Most people use winch vs. hoist interchangeably but this is not the case. It is crucial to know their differences in detail for you to know what product to use when. The two may look similar but they are made differently and their purposes are different. A hoist is made to lift heavy loads vertically over steep inclines going beyond 45 degrees. A winch, on the other hand, is designed to pull heavy loads horizontally over a surface that is just slightly inclined.
Both winch and hoist are used to make heavy lifting tasks much easier. However, it is crucial to use the right equipment for the job. While hoists are used to lift, winches are used to pull. Winches will be of great help in case you get your vehicle struck. There are different types of winches and hoists in the market and it might be confusing on the one to buy. Some known as winch hoists are used for both function but for now, let us learn more about winch vs. hoist.
What is a Winch?
A winch is a mechanical device that can lift or haul large amounts of weight. A winch comprises a motor, a drum, a gear train, and a rope. A winch can be used to pull out heavy objects, vehicles or trucks stuck on mud, ice or which has lost its ability to move on its own. Winches are found in different power options, capacities, and sizes. Some can list loads up to 30000 pounds. Let us see what they are made of and the different types of winches.
What Makes a Winch
A pulling winch is made of different components. Each of these components has its own function in the overall winch purpose. Some of the most basic components of a winch include:
1. A Cable Wire
In most cases, cable wires are either made of synthetic or steel materials. The wire is enfolded around the winch drum to prevent it from entangling. A cable wire can have a length of between 40 and 100 feet depending on the manufacturer and specific features of the winch. The wire is hooked or tied to the truck, vehicle or object you want to tow.
2. A Center Drum
A winch drum has a circular shape and it allows the cable wire to be wrapped around it. In case of a spool within the winch, the drum will rotate in a circular motion this winding the cable from the inside out.
3. A Motor
The motor is the major component since it powers the electric winch. It powers the winch drum to turn, thus pulling and wrapping the cable wire around it. Most all winches have motors. This is the feature that distinguishes between a manual and an electric winch.
As much as there are manual winches, most of the vehicle winches today are electric since they make things easier and fast. Motors can either be electric or hydraulic. Hydraulic motors are more powerful and can lift heavier objects while electric motors are more efficient and enable smooth operation.
4. A Gear casing and Gear Train
This is a winch component that takes power from the motor and changes it to pulling power. This enables winches to pull any heavy materials. The capacity of lifting objects depends on the combined power of the gear casing, gear train, and motor.
Learn more: What is a winch? All That You Need to Know!
Application of Winches
Mounting vehicles when stuck- This is the most common function of a winch. It is a must-have for drivers going on and off-road adventures in all terrains. Always have a winch since it will help you when your vehicle gets stuck or loses traction.
Marine- Winches used in the marine industries are known as marine winches. The most common of them is the mooring winch. It helps you to get a berth safely. There are also a variety of sailing winches for different purposes.
Landscaping- some of the people use winches to move large stones or other heavy objects and materials when making landscapes.
Construction- a winch is essential equipment in a construction firm. It is used to pull heavy materials.
How to Use a Winch
When your truck, vehicle or car gets stuck on ice or mud or if you have a big object that you need to move from one place to another, using a winch is the only remedy. When pulling a vehicle, start by unwinding the cable to reach the truck or vehicle.
In case you are pulling an object such as a tree, ensure you mark a place where you can easily fasten the spool. Turn on the motor and the able will start winding thus puling the vehicle towards the motor.
If you are using an electronic motor, plug in the remote and start the motor. Only start this process if you put the winch line damper of the cable. This is an effective precautionary measure, especially when using a steel cable. Ensure that you keep a safe distance for security purposes.
Types of Winches
There are several categories of winches in the market based on their portability, drive type or even type of control. Below are the major types of winches:
1. Electrical Winches
This type of winch uses a vehicle battery, a plug or any other source of power to turn the motor of the winch. These winches may drain the battery quickly thus they are ideal for light, occasional and quick use. The best thing about this type of winch is that they are easy to install and also easy to carry around.
2. Hand Operated Winches
Hand winches are also known as manual winches. They are perfect for lightweight applications. These winches have a barrel axis like a fulcrum and handle which resembles a lever arm. This winch-type is also ideal to use in wet conditions and in places without power outlets like woodland areas.
3. Hydraulic Winches
These winches use fluid power. They use a motor pump and hydraulic systems between the winch and generator set. The hydraulic winch uses less energy compared to electric winches. They are mainly used for vehicles or vessels which need to move heavy cargo.
The winches have the ability to cover the duty cycle for extended pulls with constant pulling power. Hydraulic winches are also ideal to use underwater. They are therefore a perfect choice for the marine industry.
4. Air Winches
These are winches powered by compressed air. The air-powered winch is more robust and more environmentally-friendly compared to other types. they are ideal for suspension or lifting of materials. Air winches are mainly used in marine, construction and oil and gas industries.
What is Hoist?
A hoist is an electro or mechanical equipment used for lifting heavy materials. This object relies on mechanical advantage for supporting hanging loads or moving objects vertically. Any angle that exceeds 45 degrees requires you to use a hoist since it is not at the horizontal level any longer.
Just like winches have different capacities, hoists also come in different weight capacities and sizes. Hoists are quite strong that you can use them to lift tractors, boats, engines, jeeps, kayak, trucks and any other heavy object you can think of. Hoists are the ideal equipment for lifting dead weights.
What Makes a Hoist
A hoist is made of different components that must work together for it to fulfill its purpose. Their major components include:
1. Lifting Motor
A hoist features a cylindrical short circuit motor equipped with an inbuilt electromagnetic brake. Brakes and motors are made to provide continuous service with cycles and high duty factors. Brakes are electromagnetic discs featuring asbestos flat-faced linings. They provide automatic and reliable braking in case of power failure.
2. Gearbox
Gearboxes are compact and robust. They are situated on the outside for easy accessibility. Gears have helical teeth cut with great precision resulting in great reliability, silent running and durability.
3. Drum and Rope
A hoist also has a rope and a drum. The drum is mainly located at the hoist frame by the use of self-lubricating and high-quality commercial bearing. Ropes are of different types. it would be prudent to get a strong and water-resistant rope when buying a hoist.
4. Limit Switch
The limit switch limits the movement of the hook in up and down motions. It is positioned at the drum axle. Consider a hoist with a security limit switch which prevents the main limit switch from possible failures.
Application of Hoists
Hoists are used anywhere where there is a need to light or move a heavy load. It is not only restricted to industrial applications. Hoists are widely used in lifting warehouse stock, construction materials, engines and cargo. Some of the major industries where hoists are used include mining, medical, manufacturing, marine, logging, construction, automotive and aerospace.
How to use a Hoist
Before you start using a hoist, ensure that there is enough space to move the hoist. Start by checking if the battery is in good condition. Check the sling, wheels, and hooks of the hoist for any damage and ensure that you are aware of using all controls. In case of any doubt, confirm from the client support plan. After making sure that the hoist is in good condition you can go ahead and start the lifting.
Electrical hoists feature an induction motor which acts as the source of power for the hoist. The motor then changes electrical energy to mechanical energy used in the lifting of materials. A steel wire rope holds the dangling operating system at a height which an operator can access. Different hoists are available for different capacities.
Types of Hoists
There are different types of hoists you will get and they serve differently. This is the major types:
1. Manual Hoists
This type of hoist is also known as chain falls. Manual hoists are lifting devices that are hand chain or ratchet operated. Manual lifting hoists use two chains. First, here is the chain which supports the load known as the load chain. Secondly, there is one responsible for controlling lowering or lifting action known as a hand chain. They are known for:
- Low initial cost
- Portable and easy to transport
- Needs more work for lifting heavier loads
- Takes a longer time to work
- Prone to wear and tear
2. Powered Hoists
These hoists are found in three different types. They are hydraulic, pneumatic/air and electric. These hoists are the most common in the market today. They tend to have characteristics such as:
- Faster lifting speeds
- Operated through controller or pendants
- Have a wide range of lifting capacity
- Electric models tend to overheat more when used frequently
- Pneumatic /Air are ideal when there is an issue of sparking
Differences Between Winches and Hoist
One of the differences between hoists and winches is their purpose. Hoists are used for lifting while winches are used for pulling. Some purposes like pulling a stuck car will need a winch while lifting and hold a heavy object will need you to use a hoist. Winches are actually the ideal equipment for lifting dead weight.
The other difference is in their brake system. A winch’s brake system is not capable of absorbing the created energy when lowering a load. Winches will pull loads in one direction and on a level surface. If you use a winch to lift, you use the free spool control and the load might fall which may have a negative effect.
Drum core diameters of a winch are smaller than those of hoists. This is simply because they are not designed to suspend a load. The wire rope also has a smaller diameter with an equal lift capacity.
Conclusion
When determining whether to buy a winch vs. hoist, it is prudent to know the purpose for which you need it. The above article will guide you to understand their differences and when they should be used. Ensure that you know the capacity of your loads or objects before you buy either of them. For you to use either a hoist or a winch, you need to buy one with a high capacity than the object intended to pull or lift. Also, check on other factors such as the motors and wire ropes. It would be crucial to get one that is water and corrosion proof so that they can serve hoist and winch operators even in the rainy seasons.