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Essential safety rules for hoist operators, emphasizing common sense.
Guidelines for inspecting load chain wear, elongation, and damage.
Procedures for inspecting hooks for wear, stretch, and damage.
Visual identification of parts for 1/2 Ton to 10 Ton chain hoists.
Detailed parts breakdown for 3T/5T and 10T hook assemblies.
Guidelines for competent personnel performing regular hoist inspections.
Instructions for proper lubrication of hoist components.
Guidance on inspecting and replacing hoist components.
Steps for replacing the entire load chain on the hoist.
Procedures for attaching or replacing bottom hooks.
Recommendations for disassembling and recycling expired hoists.
A log for recording hoist inspection and repair details.
Essential safety rules for hoist operators, emphasizing common sense.
Guidelines for inspecting load chain wear, elongation, and damage.
Procedures for inspecting hooks for wear, stretch, and damage.
Visual identification of parts for 1/2 Ton to 10 Ton chain hoists.
Detailed parts breakdown for 3T/5T and 10T hook assemblies.
Guidelines for competent personnel performing regular hoist inspections.
Instructions for proper lubrication of hoist components.
Guidance on inspecting and replacing hoist components.
Steps for replacing the entire load chain on the hoist.
Procedures for attaching or replacing bottom hooks.
Recommendations for disassembling and recycling expired hoists.
A log for recording hoist inspection and repair details.
This document serves as an Operators Manual for VCH "Gold" Series Chain Hoists, specifically covering models ranging from 1/2 Ton to 10 Ton capacity. It is designed to provide comprehensive information for the safe and effective operation, installation, maintenance, and repair of these manual hoists. The manual emphasizes the importance of reading its contents thoroughly before using the product, ensuring that all persons involved with the hoist have access to this information.
The core function of these devices is to lift and lower loads using a manual chain mechanism. They are designed for applications requiring overhead lifting, where precise control and reliability are paramount. The hoists are operated by pulling a hand chain, which engages a gear system to move the load chain, thereby raising or lowering the attached load. The design incorporates a brake device to securely hold the load in position once lifted.
Key usage features highlighted in the manual include a strong emphasis on safety. Operators are instructed to always inspect the top and bottom hooks for wear, reshaping, or damage, and to check the load chain for signs of wear, distortion, bending, stretching, or corrosion before each use. A critical step before operation is to test the brake device by slightly raising and stopping the load to confirm it holds securely. Proper lubrication of the block and chain is also a prerequisite for operation. The manual provides explicit "Rules to Ensure Operator Safety," which are summarized as "Use Common Sense." These rules include always reading the warning tags and manual, never exceeding the rated capacity, never using hoists as a sling, and ensuring the load chain is not twisted, kinked, damaged, stretched, or capsized. It also stresses that the hoist should only be operated with manual power, never used to lift or transport people, and only when the load is centered under the hoist. The work area must be clear of people and obstructions, and the hoist must meet or exceed the capacity requirements for the material being lifted. Both top and bottom hooks must be properly attached with their latch kits fully engaged. For lifting, operators are instructed to slowly pull the hand chain in the "U" (up) direction, and for lowering, to slowly pull the hand chain in the "D" (down) direction, noting that lowering may require additional effort to release friction from the brake components.
Maintenance features are extensively detailed to ensure the longevity and safe operation of the hoists. The manual outlines a "Limited One Year Warranty" that covers defects in material and workmanship, but explicitly excludes normal wear and tear, misuse, overloading, alteration, or improper/lack of maintenance. For any warranty claims, authorization from the customer service department and proof of purchase are required.
"Inspection and Maintenance of Manual Chain Hoists" is a dedicated section, underscoring the owner/user's responsibility to establish training programs for operators and inspection/maintenance personnel. These programs should align with ASME B30.16, Safety Standard for Overhead Hoists (Underhung), and any additional federal, provincial, state, or local code requirements.
Detailed inspection procedures are provided for both the load chain and hooks. For load chain inspection, operators are advised to look for excessive wear, elongation, or damage. A visual inspection is required before each use, and the entire length of the load chain must be replaced immediately if even one link shows excessive wear, elongation, or damage. Specific dimensions for load chain links (5 links) and diameter are provided, with instructions to use Vernier calipers for measurement. Any chain exceeding maximum dimensions or falling below minimum diameter must be replaced. Hook inspection involves checking for wear, reshaping, damage, corrosion, and stretch. Hooks that are not in safe working order must be disposed of and replaced. Again, specific "A Size" dimensions are provided for various capacities, and Vernier calipers are recommended for accurate measurement. Any hook exceeding the maximum "A Size" must be replaced. A crucial note is that hoists should always be recertified after any repair or alteration.
"Trouble Shooting" offers a guide to common problems, their possible causes, and recommended solutions. For instance, if the hoist will not operate or if the load continues to move when stopped, the possible cause is often an overloaded hoist, with the recommendation to reduce the load to or below the rated capacity. If the brake is slipping/failing, inspecting brake adjustments and friction disc wear, and ensuring brakes are clean, is advised. Load chain or hand chain binding issues may indicate damage to components or improper installation, requiring disassembly, inspection, repair/replacement, or re-installation. Latches not working properly suggest a broken latch or bent/twisted hook, necessitating replacement of the latch kit or hook.
"In Service Inspection and Maintenance" emphasizes that these tasks must be performed by a competent/properly trained person. A strict rule is never to perform maintenance while the hoist is supporting a load. When repairing, only disassemble the unit to the point of the required repair. Annual cleaning of the chain block with an acid-free solvent and reapplication of lubricant is recommended. When reinstalling, "O" marks on disc gears must be aligned. After cleaning and repairs, the hoist must be recertified by a competent person/company. After use, the chain block should be cleaned and stored in a dry place to prevent rust or corrosion. Hoists should be recertified annually even without repairs or alterations.
"Lubrication" is highlighted as critical, with warnings that failure to ensure proper lubrication can lead to unit failure, injury, death, or property damage. Old lubricants should be removed with acid-free solvents, and new lubricants applied to internal gears and load chains. For the load chain, a new layer of lubricant should be added weekly, accompanied by a thorough inspection for wear, distortion, bending, stretching, or corrosion. Threaded shafts, cap screws, and nuts should also be cleaned, and an anti-seizing compound applied as part of the normal lubrication process.
"Component Replacements" advises that if any components show signs of wear, reshaping, or damage, they must be replaced. All load-supporting components should be carefully inspected for damage. Again, hoists must be recertified after repair or alteration.
The manual also includes detailed instructions for "Replacing Load Chain," stressing that sections should never be added, and the entire chain must always be replaced. Steps involve rotating the hand chain wheel, using a flexible wire to guide the new chain, ensuring welds face outwards, and properly securing the chain to the end anchor. Instructions for "Attaching/Replacing Bottom Hooks" are provided for both single-fall (1/2T to 3T) and double-fall (5T) hooks, emphasizing the use of NEW parts only and never attempting to repair damaged components.
Finally, "Hoist Disposal" recommends that hoists reaching the end of their service life be fully disassembled, degreased, and components separated by material for recycling. A "Hoist Inspection Journal" is included for recording inspection dates, the person who inspected/repaired the hoist, and full details of inspections, including required and completed repairs, serving as a vital record for ongoing maintenance and safety compliance.
General| Type | Hand Chain Hoist |
|---|---|
| Chain | Alloy Steel Load Chain |
| Hooks | Forged steel |
| Operation | Hand chain operated |
| Standards | ASME B30.16 |
| Lift | 10, 15, 20, and 30 feet (custom lifts available) |
