The Difference Between a Hoist and a Lift in Construction

Construction teams use a plethora of heavy-duty equipment to get the job done. Two of the most important tools are hoists and lifts. While these tools are similar in some ways, they also have a few major differences. Read on to learn the difference between a hoist and a lift in construction.

Defining Hoists

There are two types of hoists used in the construction industry. One is a hoist, and the other is a construction hoist. Hoists are simple yet powerful pieces of equipment that lift, lower, and hold heavy cargo. Hoists operate with linked chain or wire rope and can be manual, electric, or pneumatic. They feature a hook that holds the cargo. Because there are so many different types of hoists, crews may need to carefully consider the right hoist for their application.

Construction hoists, on the other hand, are much more complex. We would go so far as to say that they are industrial elevators. Rather than a hook, construction hoists feature a lift—sometimes covered—to lift and lower cargo and humans.

Hoists are installed on an aerial platform such as a crane.

Defining Lifts

Lifts are more permanent than hoists. Lifts are permanent installations, for example, in buildings with multiple levels. While they function the same as an elevator, workers use these lifts for industrial purposes and close them off to the public. During the construction process, they help crews lift materials, tools, equipment, and personnel.

Hoists vs. Lifts: The Difference

Now that we understand what lifts and hoists are, we can move on to explaining the differences between a hoist and a lift in construction. While both hoists and lifts lift and lower cargo, hoists are a temporary installation while lifts are permanent. Hoists must be installed on an aerial platform such as a crane, while lifts are installed on the building itself. Because of this, lifts can reach harder to reach areas.