Wire Rope vs Chain Hoist
Detailed comparison including FEM duty classifications and inspection criteria.
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Material Handling Products
Belt conveyors, overhead cranes, chain and wire rope hoists — specifications, FEM/ISO duty classifications, LOLER compliance requirements, and selection criteria for industrial applications.
Buyer's guide — key specifications
For hoisting equipment: (1) Safe Working Load (SWL) — rated capacity in tonnes; (2) Duty classification (FEM/ISO 4301: M1–M8 — determined by number of load cycles and average load ratio — match to actual usage frequency, not theoretical maximum); (3) Lift height — metres of wire rope or chain required; (4) Lift speed — m/min; single speed or variable speed (VFD); (5) Headroom — distance from crane rail to hook in highest position (critical for low-headroom installations); (6) LOLER compliance — all lifting equipment in the UK requires inspection every 6 months (or 12 months for equipment not used to lift persons) by a competent person.
Chain Hoists & Wire Rope Hoists
| Parameter | Electric chain hoist | Wire rope hoist |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity range | 125 kg – 10 tonnes (standard) | 500 kg – 100+ tonnes |
| Lift height (standard) | 3–6 m (extendable with extra chain) | 6–50 m (larger drums for greater heights) |
| Lift speed | Typically 4–8 m/min; dual speed available | 1–30 m/min; VFD speed control available |
| Duty classification | M3–M5 typical (standard industrial) | M4–M8 for heavy industrial/continuous use |
| Headroom | Compact — good for low headroom | Larger hook-to-rail dimension |
| Maintenance | Chain lubrication; brake inspection; limit switches | Wire rope inspection; drum and sheave wear; brake inspection |
| Best application | Maintenance shops, light assembly, warehouses, <5 tonne loads | Production lifting, >2 tonne heavy cycle, process cranes |
Overhead Travelling Cranes
Single-girder or double-girder bridge cranes running on runway rails. Key selection parameters:
| Specification | Options / Notes |
|---|---|
| SWL (Safe Working Load) | 1–500+ tonnes. Double-girder required above ~20 tonnes for structural reasons |
| Span | Distance between runway rails — determined by building structure. Standard spans: 5–30 m (single-girder), up to 50+ m (double-girder) |
| Duty classification (FEM/ISO 4301) | A1/M1 (very occasional, light loads) to A8/M8 (continuous heavy duty production). Specify based on actual usage cycles per year, not installed capacity |
| Travel speed — bridge | 10–80 m/min. VFD control for positioning accuracy and gentle starts |
| Travel speed — crab/trolley | 5–40 m/min |
| Controls | Pendant (push-button); radio remote control; cabin control for large cranes |
| Anti-collision | Required if >1 crane on same runway — radar or laser detection |
Belt Conveyors
Bulk material belt conveyors for aggregate, coal, minerals, grain, and general bulk solids. Key design parameters:
- Capacity (t/h): Q = 60 × A × v × ρ, where A = belt cross-section (m²), v = belt speed (m/s), ρ = bulk density (t/m³)
- Belt width: 400 mm to 2,400 mm (standard widths in 100 mm increments)
- Belt speed: 0.5–5 m/s depending on material — fragile materials at lower speed; bulk aggregate at higher speed
- Inclination: Maximum 15–18° for most bulk materials; 20–22° with cleated belt
- Drive power: P = Te × v / 1,000 kW, where Te = effective tension (N)
- Belt specification: EP (polyester/nylon) carcass for most applications; ST (steel cord) for long high-tension conveyors; rubber covers: M24/M33/N17 grade depending on abrasion level
LOLER Compliance
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) apply to all lifting equipment in UK workplaces:
- Thorough examination: All lifting equipment must be thoroughly examined by a competent person at intervals of: 6 months if used for lifting persons; 6 months for most other lifting equipment (some 12-month exceptions); any significant change or defect
- Written report: Examiner provides a written report within 28 days of examination — must be kept for 2 years (equipment records) or until equipment is next examined (defect records)
- Marking: All lifting equipment must be clearly marked with its SWL (safe working load)
- Planning: All lifting operations must be properly planned by a competent person, supervised as appropriate, and carried out safely