DO EVERYTHING RIGHT WHEN BUYING A CHAIN HOIST

When purchasing a new electric chain hoist, there are several points to consider in order to find the right hoist for your application. This guide is intended to support you in your purchase decision.

Guide for buying an electric chain hoist

If you want to buy an electric chain hoist and are looking for a suitable device, the information below can help you choose the hoist that is right for you. When you consider that, depending on the application, chain hoists are in use for several decades until they are replaced, it is well worth taking a closer look before making a purchase decision.

What lifting capacity should the electric chain hoist have?

GIS electric chain hoists of the GP series cover an S.W.L. range up to 6'300 kg. In total, the chain hoists are available in 4 frame sizes. The GPM250 is the smallest and lightest model and achieves a load capacity of up to 320 kg with a dead weight starting at 14 kg.


Which lifting speed is best suited?

Many models of GP electric chain hoists have 2 fixed lifting speeds as standard. In addition to the main speed, the creep speed ensures a smooth starting process and accurate positioning of the load. For large lifting heights, it is advisable to choose a chain hoist type with a fast main speed to shorten the duration of the lifting process. For example, chain hoists used in wind turbines have lifting speeds of up to 16 m/min. For particularly gentle and precise movement of the load, the GPFU chain hoist is often used, which is equipped with a frequency converter control. With this, 2 lifting speeds are infinitely programmable.


What characteristics should the chain hoist have?

GIS electric chain hoists in standard version offer the ideal solution for many lifting applications. Depending on the complexity of the task and the on-site conditions, GIS special products are used:

Building blocks are lifted by means of a Handy chain hoist and a special load receptor

For workplaces with repetitive lifting operations

The Handy chain model and the Handy telescope model are equipped with a special control unit that allows the chain hoist to be operated and the load to be guided with one hand at the same time. This model is particularly suitable for workplaces with many repetitive lifting operations and can easily be combined with a slewing crane or a suspension crane for comprehensive goods handling.


In very tight spaces, a container is moved with a crane system

For tight spaces

The GPK electric chain hoist is the solution for particularly low-ceiling rooms and tight spaces. A special chain deflection ensures a maximum lifting height with optimum utilisation of the room height. This chain hoist can be integrated into a GISKB crane system or an overhead travelling crane for a maximum lifting height with loads up to 2000 kg. An extended version is optionally available for the transport of long bulky goods.


Console crane with pick-up device for metal rods

For the transport of long, bulky goods

The GPS synchronous chain hoist is suitable for transporting long and bulky loads up to 2 x 2500 kg. 2 electric chain hoists are connected electrically and mechanically and ensure that the 2 load strands run in parallel without the goods being twisted during the lifting process. The distance between the load hooks can be freely selected. Optionally, a synchronous chain hoist can be equipped with a customer-specific device for load suspension.


What is the operating time of the chain hoist?

Before buying a chain hoist, you should think about how often the device will be used. We will be happy to advise you on finding a hoist that is ideally suited for the work in your company. For example, frequency-controlled electric chain hoists of the GPFU type are often used in tough everyday practical applications with long operating times and high switching frequencies, as is the case with multi-shift operation. To be on the safe side, practically every hoist model can be equipped with temperature monitoring.

What is the working environment of the hoist?

electric chain hoist for outdoor use in sewage treatment plant

Not only the workload but also the working environment plays an important role in choosing the right electric chain hoist. Electric chain hoists of the GP series have IP65 protection as standard, which means that they are protected against dust and water jets. This means that these hoists can be used in dusty, dirty work areas or for outdoor applications without any problems. The permissible ambient temperatures range from -15 °C to +50 °C. Options are available to protect the chain hoist from higher or lower temperatures, such as special gear greases or standstill heaters.
The corrosion-resistant electric chain hoist GPR has been specially developed for use in chemically, aggressive environments or applications in food production.
Explosive atmospheres can often occur in applications in raw material extraction, in the chemical or petrochemical industry, in food and beverage production or even in energy supply. We have designed the GP ATEX for use in these explosive environments.


What is the best way to move loads from A to B?

Overhead travelling crane with electric chain hoist over railway wagon

Perhaps you are not only looking to lift the goods to be transported, but also to move them from one workplace to another. GIS crane systems ensure efficient and comprehensive goods handling. Depending on the required load capacity, the needs at the workplace and the local conditions, either a slewing crane, a light crane system or an overhead travelling crane is the perfect solution for you. The electric chain hoist can be optimally integrated into the crane system and combined with a trolley. For heavy loads, we recommend the use of an electric trolley.
Either way, we are at your side with advice and support from realisation to installation when it comes to optimising the material flow in your company. As a manufacturer of electric chain hoists and system provider of complete crane systems, we are able to respond to customer-specific requirements.


How is the power supply provided?

The electrical installation of the newly purchased chain hoist may only be carried out by an authorised specialist. GIS electric chain hoists are available for the common operating voltages worldwide. In addition to the usual three-phase models, the GP electric chain hoist is also available in a single-phase AC version. This hoist can be conveniently operated with electricity from the socket and is thus suitable for repetitive handling at the workplace as well as for mobile use indoors or outdoors.

How to control the electric chain hoist?

An electric chain hoist can be operated either by a control switch, which is connected to the hoist with a cable, by a Handy control unit or by radio remote control.

Electric chain hoist with sheet material grab to lift wood plates

Control switch on cable

The control switch on the cable is the most economical solution. Here is a tip: Do not pull on the control cable to move an electric chain hoist. The control cable could be damaged or torn out. Moving the location of the hoist should be done on the load hook.


Chain handy is used to load workpieces in the machine factory

Handy control unit

The Handy control unit, as used in the Handy chain and Handy telescope models , makes it possible to control the chain hoist and guide the load with one hand at the same time. This solution is ideal for workplaces with many repetitive lifting operations.


Overhead travelling crane with intermediate structure in cheese production

Radio remote control

Compared to the usual control switch, the radio control offers more comfort because the operator can move freely. Of course, the load should never be unattended. The use of a radio control is also an elegant solution when it comes to controlling a parallel lifting operation of 2 chain hoists. This is often helpful when transporting long, bulky loads (for example, when transporting a boat).


Overhead travelling crane for 2 x 4000 kg radio controlled
FOR LOADS UP TO 6300 KG

Electric chain hoist GP

The GP electric chain hoist is simple in design and contains no sensitive electronics, which minimises the risk of operational failures. The hoist is characterised by smooth running and is designed for durability in tough use. The ergonomic control switch with 42 V low voltage allows comfortable and safe working. Maintenance of the chain hoist is simple, fast and takes place without special tools.

Showroom

In the showroom at our factory in Schötz, we present the wide range of GIS products, from the chain hoist for synchronous lifting, to the vacuum lifter for wooden panels, to the various types of slewing jib cranes. Start a virtual tour through the showroom here or even better, come by and test your desired device.

Solutions for customer-specific requirements

As a manufacturer of electric chain hoists and provider of complete crane systems, we are able to respond to customer-specific requirements. From project planning to installation, we support our customers with help and advice.