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A hoist that winds a wire rope onto a drum. Compared with a chain hoist it has lower headroom, runs quieter and can be controlled more sensitively – which is why it is the basis of every rope balancer. In return it demands clean rope guidance and regular visual inspection for broken wires, corrosion and strand deformation.
A wire rope hoist winds a wire rope onto a drum. The drum has grooves in which the rope lies side by side in a single layer; a rope guide ensures it runs cleanly into the groove. Motor, gearbox and brake drive the drum and hold the load. The hook usually sits in a bottom block with rope sheaves, and a hoist limit switch cuts out at the end positions.
If the rope does not run directly to the hook but over sheaves in the bottom block, the load is shared between several rope falls. With 2/1 reeving two falls carry the load: the rope force halves, the capacity of the same hoist doubles – and the lifting speed halves. Reeving adapts a wire rope hoist to capacity and speed without changing the hoisting mechanism.
During winding the rope travels groove by groove across the drum. On a drum grooved in one direction the hook therefore moves slightly sideways while lifting. For most tasks this is irrelevant; in accurate positioning it can be a nuisance.
Where the load is to rise exactly vertically, drums with opposing grooves and two ropes leaving the drum are used. The lateral movements then cancel out – this is known as true vertical lift.
The rope runs uniformly and quietly, permits high lifting speeds and great heights of lift and is the usual choice for high capacities. Wire rope hoists can also be built with low headroom.
In return the rope is more sensitive. Side pulling, crushing, kinking and a dirty or dry rope surface shorten its life considerably. A rope is inspected to ISO 4309 for broken wires, loss of diameter, corrosion and deformation; changing a rope takes more effort than changing a chain.
In the rope balancer the rope shows its strength: it is light, runs without jerks and follows quick hand movements. Balancers for high cycle rates therefore work predominantly with rope. What applies to every rope hoist applies here too – the rope transmits tension only; the load hangs freely and is not guided.
What Entracon offers here is on the matching page.
See what we offer| Criterion | Wire rope hoist | Chain hoist |
|---|---|---|
| Running | Uniform and quiet | Slightly non-uniform |
| Lifting speed | High speeds possible | Rather low |
| Load path | Hook drift depending on drum | Vertical |
| Dirt | Sensitive | Insensitive |
| Inspection of the rope or chain | Count broken wires, measure diameter | Measure elongation and link diameter |
| Typical range | High capacities and lifts, balancers | Low and medium capacities |
For high capacities and heights of lift, for high lifting speeds and wherever calm, uniform running is wanted. In dirty environments and for smaller loads the chain hoist is usually the more robust and less expensive choice.
By visible broken wires, a reduction in rope diameter, corrosion and deformation such as birdcaging or kinks. The permitted number of broken wires depends on the rope construction and is assessed to ISO 4309.
Both wind a rope onto a drum. A wire rope hoist normally means the lifting machine with hook and bottom block for vertical lifting. A winch may also be built for pulling; whether it may lift loads is stated in its operating manual.
Yes. The wires move against each other as the rope runs over sheaves and drum. Lubrication reduces internal friction and protects against corrosion; type and interval of relubrication are specified by the manufacturer.
One short conversation usually settles more than three quotations. Call or write — you will reach an engineer directly.
Start typing – for example “balancer”, “SAP” or “pipe stress”.
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