Lifting height
The maximum distance the hoist/winch can move a load. Most often, such devices are used for vertical lifting, which is why this parameter is traditionally called “lifting height”; however, in practice we may well be talking about horizontal movement.
We emphasize that here we are talking about the range of movement without an additional moving block (for working with the block, the data is indicated separately). Therefore, the lifting height is usually equal to the maximum length of the cable/chain supplied. The choice for this indicator is quite obvious; We only note that units with a higher lifting height, other things being equal, usually turn out to be more expensive, heavier and bulkier. So when choosing, you should take into account the real features of the planned application, and not chase the maximum values.
Lifting height with block
The maximum distance the hoist/winch can move a load when using an external moving block. Most often, such units are used for vertical lifting, which is why this parameter is traditionally called “lifting height”; however, in practice we may well be talking about horizontal movement.
The moving block (see “Contents”) significantly increases the traction force, but to use it, the complete cable/chain has to be essentially folded in half. Therefore, the lifting height with a block is usually approximately half the length of the cable/chain and the lifting height without a block (sometimes even a little less than half - due to technical design features). For example, in a winch with a cable length of 12 m, the effective range with a block can be 6 m or even 5.5 - 5.7 m.
The choice for this indicator is quite obvious; We only note that units with a higher lifting height, other things being equal, usually turn out to be more expensive, heavier and bulkier. So when choosing, you should take into account the real features of the planned application, and not chase the maximum indicator.
Operation speed
The speed of movement of the load provided by the hoist / winch without an external movable block (data on working with the block are given separately). Specified only for models with electric or hydraulic drive (see "Device"); for a manual drive, it makes no sense to specify the speed, since, in fact, it depends only on the user's capabilities. Also note that we are talking about working with cargo; idle speed can be specified in the specifications additionally.
When choosing according to this indicator, it should be taken into account that a higher speed (with the same carrying capacity) requires a more powerful drive, which accordingly increases the price and energy consumption of the unit, and in hydraulic models, it puts forward increased requirements for the power of the hydraulic pump. In addition, speed is not always desirable from a purely practical point of view — for accurate and smooth movement of goods, low speeds are more convenient. And with carrying capacity, this parameter is inversely related: with the same engine power, higher speed will mean less tractive effort. In light of all this, it makes sense to specifically look for a “fast” model only if this moment is of fundamental importance — for example, if you often have to move a large amount of cargo in a limited time, or if we are talking about an auto winch for off-road racing, where on every second counts.
As for specific indicators, the “high-speed” models include models where t...his indicator is 10 m / min or more. The slowest units give out less than 1 m / min — these are mainly auto winches, in which, due to this, it was possible to achieve good traction with a relatively low-power (and therefore light and compact) engine.
Also note that the use of a movable block (see "Complete set") reduces the speed of work by exactly half. So knowing the unit's own speed, you can evaluate the speed of working with the unit, even if it is not indicated separately in the characteristics.
Speed with block
The maximum speed of movement of the load provided by the hoist / winch when using an external movable block. Specified only for models with electric or hydraulic drive (see "Device"); for a manual drive, it makes no sense to specify the speed, since, in fact, it depends only on the user's capabilities. We also clarify that we are talking about working with cargo; idle speed can be specified in the specifications additionally.
For the block itself, see "Complete set". Here we note that the speed of work with such a device inevitably turns out to be half as much as without it (if work without a block is generally allowed by the design of the unit). Accordingly, if the most “high-speed” modern hoists / winches themselves give out about 14 – 16 m / min, then with blocks, even in them, the speed will not exceed 7 – 8 m / min.
When choosing by speed (whether with or without a block), you should keep in mind that speed has not only advantages, but also downsides. Firstly, with the same carrying capacity, it requires a more powerful — and therefore more expensive, heavy and high consumption — engine. Secondly, an increase in speed can adversely affect the accuracy and smoothness of movement. So it makes sense to specifically look for a “fast” model only if this moment is of fundamental importance — for example, if you often have to move a large amount of cargo in a limited time, or if we are talking about an auto winch for off-road racing, where every second.
Cable / chain length
The working length of the cable, chain or strap supplied as standard with the machine. Usually, the length of the cable / chain corresponds to the height of the lift without a pulley, however, manufacturers can quote both parameters in the specifications. This can be done for various reasons — for example, in the expectation that the cable will not necessarily be pulled vertically, and the term "lift height" is not entirely correct. And in the characteristics of automobile and lever winches, in general, only the length of the cable / chain can be given — they were not originally designed to lift the load vertically.
Cable / chain link diameter
The diameter of the cable supplied as standard with the device; or, for chain traction mechanisms (see above), the diameter of the wire from which the individual links of the chain are riveted.
On the one hand, the strength of the traction element directly depends on this indicator; on the other hand, a thicker cable / chain will weigh more (ceteris paribus). It is worth noting that manufacturers usually select this parameter so that the cable / chain provides at least the claimed load capacity (see above), and often also has some margin. Therefore, paying attention to this indicator and specifically looking for a thicker chain or cable is primarily in cases where it is important to have a good margin in case of emergency situations — for example, if you have to work in strong winds and the lifted load can sway, creating additional loads.
