Chain Electric Hoist 0.5–20 Ton Specs & Prices
Key Takeaway Chain electric hoists are light and small lifting equipment that use welded round link chain as the load-bearing element, with lifting capacities from 0.5t to 20t and standard lifting heights of 3–12m. The alloy steel chain replaces wire rope, offering a dead weight 30–50% lighter than comparable wire rope hoists, quieter operation, and simpler maintenance. With reference prices starting at roughly $120–$300 for 0.5t models and $1,200–$2,200 for 5t models, they are the most cost-effective solution for light-load hoisting applications.
A chain electric hoist is a type of light and small lifting equipment that uses welded round link chain made of alloy steel as its hoisting medium. Compared to wire rope electric hoists, chain hoists offer significant advantages including lower dead weight, quieter operation, and easier maintenance. They are widely used in factory assembly lines, warehouse material handling, maintenance workshops, home garages, and other light-to-medium duty applications. Kelude Heavy Industry manufactures a full range of chain electric hoists covering capacities from 0.5t to 20t to meet various light-load lifting requirements across different operating conditions.
1. Model Specifications & Parameters
Chain electric hoists are classified by lifting capacity, with common models available in 0.5t, 1t, 2t, 3t, 5t, 10t, and 20t. Unlike wire rope electric hoists, the standard lifting height for chain hoists is typically 3–12m (custom heights available on request), with chain travel speeds of 0.1–0.3m/s. Typical motor power ratings for electric chain hoists are: 0.4kW for 0.5t, 0.75kW for 1t, 1.5kW for 2t, 2.2kW for 3t, 3.0–4.5kW for 5t, and 7.5kW for 10t. Chain specifications scale with capacity — for example, a 1t hoist uses chain with a link diameter of approximately 6mm, while a 5t hoist uses approximately 10mm chain. The dead weight of chain hoists is significantly lower than equivalent wire rope models: approximately 15–30kg for 0.5t, 25–50kg for 1t, 80–150kg for 5t, and 200–350kg for 10t.
2. Price Reference & Cost Comparison
The price of a chain electric hoist depends on lifting capacity, lifting height, electric or manual operation, and whether a remote control is included. Reference prices for bare units (without trolley): 0.5t: approx. $120–$300, 1t: approx. $220–$590, 2t: approx. $440–$890, 3t: approx. $740–$1,480, 5t: approx. $1,190–$2,220, 10t: approx. $2,220–$4,450, 20t: approx. $4,450–$8,900. Manual chain hoists (hand chain hoists) are even more affordable: 1t models range from approximately $44–$119, and 5t models from approximately $220–$520. Overall, chain electric hoists are priced roughly 30–50% lower than CD1 wire rope electric hoists of the same capacity.
A chain electric hoist used as a standalone unit is not classified as special equipment and does not require mandatory inspection. However, when installed on a complete crane with a lifting capacity of ≥3t, the entire crane must comply with special equipment management regulations. Kelude chain electric hoists come standard with upper and lower limit switches for overload protection and must be properly grounded for safe operation.
3. Structural Features & Key Differences
Chain vs. Wire Rope: Chain hoists use high-strength alloy steel welded round link chain (manufactured to GB/T 24812-2009 or DIN 5685 standards), with each chain link heat-treated to achieve the required mechanical properties. Compared to wire rope, chain offers better flexibility, a smaller bending radius (chain can bend 90° in both directions), no risk of kinking or unraveling, no wire break concerns, and quieter operation (metal chain contact generates less noise than wire rope friction). The main drawback is that chain links may experience wear and elongation after prolonged high-frequency use, requiring periodic inspection of chain pitch to ensure elongation does not exceed the standard limit of 5%.
Electric vs. Manual: Electric chain hoists are driven by a motor and gearbox, support remote control operation, and are ideal for frequent use. Manual chain hoists (hand chain hoists) are operated via a hand chain wheel, require no power supply, and are suitable for temporary jobs, locations without electricity, or as auxiliary tools. Manual chain hoists have a simpler structure and lower cost (1t manual models range from approximately $44–$119), but offer lower operating efficiency and require more physical effort.
4. Application Scenarios & Selection Recommendations
Ideal applications for chain electric hoists: factory assembly lines (frequent hoisting between workstations), light cargo loading/unloading in warehouses, equipment maintenance in repair workshops, small lifting tasks in home garages, exhibition setup, and stage rigging where low noise is required. The key advantage of chain hoists lies in their low travel resistance and excellent maneuverability on curved tracks, making them well-suited for installation on curved crane rails or manual monorail trolleys.
Selection recommendations: ① For lifting capacities ≤5t with frequent use, chain electric hoists are the preferred choice. ② For linear rail applications, select a hoist with an electric trolley. ③ For locations without power or temporary operations, choose a manual chain hoist. ④ For applications requiring a higher work duty classification (above M5), a CD1 wire rope hoist is recommended for greater durability. ⑤ Chain may corrode faster in humid, acidic, or alkaline environments — in such conditions, opt for a stainless steel chain or take appropriate protective measures.
5. Chain Hoist vs. Wire Rope Hoist: Comparison
| Comparison Item | Chain Electric Hoist | CD1wire rope hoist |
|---|---|---|
| Hoisting / Lifting Load-Bearing Component | Welding Round link chain | Wire Rope |
| Dead Weight(1tReference) | Approx.25~50kg | Approx.155kg |
| Noise Level | Low(Chain Contact Sound) | High(Wire Rope Friction Sound) |
| Price(1t) | 1,500~4,000CNY | 3,000~6,000CNY |
| Applicable Height | ≤12m(Standard) | ≤30m(Standard) |
| maintenance cost | Low(chain Easy Replacement) | Medium(Wire Rope Requiredregular lubrication) |
6. Chain Electric Hoist Data Card
0.5~20t Lifting Capacity Range Chain hoistcoverage0.5tto20tEach Standardtonnage | 30~50% vs.Wire Rope Lightweight Chain hoist Dead Weight Compared to Same-Classtonnagewire rope hoist Lightweight30~50% | 800Starting from CNY Price Starting Point 0.5tChain hoist Approx.800Starting from CNY, Manual Lower for Model |
15~30kg 0.5tDead Weight 0.5tChain hoist Dead Weight Only15~30kg, Single-Person Portable | ≤5% chain Extensiondiscard criteria chain link Pitch Extension≤5%Safety Limit, Replace if Exceeding Limit | Electric/Manual drive mode Electric Remote control operation, Manualhand chain Drive Not Required Power Supply |
Chain Hoist FAQ: Pricing, Lifespan & Wiring
Q: How much does a chain electric hoist cost?
A: Chain electric hoist pricing varies by capacity: 0.5t approx. $120–$300, 1t approx. $220–$590, 2t approx. $440–$890, 3t approx. $740–$1,480, 5t approx. $1,190–$2,220, and 10t approx. $2,220–$4,450. Manual chain hoists (hand chain hoists) are more affordable, with 1t models ranging from about $45 to $120. Kelude Heavy Industry offers customization services across the full range of chain hoists.
Q: Which is better — a chain electric hoist or a wire rope electric hoist?
A: Chain hoists offer a lighter dead weight (30–50% less than wire rope hoists), lower noise, and a 30–50% lower price point. Wire rope hoists, on the other hand, provide greater lifting heights (up to 30 m), higher work duty classifications (above M5), and better resistance to high temperatures and harsh environments. For light-load, frequent lifting, a chain hoist is the right choice; for heavy-load, high-intensity applications, a wire rope hoist is recommended. Each has its own application scenarios — there is no absolute winner.
Q: How often should the chain on a chain electric hoist be replaced?
A: There is no fixed replacement interval for chain hoist chains — it depends on usage frequency and load conditions. Discard criteria include: chain link pitch elongation exceeding 5% of the original length, cracks or corrosion pits deeper than 10% of the chain size on the link surface, or chain wear exceeding 8% of the original chain size. We recommend inspecting the chain quarterly and replacing it immediately if any of these issues are found.
Q: How do I wire a 380V chain electric hoist to the power supply?
A: To wire a 380V three-phase chain electric hoist: ① Verify the supply voltage matches the motor nameplate. ② Connect the motor leads (U/V/W) to the corresponding three-phase terminals, and the neutral wire to the N terminal. ③ The control circuit uses a contactor or frequency inverter (VFD) to control motor forward/reverse rotation. ④ The grounding wire must be properly grounded. Kelude Heavy Industry provides a wiring diagram with every delivery; we recommend having a certified electrician perform the installation. Refer to electric hoist motor wiring methods for detailed steps.
All Kelude Heavy Industry chain electric hoists pass quality inspection across the full range and come with a 12-month warranty. For a comparison of wire rope hoist options, see CD1/MD1 wire rope electric hoist parameters by capacity.
