Comparison Pro-Craft TP250 vs Kraissmann SH 200/400

Own pulling force of the hoist/winch. For models equipped with an external moving unit (or allowing its use), the characteristics of the unit itself are given; data taking into account the block are indicated separately (see below).

In general, the load capacity of modern hoists and winches can be either small or quite significant - in some models it exceeds 5 tons. However, when choosing, it is worth considering that a more powerful device is at least more expensive. In addition, in the case of electric units, an increase in load capacity inevitably leads to an increase in power consumption, and many “high-torque” models no longer require 230 V, but 400 V. And when evaluating manually driven devices (lever hoists and winches, hand hoists, drum winches) , you need to keep in mind that the load capacity in them is indicated based on a healthy adult who is able to provide sufficient force when working with the mechanism.

The general rules for choosing this indicator are as follows. To move objects vertically, the unit’s carrying capacity must be at least 10–15% greater than the maximum weight of the intended load - this will provide an additional guarantee in case of malfunctions and unforeseen circumstances. Movements on horizontal and inclined surfaces have their own specifics; here it is better to refer to detailed recommendations set out in special sources. And if a winch is purchased for an SUV, its pull must be at...least 2 times the total weight of the car; only in this case can the resistance of mud, slush, etc. be effectively overcome.

Let us emphasize once again that in this case we are talking about lifting capacity without an external moving unit; so the rules stated above are relevant only if the unit operates without such a device. When using a block, you should focus primarily on the load-carrying capacity with the block, which is directly stated in the characteristics. If this data is not indicated, but the unit has a block (or allows its use), you should proceed from the following. The moving block allows you to double the actual traction force (at the cost of reducing the speed and range of movement); However, the unit's own limitations must also be taken into account. The fact is that individual parts (cable/chain, drum, etc.) may simply not be designed for the weight that the winch/hoist in combination with the block can theoretically handle. For example, a model with its own pull of 2 tons when using a block gives a force of 4 tons, but the complete cable can be designed for only 3 tons. These details can be clarified in the manufacturer’s documentation.

Load capacity of the unit when using an external moving block; in other words, the actual traction force developed by the hoist/winch when using such a block.

The moving block doubles the effective thrust of the device (at the cost of reducing the speed and range of movement); however, for normal operation, the remaining components of the unit (cable, drum, mechanism/motor, etc.) must be designed for increased weight. However, many modern devices (mainly hoists) are initially designed to work only with a block; and in others, these points are usually taken into account, so that in the end the load capacity with the block, as a rule, turns out to be exactly twice as large as without it. For example, a winch with its own thrust of 2600 kg, when using a block, works without problems with loads weighing more than 5 tons(more precisely, up to 5200 kg). Although, of course, for a complete guarantee, this parameter still does not hurt to clarify before use.

The general rules for choosing a model based on load capacity in this case are almost the same as when used without a block. To move objects vertically, the unit’s carrying capacity must be at least 10–15% greater than the maximum weight of the intended load - this will provide an additional guarantee in case of malfunctions and unforeseen circumstances. Movements on horizontal and inclined surfaces have their own specifics; here it is better to refer to detailed recommend...ations set out in special sources. And if a winch is purchased for an SUV, its pull must be at least 2 times the total weight of the car; only in this case can the resistance of mud, slush, etc. be effectively overcome.

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.

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.

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.

Nominal power absorbed by the motor of the electrical unit (see "Drive").

The torque developed by the engine directly depends on the energy consumption. Thus, higher power allows high tractive forces and/or high working speeds (depending on the gearbox used, see "Gear ratio"). On the other hand, a powerful motor will have more weight and dimensions, and it will consume more energy — the latter can be critical when running on a car battery, when the energy supply is limited, and can also put forward additional requirements for connection features. And high tractive effort can be achieved with a relatively weak motor on a good gearbox. Accordingly, it is worth specifically looking for a unit with high power in the case when a combination of good load capacity with high speed is important. And even in these cases, it is worth looking first of all at the speed and load capacity, and assessing the connection requirements by the power consumption.