Product: Manual Air
and Electric Chain Hoists
Models: All
Subject: Chain Containers
By: Steve Kaukl, Technical
Sales
No. UL-004
Date: 5/23/91
I frequently encounter
various types of chain hoist applications with long lifts.
What are the problems associated with providing chain
containers for these units?
| Problem: |
| |
The combined weight
of the chain and the container when attached directly
to the hoist causes the unit to hand at an angle |
| Cause |
| |
Chain containers
are generally mounted off to the side of the hoist
where the chain is captured as the unit is operated.
As chain is fed into the bucket, the increasing
weight tends to "tilt" the hoist off to
one side when the unit is not under load. |
| Effect |
| |
This tilting effect
can cause interference between the load chain and
the chain container (Fig A)
and on powered units, interference with limit
lever assemblies. On hoists that are trolley mounted,
the weight of the chain container causes one
end of the trolley to raise up off the beam,
making it difficult/impossible to traverse the unit
along the beam. (All of these problems generally occur
under no load conditions, when the chain container
is full.) |
| 
|
| Important
Note: Chain containers offered in the catalog
are listed up to maximum size where these problems
will not occur. For nonstandard lifts, please consult
technical sales.
|
| Solution: |
| |
To solve this problem,
long lift chain containers (hook mounted units) should
be fitted with hardware for securing one side
of the bucket to a second suspension point,
independent of hoist.(Fig. B)
On trolley mounted units, a "trailing trolley"
is used as the second suspension point
(Fig. C)
|
| 
|
| 
|
Important Points:
- Since long lift
chain containers are inherently large by design, they
may affect headroom dimensions.
- Trolley mounted
units fitted with "trailing trolley" assemblies
may have an increased minimum curve radius.
- Trolley end travel,
along beam, will be diminished slightly on the side with
the "trailing trolley" assembly.
- Some hoists may
have to be re-oriented (rotated 90° ) so that the load
chain exits the hoist directly under the beam. (eg.
SE series trolley mounted hoists)
For chain
container assemblies for lifts not covered in current literature,
please contact the technical sales department with the following
data:
- Model
- Lift
- Beam Type
- Envelope Restrictions
- Beam Radius
- Head Room Requirements
- Application
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