1. Introduction
An electric wire rope hoist is a motorized lifting device used for lifting and moving heavy objects in industrial environments. It can reduce the intensity of manual labor and improve work efficiency. Improper selection may lead to safety hazards, project delays, or even additional expenses. This guide will use our CD/MD series electric wire rope hoists as an example to analyze the key factors to consider when purchasing a hoist.
2. Understanding Electric Wire Rope Hoists
2.1 Main Components
Electric wire rope hoists are mainly composed of the following core components:
Main Hoisting Motor: Provides the power for lifting.
Traveling Motor: Drives the hoist to move horizontally along the I-beam track.
Wire Rope: The component that actually performs the lifting task.
Trolley: A wheeled mechanism that travels along the I-beam track.
Hook: Used to attach to the load being lifted.
Our CD/MD series hoists ensure reliable and stable operational performance across all six load specifications, ranging from 1 ton to 16 tons.
3. Common Applications by Capacity
Different tonnage ranges suit different jobs. Here is how the CD/MD series matches real-world use:
1–3 ton models: Assembly lines, automotive garages, small warehouses, engine lifts
5 ton models: Manufacturing plants, logistics centers, equipment maintenance
10–16 ton models: Heavy construction sites, large-scale factories, steel fabrication
The CD/MD series operates on a 380V, 50Hz power supply, making it suitable for markets in Europe, Asia, Africa, and other regions adhering to 50Hz grid standards. From small workshops to heavy-duty industrial sites, our hoists have been thoroughly proven across thousands of installation projects worldwide.
4. Factors to Consider When Choosing an Electric Hoist
4.1 Load Capacity – Start Here
Lifting load is the primary factor you should consider when selecting a model. Please be sure to select a model with a load capacity higher than your actual heaviest load. For example, if your daily lifting weight is 1.2 tons, please choose a 2 ton electric hoist; If you are lifting a 4-ton object, you should choose a 5-ton hoist. This will effectively protect your equipment and ensure the personal safety of your operators.
The CD/MD series offers six distinct load options: 1 ton, 2 tons, 3 tons, 5 tons, 10 tons, and 16 tons, covering the mainstream load range in the industry.
4.2 Lift Height – Match Your Facility
The lifting height determines the highest position the hook can reach. Our electric rope hoist offers a variety of height specifications to choose from, depending on the lifting tonnage. The table below shows exactly what is available:
| Capacity (tons) | Available Lift Heights (meters) |
| 1 ton | 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 30 |
| 2 ton | 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 30 |
| 3 ton | 6, 9, 18, 24, 30 |
| 5 ton | 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 30 |
| 10 ton | 9, 12, 18, 24, 30 |
| 16 ton | 9, 12, 18, 24, 31 |
How to choose: Measure from the floor to the highest point your load needs to reach. Add 1–2 meters for clearance, then select the next available height. For example, if your building is 8 meters tall, choose 9 or 12 meters.
4.3 Power Supply – Check Your Shop Floor
CD/MD series products require a 380V / 50Hz power supply. All models in the series have a rated switching frequency of 120 operations per hour.
Before ordering, please be sure to confirm the voltage and frequency parameters of your facility. If you are in a 50Hz power grid area (such as Europe, Asia, or Africa), our hoists can be put into use directly without any modifications.
4.4 Lifting Speed and Traversing Speed – Balance Speed and Control
Lifting speed affects how fast you complete each cycle. Traversing speed affects how quickly you move loads horizontally. The table below shows all speed data from the product specification:
| Capacity (tons) | Lifting Speed (m/min) | Traversing Speed (m/min) |
| 1, 2, 3, 5 | 8 or 8/0.8 | 20 |
| 10 | 7 or 7/0.7 | 20 |
| 16 | 3.5 or 3.5/0.35 | 20 |
The meaning of dual-speed function: It means that the hoist has two speed modes, one for rapid lifting and the other for slow and precise positioning. If you primarily perform fast, non-precise heavy-duty handling operations, a single-speed model is sufficient for your needs; if you have strict requirements for positioning accuracy, you should choose a dual-speed model. Our CD/MD series offers both single-speed and dual-speed configurations, allowing you to choose the product that best suits your needs.
4.5 Wire Rope – Stronger Loads Need Thicker Rope
The diameter increases with capacity:
| Capacity (tons) | Rope Diameter (mm) |
| 1 | 7.4 |
| 2 | 11 |
| 3 | 13 |
| 5 | 15 |
| 10 | 15 |
| 16 | 17.5 |
Thicker diameter wire ropes can withstand heavier loads and have a longer service life. Our wire ropes feature the industry-standard D-6×37+1 construction, delivering durability and flexibility.
4.6 I-beam Compatibility – Don’t Skip This
Your hoist must match the I-beam it will run on. The table below shows the required beam size for each capacity:
| Capacity (tons) | Required I-beam Range |
| 1 | 16a – 28b |
| 2 | 20a – 32c |
| 3 | 20a – 32c |
| 5 | 25a – 45c |
| 10 | 32b – 63c |
| 16 | 32b – 63c |
Please measure the dimensions of your existing I-beams and then check them against our table. If your I-beam dimensions fall within the range listed in the table above, then the hoist is compatible with it. For non-standard I-beams, we also offer trolley adjustment services to ensure the equipment can be perfectly adapted.
4.7 Motor Power – The Engine Behind the Lift
Motor power determines how much work the hoist can do. The table below shows main and traverse motor specifications:
| Capacity (t) | Main Motor Power (kW) | Main Motor Speed (r/min) | Traverse Motor Power (kW) |
| 1 | 1.5 / 1.5-0.2 | 1380 | 0.2 |
| 2 | 3 / 3-0.4 | 1380 | 0.4 |
| 3 | 4.5 / 4.5-0.4 | 1380 | 0.4 |
| 5 | 7.5 / 7.5-0.8 | 1400 | 0.8 |
| 10 | 13 / 13-2.0 | 1400 | 0.8 |
| 16 | 13 / 13-2.0 | 1400 | 0.8 |
Traverse motor speed is 1380 r/min for all models.
What the dual motor notation means: “13 / 13-2.0” indicates the hoist has two motor configurations — one for single speed and one for dual speed operation.
Our motor ratings are all set based on actual industrial operating conditions. The range of motors, from the 1.5 kW motor in the 1-ton model to the 13 kW motor in the 16-ton model, ensures optimal operating efficiency and service life under the corresponding load.
4.8 Working Type – Understand Your Duty Cycle
Our wire rope electric hoists have a working type of M3 and a mechanism grade of 25%. The M3 model is suitable for intermittent use, rather than continuous operation around the clock. Its 25% working level means that the hoist can opera
5. FAQ
Q: Do your products comply with international certifications such as CE/ISO?
A: Yes, our products have passed CE certification and ISO9001 certification. Some models can also provide UL and other certifications. We support providing certification documents for customer verification to ensure compliance with market access standards in the EU, North America, and other regions.
Q: Do you offer customization services (such as logo, color, or special functions)?
A: Yes, we support OEM/ODM customization, including brand logo printing, color matching, installation of side covers, weighing devices, and other functions. The minimum order quantity (MOQ) for customization is typically 4 units, but the exact quantity depends on the product. Customization requires an additional 3–5 working days.
Q: What payment methods do you support?
A: We accept T/T (Telegraphic Transfer): 30% advance payment, 70% paid before shipment; L/C (Letter of Credit); Alibaba International Station Secure Payment; and PayPal for small orders. For large orders, we recommend T/T or L/C to protect the rights and interests of both parties.
6. Conclusion
If our industrial electric hoist fits your application, we will help you select the exact model — whether you need 1 ton at 6 meters or 16 tons at 31 meters, with single or dual speed, and the correct I-beam fit for your facility.
Get your quote today – Fast delivery, competitive pricing, and expert technical support included with every CD/MD series hoist.
