The chain hoist is a compact, lightweight lifting device with a rated load range of 0.25 to 20 tons. Used for transporting and lifting goods and materials, improving work efficiency, reducing labor costs, and is suitable for the frequent lifting of goods.
A chain hoist is a compact, rugged lifting device that uses a chain mechanism — either manually operated or electrically driven — to raise, lower, and position loads with precision. With a rated load range of 0.25 to 20 tons, these lifting units are compatible with single-beam cranes, flexible rail cranes, rigid rail systems, and jib cranes, making them the backbone of efficient material handling across manufacturing, warehousing, and construction.
Whether you need a simple 500 lb chain hoist for a small workshop or a 10 ton electric chain hoist for heavy industrial production, VOITTO engineers the right solution for your environment.
VOITTO offers four main types of chain hoists, each designed for specific working conditions and load requirements.
A manual hoist is operated entirely by hand-chain pull, requiring no power source. It consists of a gear transmission mechanism, a lifting chain wheel, a hand-operated chain, and a hook. Easy to install and simple to use, this type of hoist is the top choice for small factory workshops, construction sites, and warehouse logistics where electricity is unavailable or impractical.
Common capacities include 1/4 ton (500 lb), 1/2 ton (1,000 lb), 1 ton, 1.5 ton, 2 ton, and 3 ton models. Heavy duty options are available for demanding, frequent-use applications.

Key Features:
Specifications:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Load Capacity | 0.25 – 3 ton |
| Lifting Height | 3 – 10 m |
| Lifting Speed | 1.8 – 8 m/min |
| Ambient Temperature | −20℃ to 40℃ |
| Work Duty | M4, M5 |
An electric hoist is powered by a motor paired with a precision gear reduction unit, delivering consistent, fatigue-free lifting for high-frequency production cycles. It functions as a reliable electric chain fall and is widely used as the lifting mechanism on crane systems across manufacturing, warehousing, and construction sites.
Available from a 1/4 ton electric chain hoist up to a 20 ton electric chain hoist, VOITTO covers the full spectrum. Popular models include the 1 ton electric chain hoist, 2 ton electric chain hoist, 3 ton electric chain hoist, 5 ton electric chain hoist, and 10 ton electric chain hoist. For smaller workshops, a 1 ton electric chain hoist 110V single-phase configuration is available, alongside standard three-phase options.
Key Features:

Specifications:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Load Capacity | 0.5 – 20 ton |
| Lifting Height | 3 – 12 m |
| Lifting Speed | 1.8 – 8 m/min |
| Ambient Temperature | −20℃ to 40℃ |
| Work Duty | M4, M5 |
Custom designs available on request.
This low-headroom model is specifically engineered for facilities with restricted ceiling clearance. By minimizing the dead distance between the hook and the rail, it maximizes usable lift height — up to 30 meters — in spaces where standard hoists cannot operate effectively. This makes it the preferred industrial hoist for mechanical manufacturing workshops, logistics warehouses, and compact production lines.

Key Features:
Specifications:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Load Capacity | 1 – 8 ton |
| Lifting Height | 6 – 30 m |
| Lifting Speed | 1.8 – 8 m/min |
| Ambient Temperature | −20℃ to 40℃ |
| Work Duty | M4, M5 |
Custom designs available on request.
This explosion-proof model is purpose-built for flammable, explosive, and dust-prone environments. Its components are constructed to an explosion-proof standard, effectively preventing accidents caused by electric sparks, high temperatures, or static discharge. It operates stably in hazardous conditions where standard lifting equipment cannot be deployed.
Key Features:
Applications: Petroleum refining, chemical processing, coal mining, grain handling, and any dust-prone or gas-present industrial facility.

Specifications:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Load Capacity | 1 – 20 ton |
| Lifting Height | 3 – 12 m |
| Lifting Speed | 1.8 – 8 m/min |
| Ambient Temperature | −20℃ to 40℃ |
| Work Duty | M4, M5 |
| Explosion-Proof Grade | ExdⅡBT4 / ExdⅡCT4 |
Custom designs available on request.
Choosing the correct load rating is the single most important decision when selecting a chain hoist. The table below matches the most common capacities to their real-world applications.
| Capacity | Equivalent | Recommended Type | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 ton | 250 kg / 500 lb | Manual or Electric | Light assembly, small parts positioning, auto repair shops, thin-panel handling |
| 1/2 ton | 500 kg / 1,000 lb | Manual or Electric | Engine block removal, HVAC equipment installation, mid-weight fabrication |
| 1 ton | 1,000 kg / 2,200 lb | Manual or Electric | General manufacturing lines, tool room cranes, loading docks, mezzanine transfers |
| 1.5 ton | 1,500 kg | Manual or Electric | Light steel fabrication, pump and motor exchange, food processing equipment |
| 2 ton | 2,000 kg / 4,400 lb | Electric recommended | Mold handling, hydraulic press maintenance, precast concrete positioning, steel structure assembly |
| 3 ton | 3,000 kg / 6,600 lb | Electric recommended | Machine tool installation, die and fixture handling, heavy component assembly, automotive and aerospace facilities |
| 4 – 5 ton | Up to 5,000 kg | Electric | Heavy fabrication, structural steel erection, shipbuilding auxiliary lifting, high-frequency production cycles |
| 6 – 10 ton | Up to 10,000 kg | Electric | Large mold workshops, foundry ladle handling, heavy machinery installation, overhead crane systems |
| 15 – 20 ton | Up to 20,000 kg | Electric / Custom | Port equipment maintenance, offshore platform servicing, large-scale structural assembly, heavy process industries |
Note: For capacities of 2 ton and above, electric chain hoists are strongly recommended to maintain cycle efficiency and reduce operator fatigue. Custom configurations are available across all ratings.
Type vs. Capacity: Quick Reference
Type Capacity Range Power Best For Manual Hoist 0.25 – 3 ton Hand-operated Low-frequency, no power available Electric Hoist 0.5 – 20 ton Electric motor High-frequency, precision lifting Low-Headroom Hoist 1 – 8 ton Electric Height-restricted facilities Explosion-Proof Hoist 1 – 20 ton Electric Hazardous/flammable environments
Factory & Manufacturing — Manual and electric chain hoists are standard equipment on assembly lines, mold shops, and maintenance bays. A 1 ton or 2 ton electric chain hoist paired with a monorail system handles repetitive lifting efficiently.
Warehousing & Logistics — Low-headroom and electric chain hoists maximize vertical storage utilization. The electric chain hoist 500 lb to 5 ton range covers the majority of pallet and rack loading tasks.
Construction — Manual chain hoists provide flexible, portable lifting on construction sites. A heavy duty manual chain hoist in the 2–3 ton range handles structural elements and equipment without requiring a power connection.
Petroleum & Chemical — Explosion-proof chain hoists are mandatory in these environments. VOITTO’s ExdⅡBT4/CT4-rated models meet the strictest safety requirements for flammable gas and dust zones.
Automotive — The 3 ton and 5 ton electric chain hoist are widely used for engine assembly, body panel transfer, and press maintenance in automotive manufacturing plants.
Voitto Crane is a leading crane manufacturer in China, with comprehensive capabilities in custom design and manufacturing. Each application has its own unique features – our engineering team will design solutions based on your specific working environment, load requirements, power type, lifting height, working cycle, and regulatory requirements.
All Voitto Crane products are manufactured in accordance with national technical standards and comply with international quality standards.
Alan
Crane Solutions Specialist · Voitto Crane
Specialized in Overhead Crane, Gantry Crane, Jib Crane, Port Crane & EOT Crane export solutions. 10+ years helping global clients with pre-sales consultation, capacity selection and site-specific configurations.
Our pre-sale team provides consultations, tailoring solutions to your needs and environment.
Offer customization options for lifting capacity, span and lifting height etc. to meet specific needs.
Real-Time Progress Updates: Weekly reports and PM communication.
Pre-Delivery Testing: 100% load & safety checks, detailed reports.
3-5 years warranty and free replacement for non-manufacturing defects.
24/7 online support and on-site assistance for crane issues.
We offer comprehensive after-sales service, including regular maintenance, rapid technical support, and spare parts supply. The standard warranty period is 1 year, with options for extension based on your needs.
Transit time varies depending on many factors, including the destination of the goods, distance, shipping method and shipping service provider, etc. Generally speaking, international shipping may take about a month.
Yes, we can customize an overhead crane to meet your specific business needs. We can design and manufacture complete crane systems or upgrade existing systems.
Our overhead cranes are suitable for use in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, construction, metallurgy, logistics, and transportation etc. We specialize in providing customized solutions to multiple industries.
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