small-scale workshops to large factories. That's why our industrial lifting equipment is designed to cater to your specific needs, improving the safety and efficiency of your operations.

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New Product Alert: CM® BatteryStarâ„¢

The CM BatteryStar Battery Powered Chain hoist is built with industry-leading technology from Columbus McKinnon and Milwaukee Tool®. Designed for portability and easy installation, the BatteryStar can have you lifting in minutes – simply attach the hoist to an anchor point, slide in a battery, and you’re ready to go!

Choose the Right Power Method

These hoists are particularly suitable for light loads requiring short lifts. They are especially useful in applications where power sources are unreliable or unavailable. Manual hoists offer a cost-effective, mobile, and durable solution for light lifting applications that require precise positioning.

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Compared to pneumatic hoists, electric hoists have a lower purchase price and do not require the additional expense of an air compressor. One key advantage of electric hoists is their low noise level during operation, making them ideal for applications requiring quiet operation. Additionally, they offer flexibility in adapting to various load sizes and configurations, enhancing versatility. 

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Air hoists, also known as pneumatic hoists, use compressed air as their power source. These hoists are the perfect solution when electricity is impractical or unavailable. Air hoists are capable of handling long lifts and high-duty cycles, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.

Find The Right Air Hoist

Choose the Right Material: Chain or Wire Rope

Electric and air chain hoists utilize a motor to power the lifting mechanism. These hoists are ideal for applications that require frequent, quick lifts and are generally more affordable than wire rope hoists. Due to their smaller physical size and maneuverability, they are better suited for lightweight lifting and positioning applications, typically limited to a load capacity of 5 tons or less. However, they may not be suitable for lifting heavy loads over long distances, as they can be prone to overheating and wear.

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Wire rope hoists are heavy-duty, reliable lifting solutions that use wire rope as the lifting medium. Wire rope hoists are versatile across different industries and can handle heavy loads, making them essential in heavy machinery manufacturing facilities. They are corrosion-resistant, making them suitable for use in extreme environments with unpredictable weather and environmental conditions. Wire rope hoists can dissipate heat generated from extended usage, ensuring top performance in demanding lifting applications.

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Changing Brake Torque Springs on a Yale YK Wire Rope Hoist

Best-in-class Yale YK electric wire rope hoists, now available with standard VFD control that includes overspeed and direction detection, offer increased lifetime of wearable components, like motors, wire rope, and brakes. But when you do need to change brake components, like the torque springs, the process is simple.

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Overhead Cranes for Manufacturing

Understanding and Preventing Overhead Crane HazardsOverhead cranes are pivotal in enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring worker safety in the manufacturing industry. These cranes consist of a bridge that can travel the entire length of the facility, supported by end trucks running on a rail system attached to the ceiling. Overhead cranes can be customized to meet specific application requirements, including capacity, lifting height, and speed. They are particularly well-suited for use in large factories, warehouses, and construction sites where heavy loads need to be lifted and moved. For example, overhead cranes can effortlessly lift and transport large steel beams on a construction site or heavy machinery in a manufacturing plant.

The primary benefits of overhead cranes include easy access to hard-to-reach areas, significantly improving operational efficiency and productivity. Additionally, overhead cranes offer precise and controlled movements, ensuring safe and reliable handling of heavy loads. They also enhance worker safety by minimizing the need for manual lifting, reducing the risk of injuries. Equipped with advanced safety features like overload protection and anti-collision systems, overhead cranes prevent accidents and equipment damage. With their precise movements and advanced safety features, overhead cranes provide a reliable, high-power option for handling heavy loads in various industrial applications.

Learn More About Our Overhead Crane Kit Solutions

Workstation and jib cranes are indispensable in industrial manufacturing and maintenance operations. Workstation cranes facilitate safe and efficient load handling in small workshops, workstations, and production lines. They can be mounted on fixed frames or trolleys and customized with manual, electric, or air hoists to meet various manufacturing needs. Jib cranes offer a circular or semi-circular path of travel and are attached to a wall or floor-mounted mast. They typically use a single boom made of an I-beam or square steel tubing to handle different loads in manufacturing and construction environments.

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Implementing lift assist devices in manufacturing has become increasingly important to ensure worker safety and ergonomics. These devices are designed to reduce physical strain on workers by assisting them in handling bulky and heavy items with minimal effort. Various options, such as lift tables, lifting magnets, and vacuum lifters, are available, catering to different manufacturing industries, from aerospace and automotive to food and beverage. By incorporating lift assist devices, facilities can minimize the risk of worker injuries and improve overall productivity.

Browse All Lift Assist Devices

Choosing the appropriate industrial lifting equipment is crucial to maintaining a safe and efficient work environment in manufacturing. Consider essential factors such as load capacity, lifting height, and frequency of hoist usage when selecting the correct equipment. By exploring the different types of hoists available and their features and benefits, you can identify the perfect hoisting equipment to match your unique manufacturing requirements.