Air Hoist Vs Electric Hoist
Having equipment to cover lifting and lowering loads is critical for many industries, especially in fields like construction and mining. Two options for this task are electric hoists and air or pneumatic hoists.
An electric hoist is controlled by a push-button control panel, and a motor powers its lifting capabilities, whereas an air hoist operates manually using a pendant control.
When deciding between an air hoist vs. an electric hoist, there are numerous factors to consider that could impact your decision. So what are the pros and cons of an air hoist vs. an electric hoist, when should you use each option, and what are the key features and differences? Read more to find out!
The Pros of an Air Hoist
Before you can determine whether an air hoist vs. an electric hoist is right for you, understanding each option’s pros and cons is important. Below are some advantages of choosing an air hoist for your lifting and lowering needs.
Air Hoists Provide Speed Control
Having a hoist that allows you to control the speed of your lifting and lowering movements is critical to ensuring safety in potentially dangerous environments. A benefit of air hoists is their ability to offer advanced speed control and many speeds to suit your needs.
These hoists provide variable speed control by regulating pneumatic pressure on the hoist. Lifting and lowering motions with this device are highly accurate because of the equipment’s control valves, allowing you to position different loads accurately and efficiently.
Air Hoists Are Safer
Generally speaking, air hoists are safer than electric hoists. These hoists can be used outside without requiring special IP ratings. They are also self-cooling and capable of handling hotter environments than an electric hoist can withstand, making them suitable for numerous applications.
Because of the air hoist’s pendant controller, this hoist can traverse distances safely and at a slower pace than electric hoists – ensuring accurate load positioning to handle delicate objects. Pneumatic hoists also weigh significantly less than electric hoists, making them easier for the operator to navigate.
Air Hoists Can Be Used in Hazardous Environments
Individuals in the construction and mining industries are all too familiar with hazardous environments, meaning having the proper equipment to navigate this landscape is critical. Air hoists are beneficial for lifting and lowering because they can handle dangerous environments, such as humid, dusty, chemical, and aerospace environments.
Pneumatic hoists are ideal for environments with electric sparks and can handle these conditions better than an electric hoist, making them safer in many situations.
The Cons of an Air Hoist
While air hoists are suitable for many scenarios, there are some cons to consider before choosing a pneumatic hoist over an electric option.
Air Hoists Are More Expensive
If cost is a concern, air hoists might not be ideal – they’re generally more expensive than an electric hoist. However, it’s important to consider that many of the elements you’d have to pay to add to an electric hoist are already included in an air hoist, which can help balance the cost spent.
Air Hoists Require a Compressor
Another reason why air hoists aren’t always suitable is that this equipment requires a compressor to operate properly. Compressors can add significantly to the cost of a pneumatic hoist and will typically require ongoing maintenance, which can increase the cost again.
Air Hoists Are Louder
While you can expect any construction site to be loud already, an air hoist can make this problem even more noticeable. Pneumatic hoists are louder than their electrical counterparts, meaning workers might need extra PPE equipment to protect their hearing when operating an air hoist.
The Pros of an Electric Hoist
Electric hoists have many advantages that could make them more suitable than an air hoist for your operations. Below are some primary reasons you should consider an electric hoist.
Electric Hoists Are Less Expensive
The most obvious advantage of electric hoists compared to air hoists is that electric hoists are much more cost-effective. These hoists are widely used compared to pneumatic hoists because of their cost, saving money on the initial investment and ongoing operation costs.
Replacement parts for electric hoists are typically cheaper than for air hoists. There is also more maintenance availability with electric hoists because they’re so widely used, meaning you’ll spend less on repair costs and hiring technical support.
Electric Hoists Have a Greater Load Capacity
Another benefit of electric hoists compared to air hoists is that electric options have a much higher load capacity, making them ideal for lifting heavy loads. Electric hoists are designed to handle up to 5 tons of weight. Many air hoists cannot achieve the same torque to lift and transfer a heavy load, which is unsuitable in several situations.
Electric Hoists Are Effortless
Electric hoists don’t require the same manual handling as air hoists and are relatively effortless. Electric hoists make work much easier by eliminating the need for manual handling outside of using the control panel. These hoists also transfer loads faster than an air host because of the lack of manual operations necessary, making them ideal to save time.
The Cons of an Electric Hoist
Electric hoists have many benefits – however, they’re not suitable for every situation. Below are some disadvantages of electric hoists to consider when making a decision.
Electric Hoists Aren’t Suitable for Hazardous Environments
Electric hoists carry the risk of generating electric sparks that could be incredibly dangerous in already hazardous environments. Operating an electric hoist in a potentially explosive landscape – such as in mines and oil rigs – is highly risky, and electric hoists aren’t suitable for various environments like an air hoist is.
Electric Hoists Can Lead to Costly Downtime
These hoists require electricity to operate, and while this typically isn’t an issue, it becomes a big problem when power shutdowns occur, and you can’t restore electricity for a significant period. Electric hoists often lead to costly downtime that disrupts production significantly.
Find the Hoists You Need From Lifting Gear Hire & Sales
Choosing between an air hoist vs. an electric hoist requires knowledge of the pros and cons of each and how they can apply to your industry. Whether your work requires an air hoist or an electric hoist, we’ve got you covered at Lifting Gear Hire & Sales.
Lifting Gear Hire & Sales provides hoists suitable for any industry application, ensuring you have the necessary equipment to thrive in the workplace. Explore our hoist options today!
