There are a number of cases within construction and similar industries where multiple different pieces of equipment will sometimes carry out similar roles, and a good example here is within the realm of cranes and hoists. While some people simply assume these are the same thing, they actually are not – despite the fact that the carry out similar purposes at times.
At Bronson Crane, cranes are our specialty – we offer crane rentals, cranes for sale and numerous crane parts or accessories to meet the needs of varying clients. We’re also happy to offer information on these and related products, however, and we’ll be happy to steer you in the right direction for any need. What are some of the key areas where cranes and hoists differ, and why might you go with one or the other? Here are some basics.
Their Basic Setup
First and foremost, cranes and hoists differ in their basic setup. A crane typically consists of multiple moving parts, including the cab/operating station, the boom arm and any additional attachments that may be necessary for a particular job.
Hoists, on the other hand, are more “contained” – they will usually feature only an operating station, with all necessary components contained within a single unit.
Lifting System Used
Another key difference here is the way these different products go about liftin their loads. For hoists, the primary method here is a pulley system, which uses a single cable in order to lift and lower the load.
Cranes, on the other hand, will usually feature some kind of lifting system that uses multiple different cables or chains in order to get the job done – though most cranes do rely at least somewhat on pulleys as well. However, cranes will typically have much stronger and more robust materials used as part of their lifting system.
Lifting Direction Capabilities
While most of the areas we’ve gone over to this point are generally in the eye of the beholder when it comes to which is best for your needs, one area where cranes tend to hold a universal advantage is within lifting direction. Hoists, as anyone who has used one is well aware, can only lift items directly up or down along a single horizontal plane.
Cranes, however, can lift items up and down, side to side, even in a circular manner – making them the more versatile choice for most large-scale lifting needs. For instance, many construction projects will require a crane in order to place items into awkward positions along walls, or to support something that’s being built in mid-air.
Lifting Capacity
While modern hoists can be engineered to quite a high lifting capacity, far greater than in past generations, it still pales in comparison to what a crane is capable of. Even regular cranes can hold up to several tons at once, with larger and more powerful models able to lift items hundreds or even thousands of tons in weight.
Stationary Vs Mobile
Another key drawback of the hoist setup in many scenarios is the fact that they are usually very stationary – requiring a lot of time and effort to reposition and set up once more. Especially if they have to be moved at any point, this can be laborious and frustrationg.
With cranes, on the other hand, you have numerous options. Some larger cranes are similarly stationary, while others are mobile, designed to travel from one job site to another with ease. This allows for much more flexibility and versatility in their use.
Making Your Choice
If you’re new to this broad industry and are unsure of what best suits your needs, there are a few basic elements to consider. The total weight you’re looking to lift in one go, the direction you need to move it in, and more all factor into your decision-making here.
It’s also often wise to talk to an expert at Bronson Crane for more information. We can answer any questions you may have about the differences between cranes and hoists, as well as offer advice on which one is best for you particular job or site requirements. Whatever your goal, our team is here to help you find the ideal crane from our wide fleet!
