Air Chain Hoists
Pneumatic and air chain hoist hire
Air chain hoists, also called pneumatic hoists or air operated chain hoists, run on compressed air rather than electricity. With no motor, no windings and no electronic controls, they will work in wet, dusty, high temperature and potentially explosive environments where an electric hoist cannot be used, and they will run continuously at full duty without overheating.
What we stock
LGH hires the JDN PROFI range from 0.25t to 100t, covering everything from light maintenance lifting through to heavy petrochemical and offshore work. Our ultra-low monorail hoists are available where headroom is restricted and a standard hoist body will not fit under the beam.
Standard height of lift is 3 metres, with longer heights available to specification. Trolleys, both push and geared, can be supplied on the same hire so the hoist arrives ready to fit to your beam.
Why air rather than electric
Pneumatic hoists are the default choice in three situations. In hazardous or Zone-classified areas, because there is no ignition source. In continuous duty applications, because an air motor can run indefinitely where an electric motor would need a rest cycle. And where fine control matters, because infinitely variable speed control on the pendant gives precise, feathered positioning that an electric hoist cannot match, which is why they are common in manipulator and assembly applications.
What you will need alongside the hoist
A pneumatic hoist needs a clean, regulated air supply. A maintenance unit is required, and we can supply compressed air distributors and supply hoses in a range of lengths on the same order. Talk to the hire desk about air volume and pressure requirements before the hoist arrives on site, because an undersized compressor is the most common cause of poor lifting speed.
Ex certification ratings for the UK fleet. The EU site lists II 2 GD IIA T4 (X) / II 3 GD IIB T4 (X). Please confirm the UK stock carries equivalent certification before this is published, as it is a safety claim.
Call 03704 247 247 or request a quote.
Air and pneumatic chain hoist hire: common questions
What is the difference between an air hoist and a pneumatic hoist?
Nothing. They are the same product. Air chain hoist, pneumatic hoist, pneumatic chain block and air operated hoist all describe a hoist driven by compressed air rather than electricity.
Why choose an air chain hoist over an electric one?
An air motor can run continuously at full duty where an electric hoist would need a rest cycle. Infinitely variable speed control on the pendant also gives finer positioning than an electric hoist, which is why air hoists are common in assembly and manipulator work. And with no motor, windings or electrical controls, there is no electrical ignition source.
What capacities of air chain hoist are available?
LGH hires the JDN PROFI range from 0.25t to 100t, covering light maintenance lifting through to heavy petrochemical and offshore work. Ultra-low monorail hoists are available where headroom is restricted and a standard hoist body will not fit beneath the beam.
What air supply do I need for a pneumatic hoist?
A clean, regulated supply at the right volume and pressure, plus a maintenance unit, which is required. An undersized compressor is the single most common cause of poor lifting speed on site, so give the hire desk your compressor specification when you enquire and LGH will confirm it is adequate before the hoist ships.
What else do I need to order alongside the hoist?
Compressed air distributors and supply hoses are available in a range of lengths, and push or geared trolleys can be supplied on the same hire so the hoist arrives ready to fit to your beam. Standard height of lift is 3 metres, with longer heights available to specification.
