Is the Genie Super Hoist the right material lift for you? If not, don’t worry, we discuss a few Genie lifts, including: Genie Super Tower and the Genie SuperLift Advantage. We think it’s important you narrow down your business needs before deciding on the model. We hope this guide will help you make a smarter buying decision.Some jobs require a lift to give you an upper hand in order to get the job done. For those who work on installation or maintenance jobs on-site, this can sometimes pose a challenge. This is especially true with heavy materials and objects that have to be lifted. For such jobs, a lift or hoist is usually required.
What is a Hoist?
A hoist is a special device that is designed for lifting, lowering and moving loads. It can be operated manually, pneumatically, or electrically. A hoist is generally controlled with a lift-wheel or a drum that is placed around the chain or rope wraps. Some hoists may also use a wire rope, fiber, or chain as the medium of lifting for specific loads. The load to be raised will be placed on the hoist using a special hook. The most popular and reputable brand you will typically see when it comes to hoists is Genie
The design and overall mechanism of a hoist makes it a versatile tool in a number of situations. They are frequently used for lifting various materials in manufacturing, industrial, and logistics fields. They are especially useful in installation jobs for lifting materials such as electrical fixtures, HVAC systems, ceiling panels, overhead sprinkler systems, and pretty much any related job that requires lifting of materials. Some of the most common applications and areas that a hoist is used for include:
- Construction Companies
- Mining
- Scrap metal depots
- Electrical contractors
Many construction companies use hoists in delivering the work on the site for greater efficiency and production on the job. The hoist can be used to lower and raise materials that are needed in the construction or demolition of a structure. For instance, construction materials can be conveniently lifted from the ground to the top of the building or wherever contractors need it. You can imagine how much easier and safer to the job having a hoist or lift can be as opposed to the alternative.
These tools are useful in the underground mining industry as well. They help to lower and raise conveyances within the shaft of the mine. Due to the critical condition of the underground mine, the mining hoists that are used for these jobs consist of electric motors.
Hoists are also commonly used to gather and sort out scrap metals in depots. In this case, a grapple or an electromagnet is attached to the hoist, which can handle a huge pile of scrap metal along with other metal-based materials.
These devices are also useful to linemen as well as contractors when fixing an electricity failure or when working on the power lines. The hoist will have a large attachment for carrying and lifting, which allows the electricity contractor to climb on with all the necessary tools and equipment.
Types of Hoists —
Hoists are classified into various types, depending on the working mechanism and the overall design. The basic hoist will have two features that define it. They include:
Electric Hoists
The power type, also referred to as electrical hoists, will come either in hydraulics, air-driven, or electrical motors. These offer convenience in portability. The Genie Super Hoist is a great example among these as it uses CO₂ or compressed air in order to operate the lift.
The electrical hoists differ from other types in that these entail an extra feature known as the hoist controller. This controller can have several features, based on the customization. The electronic hoist can be used to lift materials or a load automatically when it senses a full container.
Additionally, it will automatically decelerate or accelerate the speed when it needs to pick up or lower the load. It will not necessarily need manual supervision while operating (although you shouldn’t leave it unattended). You may become surprised to learn that the more automated hoists/lifts are actually quite economical in comparison to their counterparts. This is because they are easy to manage, maintain and repair adding a cost-effective value over other hoists with longer lasting quality.
The electrical hoists are the most commonly used hoists and they can either be chain or wire rope-driven. The chain hoist can have a lever or a loop that actuates the hoist. The wire rope hoist tends to be lighter by comparison which is why chain hoists are typically used in jobs that require large and heavier operations.
These specific types of hoists are further categorized into three types; the Blair multi-rope hoist, the Friction/Kope hoist, and the Drum hoists.
Manual Hoists —
Manually operated hoists consist of different lifting mediums. These can be load-chain wrapped around a special drum, or wire rope that is raised by a pulley with a profile that engages the chain. Manually operated hoists are more commonly used in small-scale organizations and companies.
The manually powered hoist is costly in comparison to the electrical hoists. Likewise, these require extra supervision and manpower to function effectively. Since they are handled manually, they tend to be more vulnerable to breakdown as well. They can be customized according to the needs of the user. This way, they allow for more access to the specific application of the hoist.
Pros and Cons to Using Hoists
Pros
- Increases productivity — using a hoist helps to make production more efficient which can, in turn, generate greater income as more jobs can be completed in a timely fashion.
- They are safer —when it comes to handling heavier loads, hoists assure the user of convenience and safety. Although, as with any type of machinery caution is still advised while operating.
- Cost-effective —this is true for electrical hoists as they are more economical overall. Additionally, the duties that a hoist serves can help individuals cut down on man-power for carrying out smaller jobs, which can also help cut overhead costs for smaller corporations.
- High load capacity — Some hoists can lift around 300 pounds of load at a time or even greater, which is much heavier than what other types of equipment can handle and jobs where the manual approach would be impossible.
- Versatile — manually operated hoists can be customized to deliver specific services in various applications. This way, companies can use one hoist to deliver various services for maximum use and effectiveness (and ultimately economical to having multiple types of machinery for various jobs that a hoist can serve).
Cons
There are a few drawbacks to using hoists/lifts on the job that may not always be practical for everyone. For instance:
- The most commonly used hoists, electrical hoists, run on electricity so if cost-efficiency is what you’re looking for then you will need to ensure an electricity source when using one of these types.
- Some types of hoists are very expensive ranging in the thousands of dollars.
- The manually supervised types are prone to breakdowns.
- If not handled properly, the electrical hoists can lead to severe accidents.
Regardless of the few drawbacks, hoists generally tend to be very reliable devices that help to deliver proper services to companies. With the right type of hoist based on the area of operation, they can offer many advantages that some companies simply can’t afford to not have.
Hoist Safety Considerations
Hoists come in many different forms, thus requiring different applications and safety considerations. Misuse of this type of machinery could potentially result in serious injury. Always read the user’s manual that comes with the hoist you’re using and follow these general safety recommendations when using one:
- Always inspect areas such as hooks, ropes, brakes, switches, etc. for damage and wear/tear prior to operating. Be sure to repair any parts that are in need and/or replaced.
- Ensure all necessary components are adequately lubricated such as chains and wire ropes.
- Refer to the manual’s scheduled maintenance recommendations to ensure proper running condition. This will also help extend the life of the hoist in addition to ensuring the user’s safety.
- Never load the hoist beyond the recommended weight limit.
- When using an overhead hoist, ensure the load is centered directly overhead. Uncentered loads can cause the hoist to swing when lifting, which could be very dangerous.
- Avoid raising loads higher than what is necessary.
- Never leave a suspended hoist unattended.
Specific Products to Consider
The brand matters a great deal when it comes to choosing the right hoist to purchase for the job at hand. Genie is a leading brand in innovation with their unique Genie Super Hoists that are designed for convenience. Their portable pneumatic hoists are super easy to transport, easy to use, and easy to store. While compact and easy to move from one job site to the next, their durability is also quite impressive with long-lasting quality and completely serviceable parts that are easy to replace if needed.
The Super Hoist models operate using CO₂ or compressed air (purchased separately) and come with a CO₂ bracket that is compatible with most common bottle sizes. Below is a look at the two most popular models within the Genie Super Hoist line that many consumers tend to lean towards when purchasing.
Applications: Installation of electrical fixtures, ducts, drywall, ceiling panels, overhead sprinklers, just to name a few.
Genie Super Hoist GH-5.6 | Material Lift
Lifting Height: 18 ft 4.5 in (5.60 m) | 250 lb. capacity | Width Stowed: 2 ft (0.61 m)
This super hoist has a lifting height of just over 18 feet (approximately 5.6 meters for those who use the metric system) with a 2-foot wide platform. It can lift a maximum of 250 pounds. A really neat and unique feature with these compact hoists is the base assembly. The legs can lock in place when folded up for compact storing and also lock in place in the ‘out’ position when in use. For optimal performance, the system also has a self-lubricating reservoir within the cylinder to ensure adequate lubrication.
✓ View or download the SPEC SHEET (Genie Super Hoist) or the Genie material lift BROCHURE.
Genie Super Hoist GH-3.8 | Material Lift
Lifting Height: 12 ft 5.6 in (3.80 m) | 300 lb. capacity | Width Stowed: 2 ft (0.61 m)
This model is a slightly smaller comparison to the GH-5.6 with a lifting height of just over 12 feet (approximately 3.8 meters), however don’t let that fool you. It can lift a maximum of 300 pounds! Wheel brakes and an easy-to-release locking mechanism ensure the hoist stays securely in place while operating.
Genie 2373-SGT CO2 Tank must be purchased separately.
Genie has a full line of lifts and hoists tailored to suit different needs in industrial fields. If the job requires some serious heavy-lifting you might want to consider the following manual models.
Documents:
- ✓ View or download the SPEC SHEET for the Genie Super Hoist.
- ✓ View or download the Genie material lift BROCHURE.
Genie Super Tower — ST-25 | Theater & Entertainment
Lifting Height : 26 ft .5 in (7.94 m) | Load Capacity: 650 lbs (295 kg)
Features:
- Use as a single unit, or two or more can be used together to support trusses.
- Flat black anodized finish is nearly invisible to audience.
- Portable and compact design.
- Lightweight, durable aluminum construction.
- Single-door access.
- Easy set-up with no tools required.
- Durable steel forks.
- Winch locks load in place.
- Easy to transport—no bulky base.
- Hold-down mechanism secures carriage during transport.
When the job requires heavy-lifting, this 52.5-lb Super Tower Lift can raise materials with a maximum weight capacity of 650 pounds! It is the ideal lift for use in theatrical productions with a discreet flat black finish and can be used either alone or with multiple units as a support for trusses. The maximum lifting height can raise materials as high as 26-feet.
It has a manual hand winch mechanism for lifting and lowering that also locks in place for added security. One of the qualities that makes this lift superior to others is the slim design that is compact for easy transporting through single doors.
The Genie ST-20 doesn’t go as high but can lift up to 800 pounds.
Documents:
- ✓ View or download the SPEC SHEET for the Genie Super Tower.
- ✓ View or download the Genie material lift BROCHURE.
Genie SuperLift Advantage — SLA- 15
Lifting Height : 16 ft 4 in (4.98 m) | Load Capacity : 800 lb.
Features:
- Legs fold up and attachments are removable for easy storage and loading.
- Maneuverable front casters and rear casters with swivel locks and side brakes.
- Standard one-speed winch with silent ratchet system.
- Optional two-speed winch lets you shift gears on the fly.
- Optional rear transport wheel assembly for maneuvering on uneven surfaces.
- Patented telescoping mast system
- Captive stabilizer set (standard on SLA-20, -25)
- Rolls easily through single door in upright position
- Quick set up requires no tools
- Interchangeable load handling attachments
- Easy to load and unload on or off a vehicle for transport.
- Hold-down bar secures mast assembly during transport.
For construction, installation, and maintenance jobs, Genie’s SLA-15 with steel forks might be more up to speed. It offers a maximum lifting height of up to 16 feet, 4-inches, with an impressive weight limit load of 800 pounds! When transporting the unit throughout job sites it has a hold down bar to keep the mast secure in addition to maneuverable front and rear casters.
As an added safety measure, the casters can lock in place while operating the lift along with side brakes. Surprisingly, it can also fit through most standard-sized doorways unlike bulky units of similar size and capability.
Documents:
- View or download the SPECS SHEET for the Genie SLA-15.
- View or download the BROCHURE for the Genie material lift Brochure.
Genie SuperLift Advantage — SLA- 10
Lifting Height: 11 ft 5.5 in (3.49 m) | Load Capacity : 1000 lb.
The Genie SLA-10 material lift has 4″ (10 cm) maneuverable front casters, and 5″ (13 cm) rear casters that have 4-way swivel locks and side brakes for keeping the lift safe and secure during use. The steel forks measure 27″ (l) by 23″ (w) by 2.5″ by 2.5″ (d).
View or download the SPECS SHEET for the Genie SLA-10.
Genie SuperLift Advantage — SLA-5
Lifting Height: 6 ft 7 in (2.0 m) | Load Capacity : 1000 lb.
This model is another manually-operated lift which features an adjustable straddle-base design for straddling loads. Much like the SLA- 15, it also has a maximum load limit of 1,000 pounds but with a slightly lower lift height at just 6 feet, 7-inches. A unique characteristic with this model is the versatility it offers with multiple options for handling loads, the winch, and even the base to customize it for the job you need. Staying true to the Genie reputation of innovation, it also features the telescoping mast system.
Genie SLA-5 SuperLift Advantage has a straddle base for straddling loads, with steel forks. The SLA-5 operates using a one-speed manual winch for lifting and lowering the forks.
View or download the SPECS SHEET for the Genie SLA-5.
Buying the Right Material Lift
Lifts and hoists clearly serve multiple uses for workers among various fields. While they may be a substantial up-front cost to some, these can pay for themselves in no time and they have for many consumers already. Remember to always proceed with caution when handling these types of machines as with any form of heavy machinery or tools for your own safety.
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