Entertainment hoists and winches are a very specific category of lifting equipment that are certified to be used on staged venues both above and around the performers and production crew. We can supply hoists from GIS, Chainmaster, Stagemaster(Verlinde) and CM-ET
Powered hoists must be certified as D8, D8+ or C1, the details of each can be found below. We also have a selection of winches, chain block and battery hoist for stage use.
POA
Stagemaker entertainment hoists have an excellent reputation across the wo..
As mentioned above there are three categories of electric hoists that can be safely used in the entertainment industry. Your choice will depend upon how the hoist needs to be used and most importantly where.
Whether the entertainment venue is a theatre, concert hall, exhibition booth or personal address system the positioning of the hoist is critical to the type you need in order to comply with the stringent safety protocols required, given that members of the public will almost always be nearby.
Here we look at and compare the three types of stage hoists – D8, D8+ and C1.
The standard D8 classified electric hoists are for normal lifting tasks but are prohibited from being used above people UNLESS they are fitted with a secondary safety measure. This additional safety device would typically be a chain or steel wire safety cable to provide the extra tether required. It must be able to hold the hoist and load, whilst providing the shortest possible, or better still no drop in height should the hoist suspension fail. The rated capacity should be more than twice the weight of the hoist at a minimum.
When fitted with the additional safety tether a D8 electric hoist can be used above the stage and its performers or perhaps in lighting trusses above the audience. However! This category can ONLY be used for stationary loads. Therefore standard D8 hoists are typically used for pre-show stage set up.
The D8+ classification means that the hoist can be safely used to suspend loads above where people are working/performing but can not be moved unless the area below is clear.
D8+ hoists feature a double brake and higher safety factor (typically 8:1 or more) than standard D8 hoists, (typically 5:1). They are certified to hold (NOT MOVE) loads above people without the need for a secondary safety device like the D8 models.
These hoists are typically used for lighting rigs and PA trusses as well as suspending scenery, video walls or LED banners for example, where crew and performers are working underneath.
C1 certified electric stage hoists can be used to hold and move loads above whilst people are working below. The safety factor starts at 10:1 as standard but higher factors can be implemented with lower working load limits.
Typically uses of C1 stage hoists include moving aerial platforms, flying set pieces, dynamic lighting, moving cameras, multi-axis screens, computer controlled set changes and much more.
Standard D8 can be used in climbing or stationary mode and are typically used with no handheld controller, radio remote controls are commonly used.
D8+ hoists typically use direct control in a climbing or stationary set up.
The C1 hoists can be used in multiples and be synchronised using specific control systems
There are many options and accessories available for these types of stage hoists with multiple controller options.
To find out all the specifics, options and accessories for these hoists please choose your preferred manufacturer from Gis, Liftket, Verlinde (Stagemaker) or the CM-ET Lodestar & Prostar and go to the respective product pages above.
There are stringent requirements and regulations for these types of electric hoists
SQP2:2018 is the latest code of practice (from IGVW – an EU organisation) impacting both the design and use of these stage hoists.
Here are the codes these hoists adhere to;
D8 - EN14492-2 and IGVW SQP2:2024
D8+ - EN14492-2, IGVW SQP2:2024 and EN17206.
C1 - EN14492-2, IGVW SQP2:2024 and EN17206.
We have three models of these stage winches to choose from, they are also called pilewind winches.
Used in many theatre and performance venues these winches provide basic lifting facilities which are ideal for hoisting suspension and lighting bars and other trussing applications.
Model options include a mini powered winch, a double braked powered winch and a manual winch.
Find out all the details on the product page above.
If you don't need the full on D8 type electric hoists but still need to lift around the stage area then we can supply an all black manual chain block for simple but heavy tasks up to 30 tonne. Our battery hoist sits between a chain block and electric hoist and can handle loads up to 1 tonne. Find out all the specifics on their product pages above.
With many years of service within the lifting gear industry we work with many manufacturers to bring you a good choice of equipment. The entertainment industry is a niche market with many rules and regulations on equipment. We have selected proven hoists and winches and a range of popular rigging equipment which adhere to the latest standards. So if you need stage hoists and rigging like eye bolts, shackles, connectors, ratchets, slings and even rope ladders suitable for the stage environment then check out our stage rigging category.
