Hoists for Lifting Operations

Are used hoists as good as new hoists? It’s difficult to say without having details of the actual hoists, but there is the potential to buy very good quality hoists second hand. By searching for used hoists for sale, you will find a multitude of options. Which ones are going to be good enough quality for your business? Here is a brief guide to finding used hoists that will be right for you.

Types of hoists you can buy second hand

First of all, you need to be clear on the kind of hoist you are shopping for. There are three main kinds that you might be thinking about: manual hoists, electric chain hoists and electric wire rope hoists.

Manual hoists are only really good for small lifting operations, where the capacity isn’t very high. Often, they won’t be particularly expensive, and you might find that it is easier for you to buy them new, rather than trying to find a quality second-hand piece of equipment. This will help you to find something appropriate and be sure that it is high quality – they won’t stand up to heavy usage as much as an electric hoist.

Electric chain hoists are generally used for larger lifting operations, up to around 30 Tonnes. There are many different brands that will offer you a very high-quality type of hoists, including some of the biggest names in the lifting industry. You will be able to find a range of features, including dual speed, chain containers, limit switches and radio remote controls.

Electric wire rope hoists are capable of lifting loads weighing up to 100 Tonnes. You can get fixed position, monorail, low headroom and twin beam hoists to suit your various purposes in the lifting industry. You may be able to find good quality second-hand electric wire rope hoists for sale if you look in the right places.

Buying your used electric hoist – what to look for 

Buying a hoist is a big decision because it is going to bear the brunt of the lifting processes you carry out. When you are looking to buy a hoist, you will need to know:

  • The capacity required for your lifts
  • The height
  • The supply voltage for your hoist
  • The beam flange width
  • The number of lifts you will be carrying out, usually per hour
  • The speed, and the number of speeds needed

Once you know this information, you will instantly be able to tell if a hoist’s specifications are going to meet your needs.