Chain Hoist Guide
Whether you need a chain block or a lever hoist, this guide covers everything, how they work, which to choose, key applications and our top picks, so you can lift safely and efficiently.
Contents
Chapter 1
3 Reasons to Use a Manual Chain Hoist
With working load limits (WLL) up to 50 tonnes, manual chain hoists are used across industries for moving heavy loads without a power supply. Here are the key benefits:
1. Lift heavy loads safely using mechanical advantage
A manual hoist transforms a strenuous task into an efficient one, eliminating the need for a team of workers. One person can lift loads up to 50,000 kg, freeing others for other tasks and reducing work-related musculoskeletal injuries.
2. No power supply required
Ideal for outdoor locations and sites without electricity. Manual hoists are compact and portable, the Yale Handy 250 kg lever hoist is just 24 cm long. They're also more cost-effective than electric alternatives for infrequent lifting tasks.
3. Simple design, easy to maintain
No motors or wiring to inspect. The straightforward mechanical design makes manual hoists easier to service and repair, ideal for small venues or infrequent use.
Chapter 2
Lever Hoist vs Chain Hoist - Which Is Right for You?
Both are portable and require no electricity. The key difference: a chain hoist moves a load by pulling a hand chain and is typically used vertically, while a lever hoist uses a cranking lever and can be used vertically and horizontally.
Chain Hoist (Chain Block)
- Operated by pulling a hand chain
- Primarily vertical use
- WLL up to 50,000 kg
- Ideal for high vertical loads
- Operable from ground level
- Best for infrequent, high-capacity lifts
Lever Hoist (Come-Along)
- Operated by cranking a lever
- Vertical and horizontal use
- WLL up to 10,000 kg
- Ideal for pulling, tensioning, aligning
- Operable with one hand
- Best for tight spaces and confined areas
What is a Chain Hoist?
A chain hoist (also called a chain block, chain fall or block and tackle) is a mechanical device with a hand chain and lifting chain. Pulling the hand chain turns a series of cogs, axles, gears and sprockets that multiply the input force, allowing one person to raise or lower loads up to 50,000 kg.
How to use a chain hoist: Suspend the hoist from a beam clamp or shackle. Attach the bottom hook to the load via a suitable lifting sling. Pull the hand chain to raise or lower. For moving loads horizontally, add a beam trolley.
Typical applications: Holding beams and pipes for welding, maintaining turbines, lifting pumps and generators, removing engines, loading and unloading in warehouses, construction sites and factories. For explosive environments, an ATEX-rated chain hoist should be used.
What is a Lever Hoist?
A lever hoist (or come-along) uses a ratchet and pawl system with a load chain. Cranking the lever forwards and backwards moves the chain in or out, raising or lowering the load. It can be operated with one hand and works in nearly any position.
How to use a lever hoist:
- Raise: Set pawl rod to lift (⬆) and pump the lever.
- Lower: Set pawl rod to lower (⬇) and pump the lever.
- Adjust chain length: Set pawl rod to neutral — chain moves freely in both directions.
Typical applications: Machinery alignment and installation, pulling conveyor belts and rails, wind turbine maintenance, tensioning utility lines, construction sites, mining, confined spaces and automotive work.
Chapter 3
Manual Hoist Uses - Industrial and Everyday
Around 50% of manual hoist enquiries at MTN Shop come from general consumers using them at home or on the farm.
Chain Block - common uses
- Lifting motorcycle engines and frames
- Lifting items to garage storage areas
- Raising a garden tractor to change blades
- Lifting engines from cars in automotive garages
- Critical lifts and installs requiring precise micro-movements
Lever Hoist - common uses
- Pulling a generator or engine from a boat
- Loading heavy machinery onto trailers
- Tree removal assistance
- Aligning marine engines without removing them
- Lifting a zero-turn mower to change blades
- Tensioning wires and installing fences
Chapter 4
Top Manual Hoist Picks
Yale VSIII Chain Block
Designed to prevent jamming of the hand chain for smooth, reliable operation. Fully enclosed stamped steel housing makes it ideal for outdoor use. Available in heavy-duty versions from 10,000–50,000 kg. Chain bag option available to house slack chain and reduce lifting hazards.
Yalelift 360 Chain Block
Features a 360° rotating hand chain guide for safe operation from any direction, including confined spaces. Operators stay out of the danger zone at all times. Combine with a manual trolley for horizontal movement along a beam.
Chapter 5
When to Choose an Electric Hoist Instead
Manual hoists are ideal for infrequent lifts, but consider an electric hoist when:
- Speed is critical and lifts are frequent
- The operator cannot stand close to the chain
- Lifts exceed 18 metres
- Loads are very heavy and handled repeatedly
- The hoist needs to travel long distances along a runway beam
Chapter 6
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lever hoist?
A lever hoist (also called a come-along or ratchet lever hoist) is a portable mechanical device that can be used horizontally and vertically for lifting, pulling, dragging and tensioning heavy loads. It is operated by cranking a ratchet lever with one hand.
What is the difference between a chain hoist and a lever hoist?
A chain hoist is operated by pulling a hand chain and is primarily used vertically, with WLL up to 50,000 kg. A lever hoist is operated by cranking a lever and works vertically and horizontally, with WLL up to 10,000 kg. Lever hoists are better for pulling and alignment; chain hoists for high-capacity vertical lifts.
How does a chain hoist work?
Pulling the hand chain turns a hand-chain wheel connected to a series of cogs, axles, gears and sprockets. These multiply the input force and rotate the lifting chain to raise or lower the load — transferring a small force over a long distance into a large force over a short distance.
How do you use a lever hoist?
Secure the top hook to a beam clamp or shackle and attach the bottom hook to the load. Set the pawl rod to lift (⬆) and pump the lever to raise. Set to lower (⬇) and pump to descend. Set to neutral to adjust chain length freely.
How do you attach a chain hoist?
Attach the top hook to a beam using a beam clamp or to a secure anchor via a shackle. For moving loads horizontally, use a push trolley or geared trolley that traverses the beam flange.
Can a chain hoist be used horizontally?
Standard chain hoists are designed for vertical use only — horizontal use can jam the chain and damage the gears. However, some models with a 360° rotating hand chain guide (such as the Yalelift 360) can operate horizontally.
How many types of chain block are there?
There are three main suspension types: top hook (for fixed attachment), push trolley (for manual horizontal movement) and geared trolley (for powered horizontal movement along a beam). All three are available at MTN Shop.
What is the maximum capacity of a manual hoist?
Chain hoists can reach up to 50,000 kg WLL (see Yale VSIII heavy-duty range). Lever hoists typically go up to 10,000 kg. Always check the rated WLL before use and never exceed it.