The CH-B type operates through a gear-driven internal mechanism: pulling the hand chain loop turns a system of reduction gears that wind the load chain. Because it requires no electricity or hydraulic power, it is the default choice in remote sites, confined spaces, or environments where powered lifting equipment is impractical.
Hardened needle bearings support the central drive pinion and gear cluster, significantly reducing friction losses. Operators can hoist rated capacities up to 20 tonnes with standard manual effort (SHF ≤ 360 N).
Two spring-loaded hardened alloy steel pawls engage the central ratchet wheel symmetrically, eliminating uneven shaft deflection and ensuring immediate, positive load braking the instant hand-chain pull ceases.
A high-strength stamped steel housing shields the gear train and mechanical brake from rainwater, dust, and side impacts. The hand-chain wheel cover includes curved guides to prevent chain fouling when pulled at an angle.
Top suspension and bottom load hooks are drop-forged from quenched and tempered alloy steel. They are engineered to deform plastically (throat spreading) under extreme overload rather than failing catastrophically, providing clear visual warning.
The CH-B series scales from light-duty to extremely heavy industrial applications, with chain falls increasing at higher capacities to keep the hand-chain pull force manageable:
| Capacity (t) | Std. Lift (m) | Proof Load (kN) | Effort to Lift (N) | Chain Falls | Load Chain (mm) | Net Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 3 | 7.35 | 200 | 1 | 6 × 18 | 9.5 |
| 1.0 | 3 | 14.70 | 320 | 1 | 6 × 18 | 11.6 |
| 1.5 | 3 | 22.10 | 360 | 1 | 8 × 24 | 16.3 |
| 2.0 | 3 | 29.40 | 365 | 1 | 8 × 24 | 18.0 |
| 3.0 | 3 | 44.10 | 385 | 2 | 8 × 24 | 24.3 |
| 5.0 | 3 | 73.50 | 435 | 2 | 10 × 30 | 38.7 |
| 10.0 | 3 | 147.0 | 435 | 4 | 10 × 30 | 78.0 |
| 20.0 | 3 | 245.0 | 435 × 2 | 8 | 10 × 30 | 163.6 |
| 30.0 | 3 | 367.5 | 435 × 2 | 12 | 10 × 30 | 220.0 |
| 50.0 | 3 | 612.5 | 435 × 2 | 22 | 10 × 30 | 1092.0 |
Under ASME B30.16 (Overhead Hoists), EN 13157, and OSHA 1910.179, manual chain hoists must undergo documented pre-shift and periodic inspections:
| Hoist Component Vector | Code Discard Maximum Threshold Parameters | Required Field Corrective Action |
|---|---|---|
| Load Chain Pitch Elongation | Pitch elongation across any 5-link or 11-link gauge section exceeds 2% of factory dimension. | SCRAP AND REPLACE ENTIRE LOAD CHAIN ASSEMBLY |
| Chain Inter-Link Wear | Material cross-sectional thickness reduction at link contact points exceeds 10% of nominal (d). | Destroy the chain assembly; never weld or splice replacement links. |
| Hook Throat Spreading | Top suspension or bottom load hook throat opening widened by more than 5% from factory specs. | Replace hook assembly immediately; do not attempt to bend back. |
| Dual Brake Pawl Slippage | Pawls fail to engage crisply with ratchet teeth, or show tooth rounding > 1.0 mm. | De-certify hoist; replace pawls, ratchet wheel, and pawl springs. |
| Friction Disc Contamination | Brake linings glazed or contaminated with lubricating grease or gear oil. | Clean brake hub; install brand new certified non-asbestos friction discs. |
Suspension type needs to match the mounting situation — top hook suspension for fixed overhead points, or trolley suspension correctly set for the actual beam width in use.
Ongoing maintenance centers on keeping the Grade 80 load chain properly lubricated while ensuring the Weston brake mechanism stays completely free of oil or grease.
Never force the hoist to operate using excessive effort. Resistance during operation signals a mechanical problem (such as twisted chain or jammed pawls), not something to push through.
Between uses, store in a dry, clean location, suspended from the top mounting point with the chain kept clear of the ground to prevent kinking, tangling, or corrosion.
Choosing the correct CH-B hoist comes down to verifying the necessary capacity margin, matching the lift range (standard 3m or custom lengths), and confirming the operating environment stays within the hoist's designed temperature range of -10°C to +50°C.
By enforcing strict vertical-only lifting, maintaining clean non-asbestos friction brakes, and adhering to ASME B30.16 inspection intervals, the CH-B hand chain hoist will deliver decades of safe, precise, and dependable lifting power in environments where electricity simply cannot reach.
