Electric Hoist Price Q&A: 1-20 Ton Models, Parameters & Quotation
Key Points An electric hoist typically costs around $450–$900 for a 1-ton unit, $600–$1,200 for 2 tons, $750–$1,500 for 3 tons, $1,200–$2,200 for 5 tons, $2,200–$4,400 for 10 tons, $3,700–$7,400 for 16 tons, and $5,200–$10,400 for 20 tons. Pricing varies with lifting height, hoist model, and travel configuration. This article provides reference quotations and selection guidance by capacity tier.
Electric wire rope hoists are the most fundamental and widely used lifting devices in industrial applications. They can be mounted directly on single-girder or double-girder bridge cranes, gantry cranes, or standalone I-beam rail systems. Kelude Heavy Industry manufactures the CD1/MD1 series electric hoists covering the full 1–20 ton range. Below, we break down reference pricing by capacity—1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 16, and 20 tons—to help procurement teams quickly bracket their budget based on actual requirements.
Hoist selection directly impacts the overall crane price and safety performance. For wire rope specifications, I-beam dimensions, and power parameters of the CD1/MD1 series, refer to the 5t Electric Hoist Technical Parameters and Selection Guide. For configuration details of electric hoists on bridge cranes, see the LD Type Electric Single-Girder Bridge Crane selection information.
5t electric hoist operating diagram
Electric Hoist Price Reference by Capacity
| Lifting Capacity | Common Model | wire rope diameter | Lifting Speed | Reference Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1t | CD1 | 7.4mm | 8m/min | 0.3~0.610K CNY |
| 2t | CD1 | 11mm | 8m/min | 0.4~0.810K CNY |
| 3t | CD1 | 13mm | 8m/min | 0.5~110K CNY |
| 5t | CD1/MD1 | 13mm | 8/0.8m/min | 0.8~1.510K CNY |
| 10t | MD1 | 15mm | 7/0.7m/min | 1.5~310K CNY |
| 16t | MD1/HC | 18mm | 3.5/0.35m/min | 2.5~510K CNY |
| 20t | MD1/HC | 20mm | 3.5/0.35m/min | 3.5~710K CNY |
The prices above are ex-works reference prices inclusive of tax, excluding crane rail, installation, and electrical busbar costs. A final quotation is determined based on lifting height, operation mode (wireless remote control / wired pendant / cabin), and special configurations such as two-speed, frequency conversion, or explosion-proof options. The CD1 model features a single-speed hoist, while the MD1 model is equipped with a two-speed hoist. The MD1 is priced approximately 15%–25% higher than the CD1. For lifting heights above 6 m, an additional 5%–10% is added for every extra 6 m. Kelude Heavy Industry offers free selection consultation.
CD1/MD1 electric hoist structural diagram
CD1 vs MD1 Electric Hoists: Key Differences Compared
| Comparison Item | Type CD1 | Type MD1 | HCBox-type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lifting Speed | Single-Speed | Two-Speed(Fast/Slow) | Two-Speedor Frequency conversion | |
| Reducer / Gearbox | planetary gear | planetary gear | parallel shafthardened tooth flank | |
| Work Duty / Classification | M3~M4 | M4~M5 | M5~M6 | |
| Recommended Application | Light Duty, Low Frequency | Standard Duty | Heavy Duty, High Frequency |
Electric Hoist Lifting Height vs. Price: What You Need to Know
Electric hoists come standard with a 6m lifting height, with each additional 6m increment priced separately. Moving from 6m to 12m adds roughly 5–8% to the base price; extending from 12m to 18m adds another 5–8%; and beyond 18m, each 6m increase costs an additional 8–10%. To give you a concrete example, a 5t CD1 model is priced at approximately $12,000–$18,000 at 6m, $13,000–$19,000 at 12m, $15,000–$22,000 at 18m, and $16,000–$25,000 at 24m. Heights above 24m require a custom-wound drum and extended wire rope.
The hoist's travel configuration also affects pricing: a fixed mount (stationary suspension) is the most economical option; adding electric single-rail travel (moving along an I-Beam) increases the price by roughly $300–$700; and a dual-rail travel setup (on twin I-Beam rails) adds about $400–$1,200. Kelude's CD1/MD1 electric hoists come standard with an electric single-rail trolley.
Electric Hoist Optional Features & Pricing Guide
- Two-Speed Configuration (CD1/MD1 Upgrade): approximately 15–25% price increase
- Wireless Remote Control: standard with pendant control; wireless upgrade costs roughly $70–$220
- Overload Limiter: electronic type $120–$300; mechanical type $70–$180
- Height Limit Switch: standard with counterweight type; screw-type upgrade adds about $45–$120
- Variable Frequency Speed Control: approximately 20–40% price increase (includes VFD and encoder)
- Explosion-Proof Configuration: priced by explosion protection class (ExdⅡBT4/ExdⅡCT4), adding roughly 50–100%
- Anti-Corrosion Treatment: Epoxy Zinc-Rich Primer plus topcoat, adds about 10–15%
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does wire rope diameter correspond to lifting capacity?
A: Wire rope diameter increases with rated load. Per ISO 4301 Crane Design Standard, a 1t hoist uses φ7.4mm rope, 2t uses φ11mm, 3t uses φ13mm, 5t uses φ13–15mm, 10t uses φ15–17mm, 16t uses φ18mm, and 20t uses φ20mm. The rope construction is typically 6×37+IWR (independent wire rope core with line contact), with a breaking force safety factor of ≥5 for M5 work duty.
Q: Can an electric hoist be used for angled lifting?
A: Electric hoists are designed for vertical lifting. The wire rope's fleet angle on the drum should not exceed 4°, so angled lifting is not recommended. If angled hoisting is unavoidable, a lifting beam or specialized spreader should be used, and the rated load should be derated to 60–80%. Kelude can also engineer custom solutions with angled hook blocks or deflection pulleys.
Q: What's the difference between CD1 and MD1 electric hoists?
A: The CD1 is a single-speed hoist with a fixed lifting speed (e.g., 8m/min), suited for general lifting tasks. The MD1 is a two-speed hoist with a slow-speed mode (e.g., 8/0.8m/min) designed for precise positioning and light-load handling, priced about 15–25% higher. For heavy-duty or high-frequency applications, the HC square box hoist is the recommended choice.
Q: Why do electric hoist prices vary so widely?
A: Price differences come down to several factors: lifting capacity (higher tonnage means larger motor and wire rope), lifting height (each 6m increment adds 5–10%), hoist model (CD1, MD1, and HC are priced progressively higher), travel configuration (fixed vs. electric single-rail), and special requirements (explosion-proof, anti-corrosion, variable frequency, etc.). For the same 5t capacity, a basic CD1 starts around $12,000, while an HC square box hoist can reach $22,000–$30,000.
Q: Can I purchase an electric hoist on its own?
A: Yes. Kelude electric hoists are available as standalone units for installation on existing rails or gantry cranes. We also offer complete packages that include I-Beam rail, conductor rail/busbar, and power supply box. When ordering a hoist separately, please provide your I-Beam model and rail length so we can match the mounting interface correctly.
Q: How often should the wire rope be replaced?
A: The replacement interval for electric hoist wire rope depends on usage frequency and work duty. Per ISO 4301 Crane Design Standard, the rope must be replaced when the number of broken wires within one lay length reaches 10% (for M3 to M4 duty) or 5% (for M5 and above). Under normal operating conditions, wire rope on a CD1 hoist typically lasts 1–2 years, while an MD1 lasts about 2–3 years. Kelude recommends inspecting wire rope wear on a quarterly basis.
For a detailed quotation tailored to your application, contact the Kelude technical team with your lifting capacity, lifting height, and work duty classification. We'll provide a customized product recommendation and pricing.