Frequently Asked Questions

We at BudgitHoist.com compare our prices on a regular basis to insure we are providing you the best price available online.
Here is our promise to you:

"If you find the same new hoist available (same model, specifications and conditions) for a lesser price on another web site of an authorized Budgit/CM Dealer we will match it!" The other dealer must be listed on the Cmworks.com distributor web. This offer does not apply to used or surplus equipment but to new hoists only.

Hoist Quick Selection Guide Questions

Hand Chain Hoists

Use a Hand Chain Hoist when:

Which Hand Chain Hoist should I choose?

• Use an economy model when initial costs are important.
• Use a premium model when dependability and quality are important considerations.
• Use one with a rated capacity no greater than the structure on which it will be placed.
• Use one with a capacity sufficient for the job at hand.
• Use one with an effort required, that is suitable for the operator.

General Hand Chain Hoist Selection Tips

• Warning: Sometimes people attempt to convert hand chain hoists into electric or air operation. This should never be done without specific authorization of the manufacturer. This practice is almost universally dangerous because this hand-operated equipment has not been designed for continuous high-speed operation.
• Premium hand chain hoists differ from the economy models in the amount of machining done, and quality of materials used in the manufacturing process. Better materials and more machine work have a higher cost but produce a more efficient and reliable hoist.

Electric Chain Hoists

Why should you use an electric chain hoist?

• Electricity is almost universally available and inexpensive.
• Productivity, ergonomics, and safety are enhanced.
• They are normally smaller and more compact than wire rope hoists, as a drum is not required to store wire rope.
• Overload clutch to prevent dangerous overloads is normally standard.
• Portability is excellent as standard hook mounting allows simplified installation (Lug mount required on wire rope hoist to wrap rope on drum precisely).
• Lift can be changed at any time with minimal cost by simply changing chain length.
• Numerous configurations and speeds are available in lighter capacities.
• Chain tends to be a more durable lifting medium than wire rope.
• Headroom of chain hoists is often better.
• Chain hoists are normally less expensive than wire rope.
• Most chain hoist duty cycles are equal to wire rope.

When should you use an electric chain hoist?

• When the capacity being lifted is 3 tons or less.
• When your does not allow the portability of a spare chain hoist.
• When you need true vertical lift at the lowest cost.
• When the initial cost and total operating cost are important.

Which electric chain hoist should you use?

• Use one with a rated capacity no greater than the structure on which it will be placed.
• Use one in all medium to heavy duty applications with a capacity rating that is no less than the maximum load to be lifted and approximately 155% of the mean load to be lifted. Increase this percent as the duty cycle increases.
• Use one with the highest speed available that will not cause safety or spotting problems.
• Use a two speed model when precise spotting and higher speeds are required.
• Use one with a hook mount unless the inch or so gained with lug mounting is important, or you are going to use a motor driven trolley.
• Use one with a rigid hook mount to keep hoist aligned.
• Use one with a motor driven trolley above 2 ton capacity.
• Use a 3 phase model instead of single phase when 3 phase current is available because these hoists normally have a better duty cycle and are more dependable.
• Choose a VFD model when controlling the speed is a concern.

General Hoist Selection Tips

• The number of starts and stops per hour directly affects all electro-mechanical devices such as motors, contactors, brakes, and solenoids, by causing a buildup of heat due to the inrush amperage at startup being approximately 3 times the normal running amps. Operator training and proper equipment selection can minimize this frequent source of equipment damage. Two speed motors and inverters can solve many of the spotting problems that result in the improper, "staccato", use of the push button by the operator.
• When making hoist selection with regard to maximum capacity load to be lifted consider that ball bearing life for the equipment normally varies inversely according to the cube of the load. For example, a two ton hoist operated at a mean effective load of one ton will have a ball bearing life eight times that of the same hoist used steadily at its rated load. This can amount to huge savings in repairs and downtime for critical use hoists.
• Remember that manufacturer's warranties are against product and labor defects and not wear and tear. For all practical purposes almost any manufacturing defect will show up within a month or so of installation. The advantage of a warranty for "lifetime" as contrasted with 1 year is difficult to place a "price tag" on. Actually the most important factors regarding warranty claims are the reputation of the factory, and the distributor form which you buy a hoist. Ace has a 70 plus year history of standing behind products and customers to insure satisfaction.
• A limit switch on a hoist is one of the most important safety features available for electric chain hoists. These devices shut off the hoist when the hook rises to highest position and normally also when it reaches its low point. There are generally two types of limit switches used in electric chain hoists shown in this web and there is one limit switch "substitute" that is not a limit switch at all. The two types of limit switch are the (1) screw type and the (2) paddle type. The "substitute" is a clutch in the gear case that slips when the hoist makes contact with the housing at the highest point. All limit switches are meant to be a safety cut off in case the hoist reaches the maximum travel. They are not meant to be used for a method of stopping the hoist a predetermined points. This is because the limit switch is a back-up safety mechanism. If the switch should fail in being used as a normal method of stopping, there would be no back up.
• A screw type limit switch operates normally by a screw and traveling nut mechanism that breaks a circuit in the control wiring and cuts the hoist off at the desired point. This type of limit switch is normally concealed within the hoist electrical cover and is set in accordance with the factory instruction.
• A paddle or actuator type limit switch is one that operates by the hook or some other actuator on the chain, contacting a paddle or other switch that opens a control circuit and stops the motion.
• The "substitute" is no limit switch at all but instead depends upon the use of a clutch mechanism in the hoist gearing to prevent damage when the hoist exceeds the maximum limit. Problem with this substitute is that when it operates, the clutch slips. If the operator holds his finger on the up button the clutch will continue to slip. Slipping of the clutch excessively will result in wear on the brake disc, and finally after an unknown time, with the inability of the hoist to raise the capacity load when required.
• Ace recommends hoists with either a screw type or paddle limit switch. Hoists with this feature are more costly.

1. Will lifts be Frequent?
   Answer: If yes, best to choose an electric or air chain hoist
2. Is Lift Speed important?
   Answer: If yes, two speed or Variable Speed hoists are available
3. Is Lateral Movement Required?
   Answer: If Yes, Choose a trolley for the hoist.
4. Should the Hoist be Portable?
   Answer: If yes, then you need a Hook Mounted Hoist.
5. Weight of Objects to be lifted?
   Answer: Consider the heaviest objects to consider capacity of the hoist.
6. Hoist Suspension Required?
   Answer: For critical load placement, choose a hand geared trolley.
7. Is Headroom a Concern?
   Answer: Choose a Low Headroom or Army Type Hand Chain Hoist
8. What is my Voltage for an Electric Chain Hoist?
   Answer: Hoists are available in single or three phase options
   1. For Single Phase most voltages are 115V or 230V
   2. For Three Phase 200/208V, 230V, 460V, 575V
   3. What is my Control Voltage?
      Answer: It is either 115V or 24V

How to Select "The Right Chain Hoist" -

Information you need to know First!

1. Capacity: You need to know the maximum weights of the loads you intend to lift. It is always safe to round up to the nearest 1/4 ton, 1/2 ton, or ton. Budgit Hoists increase in 1/4 ton and 1/2 ton increments will usually stop being offered after 3 tons of capacity. If your load is over 3 tons in weight (6,000 lbs) for an electric and air chain hoist, or 6 tons (12,000 lbs) for a hand chain hoist, you may need to consider other options.
2. Lift: You need to determine the amount of chain lift (or length of chain) for your hoist. To determine the lift you first need to know what is the height where your hoist hang from; and secondly where will the load to be picked be located in relation to the chain hoist. To find your lift number you will need to subtract the resting location of the item to be picked from the hanging location of the hoist. Most hoists have a standard 10 Ft. of chain lift. You can add addition lengths (per foot) if desired. Please note that on hand chain hoists, the hand/pull chain is usually 2 feet less (standard) than the lift chain. Load and Hand chain are sold by the foot and it cannot be added to the existing chain.
3. Lifting Speed: Traditional speeds can range from just a couple (2 or 3) feet per minute to 16 and 32 feet per minute. Some new hoists, especially air hoists can lift around 100' per minute. Some of the factors that must be known to safely pick a lifting speed are the following: the load being lifted, if the load fragile, the surrounding environment, and hazardous conditions or environments, and is there adequate spacing around to pick and place the loads safely. Generally, it may be a little more costly for a faster lifting speed in electric and air hoists.
4. Voltage & Power: You need to determine the voltage of your power source. If you will be using single phase power, you will have to determine if the volt supply is either 115 volts or 230 volts. For larger and industrial workplaces will may be running on three phase power and have voltage ranging from 208, 230, 460, and 575. It is critical to know your power supply. By choosing the wrong voltage can instantly damage your new hoist, not covered by warranty. For Control Voltage there are usually two options, 115 volt or 24 volt.
5. Pendant Control Cable Length: The pendant control cable or "PB Drop" is how far down from the chain hoist you would like the hand control to hang in the air. Standard push button drop is equal to 4 feet less than the lift. Special lengths for pendant cable drop can be configured to meet specific needs as well.
6. Suspension: There are two options for hanging a chain hoist, Hook mount or Lug mount. A Hook mounted hoist will come from the factory with a hook attached to the top of the body. There are two common types of hooks available, rigid and swivel. The rigid hook is in a fixed position, whereas the "swivel" hook mounted hoist can rotate up to 360 degrees.
   A lug suspension is mountable to the trolley with just a couple of bolts/lugs.
7. Trolley: There are 3 common types of trolleys,
   1. Plain Trolley: A plain/push is operated by maneuvering the trolley along the Beam by human power via the hoist operator. The operator will grab either the hook or the item being lifted and pull or push the item to move it in the desired direction along the Beam.
   2. Geared Trolley: A geared trolley is used by pulling a chain hanging from the trolley to maneuver the hoist along the beam or track. A geared trolley operated by pulling the hand chain. Standard hand chain drop is 4' less than lift chain
   3. Motorized Trolley: The motorized trolley option has motor attached to the side of the trolley wheels, and usually has its own control pendant. A trolley speed must be specified when ordering a motorized trolley. Industry standards are 35 fpm and 75 fpm, but accommodations can be made for fragile or sensitive loads that require a little more finesse.
8. I Beam Flange Width: I-Beam: An I-beam, also known as H-beam, W-beam or WF-beam (for "wide flange"), is a beam with an I- or H-shaped cross-section. The horizontal elements of the "I" are flanges, while the vertical element is the web. The web resists shear forces while the flanges resist most of the bending moment experienced by the beam. Beam theory shows that the I-shaped section is a very efficient form for carrying both bending and shears loads in the plane of the web.
   
   WF-Beam: Also known as a Wide-Flange Beam is the most common I-beam found in applications in the United States. A Wide-Flange beam has flanges in which the planes are nearly parallel; unlike the "S" style beam which has a tapered flange.
   
   Patented Track: A patented track beam is similar in conception to the standard S and WF I-Beam with one significant difference; The bottom flange of a patented track has a 3.25″ wide flange made of especially hardened steel with a raised lip to form a perfect rolling surface. The specially hardened bottom flange is then welded to the upper portion of the beam. Patented Track beams are generally more expensive than the other two options; however the buyer also gets what they pay for, an extremely rugged beam meant for harsh repetitive environments where precision and consistency is of the utmost importance. Many military facilities and aircraft maintenance hangers will rely upon the Patented Track