In material handling, hoists are essential accessories that provide smooth, controlled movement of the load. While hoists can lift vertically, when mounted on jib cranes, overhead cranes or monorails, they can also lift horizontally, enabling loads to be effortlessly transported across work areas.
But when it comes to the types of hoists available, a standard manual hoist isn’t always the best fit for the job. In particular, in environments such as construction, manufacturing or warehousing – upgrading from a manual to an electric hoist is often required at some stage.
Metreel specialises in hoists for material handling. In today’s post, we’re here to give you 5 reasons why it’s time to upgrade from a manual hoist to an electric hoist, especially if you’re looking to boost the profitability of your business.
Faster Lifting For Increased Productivity
Manual chain hoists rely on physical effort, but this is not the case with electric hoists. As a result, an electric hoist can complete lifting tasks in a shorter timeframe.
Productivity is then increased, as there is less time spent lifting each load. Likewise, there is also reduced downtime related to repetitive lifting tasks.
For UK businesses where the cost labour is increasingly expensive, electric hoists often pay for themselves through productivity gains alone.
Higher Lifting Capacities
Similar to other types of manual lifting equipment, a manual hoist is fine for light or infrequent lifting tasks. But when lifting heavy loads or when there is a need to lift frequently, an electric hoist is better suited to the job.
In particular, electric hoists can handle:
- Larger WLLs
- Longer lifting heights
- Continuous or frequent lifting scenarios
This makes electric hoists ideal for busy industrial and commercial environments.
Improved Consistency And Precision
Precise lifting is important in any scenario, since precision improves safety and also reduces the risk of damage to the load.
The good news about electric hoists is that they can benefit in this area too, since operators have more control over the speed and direction of the movements. Aspects such as consistent speed and improved stability also aid in improving the precision of lifts.
Specific features commonly found in electric hoists include anti-sway controls, overload protection and emergency stop systems. In combination, these features make lifts safer and more predictable.
Improved Working Conditions
Manual hoists require sustained pulling of hand chains or levers. Over time, this can lead to musculoskeletal injuries, strains and general fatigue.
Electric models remove most manual effort, which in turn reduces the physical effects often felt by workers. Such automations in material handling also help employers comply with LOLER and Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.
By making tasks safer, this can also contribute towards happier and healthier working environments. This may result in reduced absenteeism and employee turnover, especially when combined with other employee engagement measures.
Long Term Cost Savings
Like all material handling equipment, electric hoists have an upfront cost. However, it should be noted that over the long term, investing in an electric hoist can deliver substantial operational cost savings.
This is because electric hoists:
- Require less labour time per lift
- Reduce the risk of injuries and any associated downtime
- Provide a longer service life as long as they are properly maintained
- Offer better energy efficiency, especially when purchasing a newer model
For any businesses looking to boost productivity or even expand operations, electric hoists can offer an abundance of value, not to mention convenience.
Shop Electric Hoists At Metreel
Ready to upgrade your hoist? At Metreel, we supply a wide range of material handling solutions, including hoists.
Take a look around our website or download our brochure to learn more.
If you have any questions or if you’re ready to place an order, please get in touch.
You can also give us a call on 0115 932 7010.