Considerations When Purchasing a Hoist

Hoists are excellent pieces of equipment that allow for quick and efficient transfer of roll-off dumpsters and other heavy-duty industrial equipment. Before investing in an expensive hoist, it is vitally essential that considerations such as size, weight, price, and state and regional laws are factored into your decision. Numerous considerations should be accounted for before making any decision. We will detail several hoist acquisition factors to help you make an informed decision prior to making a purchase.

Roll-Off Cable Hoists

A cable hoist is ideal for use at sites with limited overhead clearance and for placing containers in a building or under overhead obstructions. Cable hoists are also compatible with roll-on and roll-off containers, allowing for convenience and ease of use. One of the significant downsides to cable hoists is that the cable can quickly wear out due to its constant contact with the cylinder, which ramps up cable wear and increases maintenance costs.

Hook Hoists

Unique from the roll-off cable hoist, the hook hoist is desirable for sites to provide accuracy in dropping containers in exact positions and is suitable for maneuvering into and out of tight spaces. Hook hoists work with heavy-duty truck chassis fitted with hydraulic lift hoists. The operator hoists the container onto the truck bed by connecting the container to the truck hook, providing a smooth transition from ground to truck.

Single & Dual Pivot Hook Hoists

With fewer moving parts and less maintenance, single pivot hook hoists are ideal for use in a range of environments, including construction, waste, recreation, landscaping, and more. The dual-pivot design allows the user to dump the loads off the back while maintaining a secure connection to the hook body throughout the lifting cycle, providing increased hauling capacities and ease of use.

Single & Tandem Cable Axle Hoists

A single-axle cable hoist is designed to transport smaller, outside-rail containers and equipment. In contrast, a tandem-axle hoists two axles on a single travel trailer, one in front of the other providing more control.

Hoist Tails

Whether an extendable tail or a rear tri-roller tail, picking up standard, narrow-rail, and deadlift-style containers is much simpler and more convenient. Hoist tails are ideal for areas with clearance issues that require low loading heights. Trucks with a long, extendable, overhanging tail help support and haul a broader range of container lengths.

Safety Lock Valves

The safety of your equipment is priority number one. If you become severely injured or dead due to a hoist malfunction, then all efforts were for not. It is better to invest in equipment that provides high-end safety features and locking mechanisms to potentially prevent a cataclysmic event.

Pay Attention to State & Regional Laws

Many states implement strict guidelines and unique regional requirements that have led to the design of specialty products. To benefit your own sanity, it is important to brush up on these rules and regulations before making a purchase. If the laws do not line up with the type of hoist you purchased, you may lose a lot of money.

EMP is Your Trusted Resource for Industrial Hoists

Looking to purchase an industrial hoist? EMP has you covered. We partner with the industry’s most recognized and dependable hook and roll-off hoist manufacturers, including Galfab, Municipal, SWAT, CES, and more.

Whether your project requires a roll-off or hook hoist, EMP provides the resources you need to make an informed decision. Contact us with any questions, and we’ll be happy to assist.