Additional Safety Features to look for when selecting a hoist

September 25, 2022
, 6:52 am

Apart from optimum lifting capacity, safety is an essential factor to consider when choosing any hoist. With features like Overload Limiter (or OLL), hoists used for heavy lifting or moving are designed for optimum safety.

Let us look at some of the key features in each of the following types of hoists, which can enhance their overall safety and durability:

1. Chain Pulley Blocks

Also referred to as Manual chain hoists, chain pulley blocks are used for lifting loads ranging from 0.5t to 50t. These hoists combine a strong load chain with an efficient lifting mechanism for maximum efficiency.

For safety purposes, chain pulley blocks include the Overload Limiter (or OLL) feature that prevents overload lifting. How does it work? Fitted with a washer and clutch disc, the hand wheel in this hoist slips its clutch whenever the pull force on the chain crosses its maximum limit. As a result, the force is not transmitted to the sprocket, thus ensuring that the load is not lifted by the hoist.

The OLL feature in chain pulley blocks protects it from damage in the event of an overload.

2. Lever Hoists

Also known as lever blocks, lever hoists are designed and used in a variety of industrial applications including transport, bridge construction, ship building, and civil engineering. With its compact size and design, lever hoists can be operated with maximum efficiency.

Similar to chain pulley blocks, lever hoists are also equipped with the OLL feature for improved safety and long life. In the event of overload lifting, the OLL is activated resulting in the slipping of the lever. This feature can also improve operator safety and overall durability of the device.

In addition to the OLL feature, Kito lever hoists include an overload indicating device that displays a red signal in the lever window – whenever there is an overload. Additionally, the bottom yoke acts as a safety guard that prevents the chain pin nuts and other underlying parts from undergoing any damage or deformation during horizontal pulling.

3. Electric Chain Hoists

Unlike the other types of hoists, electric chain hoists – or simply electric hoists – do not need any manual effort and can be used for long periods of time. As compared to manual hoists, electric hoists can be used for lifting heavy loads of up to 20 tons.

Among its many offerings in electric hoists, Kito provides the ER2 series and the EQ series (provided with inverter).

Here are some of the safety features that are available in the Kito ER2 series of electric hoists:

Friction clutch that is automatically activated in the event of any overload. On activation, the electric motor continues to turn, thus protecting the hoist and the operator.
Thermal protector that prevents any motor burnout because of excess usage.
Magnetic brake which is a fail proof brake design that decreases maintenance costs by removing any initial dragging and immediate response on stoppage.
Limit Switch that stops hoist operation when either ends of the load chain touches the hoist body – thus enhancing durability and reducing downtime costs.

On the other hand, the Kito EQ series electric hoists feature a dual-safety mechanism that can prevent accidents happening because of overloading. Here are some of the safety features that are available in this series:

Friction clutch that prevents the breaking of the hoist body and load chain when lifting abnormal loads.
Electronic OLL that is operated using an inverter and stops the operation immediately on overload detection.
Limit Switch that automatically switches off motor current during instances of excessive lifting.

ABOUT author

Preet Heri

Preet Heri is the Managing Director of Kito India Private Limited,
bringing extensive experience in industrial lifting solutions and material-handling systems. He plays a key role in strengthening Kito India’s presence across automotive, manufacturing, infrastructure, heavy engineering and other industrial sectors.

His leadership is centred on safety, operational excellence and dependable long-term performance. Guided by continuous improvement and global quality standards, he works to help industries improve productivity, streamline material-handling operations and adopt reliable lifting practices.

Throughout his career, he has contributed to business growth, customer relationship development and the delivery of solution-focused approaches aligned with specific industrial requirements. His strategic direction supports Kito India’s commitment to combining globally trusted lifting technology with practical solutions for the Indian market.
Through his articles, he shares insights on industrial lifting, operational efficiency, manufacturing productivity and best practices in material handling.