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Are wire rope hoists preferable to chain hoists? What are the differences?

October 25, 2024

6:09

In today’s industry, wire rope hoists are everywhere. When buying a new lifting solution, it’s natural to look for an offer for a wire rope hoist. You might even think that wire rope hoists are superior to chain hoists. In fact, there was a time when there was a limited selection of chain hoists, which were mainly used for capacities ranging from 0.5 to 3 tons maximum. So, are wire rope hoists better than chain hoists? Why does my supplier offer me a chain hoist when I ask for a wire rope hoist?

To properly answer these questions, it’s important to understand the differences between these two types of lifting equipment and determine for which applications they are designed. In this article, we’ll explore the applications suited to chain hoists versus wire rope hoists, as well as the differences in terms of maintenance and price.

Wire rope or chain hoist? The application will determine.

The choice of hoist type should not be based on the type we already use, or the one we prefer. Nor should it be determined by the supplier’s available or preferred product line. It should be the specific application that guides the choice. From the outset, wire rope hoists are not better than chain hoists, and vice versa. It’s a question of identifying the type of equipment you need for your application. It’s your lifting expert’s job to understand your application so he or she can advise you on the right equipment.

The first thing to consider is the lifting capacity. As a general rule, if you need to lift loads in excess of 7,500 kg with a single hoist, you should opt for a wire rope hoist. Speed is also an important factor. For example, for regular loading/unloading operations in a production setting, the wire rope hoist will be preferable because of the greater speed options available.

However, in terms of flexibility of approach with the hook, whether at horizontal or vertical ends, the chain hoist is often more advantageous. The small footprint of the hook allows it to get lower and enter tight spaces, such as the heart of an engine, which is ideal for industrial mechanics. For precise vertical lifts, chain hoists are ideal, as they are designed for “true vertical lift”, enabling the hook to rise without deflection. However, for precise horizontal positioning, wire rope hoists offer a wider range of lifting speeds, enabling finer adjustments.

The table below gives you a quick overview of the main differences between the wire rope hoist and the chain hoist.

Features	Wire rope hoist	Chain hoist
Acquisition costs	$$	$
Maintenance costs	Similaire	Similaire
Design	Complex and bulkier, but without chain box	Compact and simple design, but the chain box can be bulky
Lifting capacity (standard)	Up to 25 000 kg	Up to 6 300 kg
Vertical lift	Extra charge to obtain a true vertical lift	Standard true vertical lift
Durability	Equivalent	Equivalent
Flexibility of approach	n/a	Better
General footprint	n/a	Reduced
Speed	Wide range of speeds	Limited range of speeds
Noise	Similar	Similar
Application examples	Steel distribution, concrete industries, structural metal manufacturing	Mechanical workshop, machinery manufacturer, wrought metals
Available accessories	Multiples	Limited
Suitable for automation	Yes	Limited possibilities

Maintenance and price

In terms of price, the chain hoist is usually more economical due to its simpler design. Its gear mechanism is less complex than the cable hoist's with a grooved drum. In addition, the wire rope hoist's sensors and electronic systems make it more expensive.

When it comes to choosing a lifting solution, you need to consider not only the purchase price of the equipment, but also the maintenance costs. If, after a thorough analysis of your needs, both options are equal, the price of the equipment and its maintenance may influence your decision. In terms of maintenance costs, chain hoists are pretty similar to wire rope hoists, as well as their service life. For example, although the lifting chain is more expensive than a wire rope, it can last up to 30 times longer.

Common questions

Does the chain of a hoist cause judder when lifting the load?
A chain jump is usually caused by a maintenance problem. Like any other high-risk situation, you should always maintain your equipment properly. But load movement during ascent or descent is rarely the result of using a chain hoist. Other factors, such as beam deflection, have a greater impact.

Are wire rope hoists more reliable ? 
Wire rope hoists may be more common, but that doesn’t mean they’re more reliable. Here are a few reasons why wire rope hoists are more common :

More applications require wire rope hoists.
Standard wire rope hoists can lift larger loads.
In the past, chain hoists were less available
Some suppliers may not have access to a range of industrial-grade chain hoists.

Are chain hoists noisier ?
This depends on the brand and quality of the equipment. For example, a Stahl wire rope hoist and its chain equivalent have similar noise levels (74-76 dB at 1 meter distance)

In conclusion, the wire rope hoist is not superior to the chain hoist, and vice versa. It all depends on the application and your specific needs. Knowing the differences between these two types of equipment will help you make the right choice.

To talk to our specialists about the hoist best suited to your needs, fill in the form at the bottom of the page.