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This section provides an overview for air hoists as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 28 air hoist manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked air hoist companies as of December, 2024: 1.Harrington Hoists, Inc., 2.Elephant Lifting Products, 3.Lifting Gear Hire.
Table of Contents
An air hoist is a hoisting machine that uses an air motor instead of an electric motor to drive the hoist. Unlike electric motors, air hoists do not require concern for ignition or power supply voltage, making them safe for use in areas with ignition risks, such as chemical plants. Powered by compressed air, air hoists are primarily used for transporting lightweight workpieces. They offer adjustable speeds through push buttons, levers, or pull cords and are lighter and smaller than explosion-proof electric hoists of the same capacity.
There are two main types of air hoists: chain-based and wire-based. Generally, the chain type is preferred for heavier workpieces than those suited for the wire type.
Since air hoists do not rely on electricity for operation, they are ideal for explosive environments like chemical plants, tunnel construction sites, mine shafts, and steel mills. They excel in production lines needing light workpiece handling or speed. Simple to operate, air hoists only require connecting to a compressed air hose. Compared to electric motors, they are lightweight, compact, and relatively easy to install, making them suitable for temporary or provisional production lines.
For horizontal movement, manual or air motor-driven trolleys transport products, parts, and equipment like luggage and jigs.
An air hoist comprises an air motor, brake, reduction gear, control valve, operating equipment, safety devices, and trolley equipment.
The air motor, either rotary vane or radial piston type, serves as the driving source. The rotary vane type features a rotor within an eccentrically shaped cylinder, housing several radially movable vanes. The radial piston type incorporates pistons within star-shaped cylinders. Lubrication-free motors, which do not emit oil in the exhaust, require minimal maintenance, operating at compressed air pressures of about 0.4 to 0.6 MPa.
Brakes are essential for holding the load. A combination of an engine brake, leveraging the air motor's characteristics, and a cone brake, linked to a control valve, provides strong braking force.
Compact and lightweight planetary differential gears, known for their large reduction ratios, reduce the air motor's high speed to the winder's speed.
A direct-acting spool valve, operable via a lever or pull string, allows for step-less speed adjustment.
Certain models feature reverse winding prevention and overload stop devices.
Air hoists come in chain and wire rope variations.
Featuring a durable and tough chain, this type uses surface-hardened alloy steel load chains that can be extended.
The lightweight wire rope type includes a reverse winding prevention device, automatically stopping the air motor when the rope is fully extended.
Air hoists, being smaller and lighter than electric chain hoists of equivalent capacity, perform well under challenging conditions such as extreme temperatures, high humidity, and explosive atmospheres. They eliminate the risk of motor coil burnout, even after prolonged use or inching. Speed adjustments are made by pressing or releasing a pendant-type pushbutton, allowing control over the hoisting and lowering speeds to match the task. Their mechanical brake construction ensures high durability and reliable braking force.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Aid Equipment Co., founded in Sandy, Utah in 1978, is a supplier of complete mechanical and electrical engineering and automation solutions. The company's product portfolio includes Conveyor Systems, Precision Fastening and Industrial Tools, Material Handling Equipment, Mezzanines and Fabrication and lifting solutions. The company serves markets such as industrial manufacturing and construction, retailers, and e-business and also provides services including maintenance, troubleshooting, and technical support to ensure seamless integration and superior performance.
The David Round Company, Inc. was founded in 1869 and is based in Streetsboro, Ohio. The company is one of the world’s oldest hoist manufacturers. The company’s customers include Pfizer, General Mills, Ford, and Exxon Mobile, representing pharmaceutical, food processing, automotive, and oil & gas industries. The company’s custom-engineered hoists and related products include jib cranes, winches, and tractor drives. The company custom engineers machines and replacement parts to fit individual customer needs for projects both large and small.
Columbus McKinnon Corporation, founded in 1875 and headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a manufacturer of intelligent motion products used for automation, conveyance, lifting, and linear motion. Its product range includes handheld transmitters, flexible chain conveyors, lever hoists, industrial linear actuators, and pallet systems used in several industries, including aerospace, entertainment, automotive, metals production, and pharmaceutical. The company is ISO 9001 certified and has manufacturing facilities across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and North America. It has several brands, including STAHL Crane Systems, Dorner Conveyors, Duff-Norton, Magnetek, and Unified Industries.
Elephant Lifting Products, founded in Gonzales, Louisiana, is a manufacturer of manual chain hoists, electric chain hoists, and pneumatic chain hoists. The company's product portfolio includes Hand Chain Hoists, Manual Chain Hoists, Lever Hoists, Pneumatic Hoists, Trolleys & Beam Crawls. Their products are used in shipyard, petrochemical, power, pulp / paper, construction, mining, offshore, and automotive industries. The company serves industries such as Oil and Gas, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Construction, and Power Generation.
Harrington Hoists, Inc., founded in Manheim, PA, in 1827 is a manufacturer of lifting and securement solutions. The company's product portfolio includes Lever Hoists, Hand Chain Hoists, Manual Trolley Hoists, Manual Trolleys & Beam Clamps and Load Testers. The company serves industries such as Oil and Gas, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Construction, and Power Generation. The company also provides services including national distribution, product selection, installation, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, repair and customer service.
Sievert Crane & Hoist, a Division of Sievert Electric, since 1913, has been a custom manufacturer and distributor of cranes, hoists, trolleys, and accessories such as anti collisions, below-the-hook devices, electrical power systems, radio controls for steel fabrication, metal & chemical processing, equipment maintenance, and injection molding in the aerospace, construction, military, and manufacturing industries. The company in Forest Park, IL, offers services such as inspection & maintenance, repairs, refurbishment & modifications, load testing, and laser alignment. The company has Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business certification.
Tri-State Overhead Crane was established in 1959 and is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, and through strategic partnerships with manufacturers in the same business, such as CM, Demag, Gorbel, and Harrington. The corporation operates as a subsidiary of Tri-State Equipment corporation Inc. The company engages in the design, manufacturing, installation, and distribution of overhead cranes and hoists. As the predominant distributor of these brands, it can furnish its clientele with readily available replacement parts, repair services, and discounts for resale purposes. The company's operations have extended to additional states within the United States, enabling direct interaction and client engagement.
Sky Climber, located in Delaware, Ohio, was founded in 1955 and is a designer, producer, and distributor of industrial, commercial construction, and maintenance equipment. The company produces and develops items such as compact electric hoists, SSU boiler platforms, rigging collars, modular work platforms, and Fulton jacks. It creates all assemblies in 3D using the Solidworks CAD system to meet the needs of each project. In 1969, the company established its European facilities in Belgium.
Lifting Gear Hire was founded in 1990 in USA and is supplier and rental service provider of hoisting, pulling, jacking, and rigging equipment. The company offers lifting and material handling equipment solutions, providing these products for sale or rent and comprehensive maintenance services to various industries, including construction, petrochemical, and pharmaceutical plants. Its hoisting equipment provides robust and flexible solutions for lifting and maneuvering suspended heavy or oversized loads, suitable for applications such as construction sites and offshore projects. It offers options like Air Chain Hoists, Electric Chain Hoist Rentals, and Hand Chain Hoist Rentals to meet specific project requirements.
ZAMPINI INDUSTRIAL Group, established in 1987 in Rhode Island, USA, is a supplier of tools for industrial manufacturing and assembly. Its product range includes pneumatic and electric tools as well as technical resources for heavy-duty, super-duty, construction, air, and electric tools, including screwdrivers, impact wrenches, grinders, drills, and more. The company has designed and assembled a remotely operated machine for the U.S. military for closure purposes, provided heavy-duty fork tools for construction, and tools for welding, along with impact wrenches and air hammers for shipbuilding, and large impact wrenches and air motor wrenches for the oil and gas industry.
Hoosier Crane Service Company, founded in 2002, is a family business founded in Elkhart, Indiana, serves as a supplier and service provider in the field of cranes and hoists. The company's headquarters in Elkhart reflects its strong influence in the industry. Hoosier Crane specializes in offering a range of solutions including new bridge cranes, overhead crane kits, electric chain hoists, wire rope hoists, parts, and accessories. With a customer satisfaction, the company upholds its honesty, a strong work ethic, and personalized attention, ensuring the fulfillment of its clients' needs in the crane and hoist sector.
San-ei Seiki Seisakusho Co., Ltd., founded in 1925 and based in Fukushima, Japan is a manufacturer of rock drills, air motors, air winches, air balancers and other pneumatic machinery for heavy industries, petrochemical industries, and general industries. The manufactured products are designed through their pneumatic technologies such as general-purpose air motor, material handling equipment, labor-saving machine and custom-made specialized machines. The company has offices in Fukushima, Tokyo and Osaka, Japan, and they are in compliance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SGD).
ENDO KOGYO CO.LTD, founded in Niigata, Japan, in 1931 is a manufacturer of Spring Balancers Air Hoist, and Air Balancers. The company's product portfolio includes Cable Reels, Slip rings, Crushers, self-locks and rail systems. The company serves industries such as Oil and Gas, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Construction, and Power Generation. The company also provides services including national distribution, product selection, customized services, technical support and customer service.
Rhino Tool House, started in 1983 and based in Concord, North Carolina, is a manufacturer of products and solutions for the industrial market. Its portfolio includes production assembly, material handling, and material removal tools such as chipping hammers, drill bits, and sanding discs. The company also offers calibration equipment, exoskeletons, and manufacturing process control solutions like augmented reality, smart arms, and process control systems. The company can also provide repair, maintenance, and calibration services for tools, regardless of the brand or type, and all its repair centers across the United States are ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited.
J.D. Neuhaus, L.P. is founded in 1745 in Germany as a manufacturer of pneumatic and hydraulic hoists. The EH pneumatic series is designed for moving heavy loads in low spaces and is used as a double hoist. It is ideal for work in hazardous areas, insensitive to moisture, and temperatures from -20 to +70°C. The EH hydraulic series offers a capacity of up to 100 tons and is crafted for application in explosive environments, featuring a combination of sensitivity, enclosed design, and robust construction. Underwater systems are indispensable tools for divers, horizontal and inclined pulling for air and hydraulic drive.
Dongqi Crane, established in 1985 and based in China, is a manufacturer and supplier of overhead cranes. The company's product range includes single girder EOT crane, double girder EOT crane, freestanding pillar jib crane, single girder gantry crane, and electric wire rope hoist. These products are primarily used for lifting, transporting, and positioning of materials and goods. It serves industries such as metal processing, automotive, construction, and energy. The company's services include crane design, installation & commissioning, inspection & maintenance, and aftersale services.
KITO Corp., established in 1932, is a manufacturer and supplier of various types of lifting equipment headquartered in Nakakoma-gun, Yamanashi, Japan. The company’s product portfolio comprises electric chain hoists, lever blocks, belt lashing, manual chain blocks, and electric chain balancers. The company also offers hoist peripheral equipment such as crane systems, slings, Overhead crane/bridge crane, and hanging equipment. These equipment offer material handling solutions in transportation, construction, civil engineering, shipbuilding, and forestry industries.
Tiger Lifting is located in Amble, Morpeth, UK, and has been a manufacturer and distributor of material handling and lifting equipment since 1963. The company is ISO 9001:2015 certified and provides clamping, supra digital chips, yokes manual, and pneumatic hoisting. The company's products can withstand heavy-duty applications and ensure the efficiency of lifting operations in different industries. The company also offers 3D product drawing, user guides, bespoke lifting solutions, product documentation, and support services to customers.
Tractel, Inc. - Griphoist Division GUS, established in 1960 and based in Great Lakes, North America, is a manufacturer of material handling equipment and lifting solutions. The company specializes in producing grip hoist wire rope hoists, manual hoists, safety harnesses, roof anchors, and lifting accessories. These products find applications in confined spaces, electric power facilities, elevators, fire and rescue, and fire brigades. The company also works with distributors, rental partners, and direct company sales to reach customers worldwide.
Vestil Manufacturing Corp. is a manufacturer and distributor of material handling equipment, based in Michigan since 1957. The company produces equipment for various industries such as they make floor markers, speed bumps and car stops, etc. for Facilities Maintenance. Their hoists and trollies, drum handling equipment, carts, and dollies, and industrial ladders have applications in the agricultural, manufacturing, construction, and general marketing industries. Other than that scales, casters, wheels, packaging equipment, and similar items have uses in the postal services, hospitals, restaurants, and food production companies. Overall Vestil provides a solution to manage material handling in any department.
LiftingSafety, founded in 1994, is a UK-based distributor and supplier specializing in lifting, fall arrest and height safety equipment. The company’s product portfolio includes a diverse range of lifting equipment such as chain hoists, wire rope hoists, cranes and gantry systems. The company also offers height safety equipment such as height safety harnesses, inertia reels and retrieval blocks, and more. These products find application in diverse sectors including power stations, manufacturing, food, and rail. LiftingSafety holds ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certifications, in addition to being a LEEA (Lifting Equipment Engineers Association) member.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harrington Hoists, Inc. |
8.0%
|
| 2 | Elephant Lifting Products |
7.3%
|
| 3 | Lifting Gear Hire |
6.7%
|
| 4 | J.D. Neuhaus, L.P. |
6.0%
|
| 5 | Aid Equipment Co. |
6.0%
|
| 6 | The David Round Co., Inc. |
5.3%
|
| 7 | ENDO KOGYO CO.LTD |
5.3%
|
| 8 | Zampini Industrial Group |
4.7%
|
| 9 | Sievert Crane & Hoist |
4.7%
|
| 10 | SANEI Co,.Ltd |
4.7%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the air hoist page as of December 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
United States of America
|
12 | 63.2% |
|
Japan
|
3 | 15.8% |
|
United Kingdom
|
2 | 10.5% |
|
China
|
1 | 5.3% |
|
Taiwan
|
1 | 5.3% |
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