• Duty cycle approaches continuous use for most models. 
  
• Speed control is infinitely variable between limits. 
  
• They are often smaller and simpler in construction than electric hoists.
  
• Air motors are self cooling during operation.
  
• Portability is excellent.
•  Air motors are protected from external air contamination by the internal air pressure.
• An air hoist has no electrical components to cause sparks or arcing in explosive classified areas.

When should you use an air chain hoist?

• When air supply is abundant and accessible. Air hoists have large volume requirements. 
  
• When the extra noise of an air hoist is not objectionable.
•  When precise spotting of the load is required.
• When high ambient temperature limits the use of an electric hoist.
• When the inherent spark resistance of an air hoist is called for in an explosion hazard area. Other spark resistant features such as bronze hooks, bronze wheels and stainless chain are often required to meet specific requirements.
• When the lowest initial cost is not the determining factor. (Prices tend to be 50 to 80% more than single speed electric with similar features). When dust, moisture or corrosive atmosphere call for the sealing protection inherent in an air motor.

Which air 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 (1) no less than the maximum load to be lifted and (2) 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 one with a hook mount unless the inch or so gained with lug mounting is important, or you are going to use an air driven trolley.  
  
• Use one with an air driven trolley above 2 ton capacity.
  
• Use one with two braking systems when redundant safety is required to keep the load suspended.
  
• Use one with pendant pushbutton control when ergonomics and safety considerations control.
  
• Use one with grease in the gearcase when the immediate area must be completely free from possible oil contamination. 
  
• Use one with good repairability and with which your maintenance staff is familiar 

General Air Chain Hoist Selection Tips

• When making hoist selections 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.
• Always use an approved filter lubricator with your air hoist. It should be located as close as possible to the hoist or much of the lubrication will remain in the hose.
• When stainless steel chain is used on any hoist, the capacity is normally down rated due to the fact that stainless load chain does not have the breaking strength of standard alloy load chain. Stainless load chain is normally used in spark and/or corrosive resistant applications.
• Several manufacturers market the Budgit Air Hoist under their own brand name. CM, Coffing and Yale are examples. We can supply any of the brands at your request. All Budgit Air Hoist specifications can be used for reference.

CAUTION: These tips are provided as a starting point in the selection process and are not universally applicable. Please consult our experts for the solution to your specific application problem.