[ncvettes]

I decided to pick up a Jet manual chain hoist and I also have a 1.5T electric winch. And a gantry crane with a trolley. The issue I have with the electric winch is it's probably not rated high enough for a vertical lift. I'm guessing only 600 lbs. But even with a larger capacity winch, don't they all have some kind of lag for the braking system? My winch states 1-ish second, and that sounds like a problem for final alignment, etc.

The chain hoist is perfect for control, but those dang chains are just in the way, especially for lifting a body. So... I have this bright idea on how to rig the chain hoist. Here's a photo chop of my idea. Just pretend there's a lower block chain hook attached to the trolley. Part of the control chain is also missing, but y'all get the idea.



Ok, that's it. I'm looking for your thoughts or experiences on this or any other suggestions that don't cost a grand or three, such as an electric chain hoist.

In this design, I know I'd be pulling the chain off a portion of the chain gear, but should be compensated by the similar wheel gear on the trolley hook. Maybe not? Tnx!

[matts37chev]

we would often just use two chain hoists, one on each side.
if needed, you just build a sling to hook in the middle.
but with two, you get to control the height of each side individually.
plus you can lift twice as much (if your a-frame can support that much weight)

[4 Jaw Chuck]

Just a note, all the chain hoists I have seen specifically say in the manual "not to be used for horizontal pulling". I imagine it affects the braking mechanism.

I would use electric hoists, they are the same price anyway and a cable will work better on a pulley. I just bought a 12VDC electric 2000lb Superwinch (LT2000) for $80CDN which comes with pendant and is ready to run, should be about $60 in the USA.

[trees]

I have used engine hoists (cherry pickers) to remove/replace bodies with success, but a lot of care and rigging is required to prevent "accidents". In your picture, the trolley that rolls from side to side would have to be locked into position in order to stay fixed when the side load from your re-directed chains are applied. I considered a rolling gantry on which to install my son's air driven hoist. I opted to fabricate and install a fixed overhead track system that would let me cover a large area and not take up floor space when not in use. The hoist was free: the trolleys and steel were not cheap, but it went in for about $600 and a lot of work. One of the best investments in the shop. Right now, the hoist is supporting the rear of a Corvair Van while I am preping it to cut the top off. I am also preping a Corvair Rampside to cut off the bed cap and cab. The hoist will remove the van top and then transfer the bed cap and cap to the van. When every thing is finished, the hoist will provide all the heavy lifting of the finished product as well as all the residual junk that will go to the scrap yard. I would not attempt this project without the hoist system.

Trees

[ncvettes]

Here's the final and it works great.

[matts37chev]

thats great

[evilbeef54]

Originally Posted by 4 Jaw Chuck

Just a note, all the chain hoists I have seen specifically say in the manual "not to be used for horizontal pulling". I imagine it affects the braking mechanism.

I would use electric hoists, they are the same price anyway and a cable will work better on a pulley. I just bought a 12VDC electric 2000lb Superwinch (LT2000) for $80CDN which comes with pendant and is ready to run, should be about $60 in the USA.

eh... manuals, what are those, lol... we use chain falls to pull horizontal all the time at work, everything from 600lb clutches to turbine engines, it is a PITA to pull horizontal until you have tension on the system but after that it works