Comparison Einhell Classic TC-EH 600 vs Kalibr ETF-500

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.