Lever Hoists

Lever hoists or ratchet lever hoists provide a flexible lifting capacity that is often not possible with other devices such as jib cranes or hydraulic jacks. Not only is a pull winch quite versatile in regards to their mobility, but lever hoists can also prove to be a cost-effective option within any work environment. Requiring no power supply these ratchet lever hoists form part of our extensive hoisting equipment range which includes both manual and powered hoisting devices. 

Lifting Gear Direct supplies a number of these hoists; each designed to operate under certain conditions and to support loads of varying weights. From the lower hook block to the chain and supporting mechanisms, all of these level hoists have been manufactured to the most stringent of specifications. This will assure years of reliable and continuous use within even the most demanding of environments.

We supply all the leading brands like Tiger, Kito, Yale, Tractel, Hacketts and GT. Within these ranges there are a number of ATEX rated lever hoists (Yale Atex; Hacketts ATEX; Tractel ATEX and Tiger ATEX) and subsea lever hoists (Tiger subsea hoist & Hacketts Subsea pull winch). 

A ratchet lever hoist is also often referred to as a lever hoist, and less commonly a “come along” or pull winch. A chain ratchet is a small, portable devices which can be used for pulling, lifting, tensioning and lowering operations, in a precise manner.

Probably the greatest advantage of using a ratchet lever hoist is that they can be used in virtually any position. They are ideal for exact load positioning in small spaces, and cargo tie down applications. Often available with safe working load capacities ranging from 250kg to 10,000 kg, and with either a standard link chain or a roller chain. 

Ratchet lever hoists have a ratchet and pawl system in place; this allows the gear to be rotated to move the load by means of the lever/handle being cranked up and down. A lever hoist incorporates a hook to fix the hoist to a suitable fixing point, and the chain will have some sort of fastener at the end, often a hook with safety catch, to attach to the load.

The handle / lever to operate the hoist also has a pawl system and may have extra gears to increase the power and also the speed of the lever hoist. Every time the lever is cranked forwards and backwards the gear will turn allowing the chain to pass over it to either bring in the chain or advance the chain out, i.e. to lift or lower the load. The handle of the chain lever hoist may also comprise of a release mechanism. 

Lever hoists are often used for positioning heavy plant machinery, tensioning utility lines, down manholes, setting pipe work and also holding objects in place for welding for instance, and even for pulling tree stumps from the ground; they are commonly seen in car garages and are used in most industrial areas for maintenance of machinery and also forestry etc. 

Lever hoists are probably one of the most versatile and cost efficient piece of lifting equipment available. They can be found in various sizes and capacities, and with no limit to chain length, they can also be easily re-chained.  Small versions can often be lifted with one hand. They can be very easily transported in a large tool box or in your van/truck and no maintenance worker should be without one. 

First you need to fit the lever hoist to a suitable secure fixing point using its top hook. You should ensure that this anchor point is capable of taking the weight and strain of the load to be handled, and also that it is stable. 

Secondly, the load chain will need to be attached to the load, (the free-chaining mechanism will allow you to pull the chain from the ratchet until you have the length you need) making sure it will be evenly balanced about the centre of gravity; this will ensure a safer and easier lift.

Thirdly, the lever on the unit needs to be lifted into the up position then the lever/handle should be pushed all the way forwards, then pull all the way back again, by continuing this movement the load will slowly be moved to the required position.

Fourthly, for lowering the load push the lever on the hoisting unit to the down position, then, just as before, crank the handle forwards and backwards until the load reaches its required position. 

Finally, remove the chain from the load, and that’s it, job done. 

Always follow manufacturer’s instructions, inspect regularly and always check the brake system prior to each use. Always check that the bottom hook will reach the lowest point without the chain reaching the stop.  Never extend the lever/handle. Keep the brake free from oil and grease etc, but keep the chain well lubricated. Never replace a chain for a longer one before consulting your supplier. If any wear or damage to hooks and fittings is noticed then do not use until thoroughly inspected by a competent person.

Check for things like; bent, stretched or cracked chain links, damaged suspension hooks, illegible markings and also damaged, bent or cracked operating lever. Always store lever hoists correctly, by hanging them with the hook clear of the ground. As well as your regular check you also need to have all types of lifting gear thoroughly inspected by a qualified person to comply with LOLER regulations. We have our own team of trained engineers who can carry out inspections, do load tests and carry out maintenance and repairs as needed.

As mentioned earlier, we stock ratchet lever hoist models that are rated to meet ATEX standards. This includes powerful and productive models like the Tiger PROLH lever hoist, which has both standard and ATEX rated versions on offer according to your needs. 

The design of an ATEX ratchet lever hoist will be altered to limit the likelihood of sparks being generated during its operation. This is essential when working in environments with explosive atmospheres, since even the smallest spark can cause a disaster. 

In order to achieve an ATEX appropriate rating, a ratchet lever hoist can feature internal components and external connections which are specially coated to prevent excess friction. For typical use, such extras will not be necessary, but in atmospheres that feature combustible gases in significant volumes, they will be vital. 

We also stock other ATEX lifting equipment, including Yale chain blocks like the YLLHP/G. Use our search service to pinpoint products that fall into this category, or use our contact details below to ask more information. 

The other type of specialised ratchet lever hoist that is worth looking into is that which is designed for subsea use, like the Tiger ssII. Such hoists need to be especially durable and resistant to corrosion, since exposure to moisture and complete immersion are part and parcel of a typical use case. These high end hoists can cope with a variety of loads, with capacities topping out at 20 tonnes in the most sizeable examples. 

Of course corrosion resistance is something which many standard ratchet lever hoists provide, but this tends to be limited to the external surfaces and components. In the case of a true subsea hoist, like theSS L5 from Hacketts, protection from rust will be provided internally as well. The type of lubricant used must also be suited to a maritime environment, so there are lots of reasons to choose a specialist lever hoist when appropriate. 

While they may seem fairly simple on a mechanical level, contemporary ratchet lever hoist models have a lot to offer operators that might not be apparent at first glance. 

A good example of this is the anti-lock braking systems that are found on some examples. These prevent the kind of jarring lock-ups that could otherwise limit control in emergencies. Other safety solutions focusing on the brakes will limit the chances of unwanted freewheeling and keep cargo and employees out of harm’s way. 

Should a ratchet lever hoist not quite offer the features you need, there are innumerable options available to act as alternatives. Our air hoists, for example, offer impressive power and durable designs.

Our electric hoists are perfect for use in conjunction with the crane and gantry systems we supply. Our scaffold hoists have unique abilities and high capacity limits. In essence, there is almost no piece of lifting equipment that cannot be found on the Lifting Gear Direct site. 

Browse our full selection of lever hoists from all the major manufacturers below for full technical details and call our team on 01384 76961 to discuss any requirements; or you can email us your requirements here. We are always happy to offer advice when required to ensure you get the most suitable equipment for your needs. Remember we also supply all your loose lifting tackle like slings and shackles so you can purchase all you need from one trusted supplier.