Know-how

What does the IP protection class mean?

The IP protection class indicates the extent to which the casing is protected against the ingress of foreign objects (e. .g. dust) and water. The IP protection class consists of two digits: the first describes protection against contact and foreign bodies, whilst the second describes protection against moisture and water. The IP protection class in accordance with DIN EN 60529 thus indicates how dust- and water-tight a casing is. For more information, see:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IP_Code.

The GP chain hoists are rated to IP65 and are therefore dust-tight (6) and protected against water jets (5). They are ideal for outdoor use – even under demanding conditions.

What does ATEX stand for?

ATEX is the EU directive on explosion protection and is derived from the term ‘ATmosphère EXplosibles’. It comprises the Product Directive 2014/34/EU and the Operating Directive 1999/92/EC. Potentially explosive atmospheres arise in many industrial sectors, such as the chemical, petrochemical, mining and food production industries.
Electric hoists must be designed in such a way that they do not constitute a source of ignition. GIS electric chain hoists are available in two different ATEX versions and, depending on the model, offer protection against dust and/or gas; they feature air pressure and temperature monitoring and shut down immediately in the event of system faults (such as gas ingress or a drop in pressure). They are available for Zones 22 (D) and 2 (G).

What is a contactor control?

Inside our GIS electric chain hoists, a contactor control ensures that the motor responds reliably to commands transmitted by the control switch. This operating principle does not require sensitive electronics, which reduces the risk of malfunctions and ensures a high level of reliability – even during long periods of operation and a high number of switching operations.
To ensure safe operation, the contactor control system operates at a standard low voltage of 42 V. The operating current is converted from high-voltage to low-voltage current via a transformer. As a result, only a safe control current flows between the control assembly and the control switch held by the operator.

What is a low headroom version?

A low headroom version means that a piece of equipment is constructed to be as compact as possible, so that a sufficiently large lifting height is available even in very low or confined spaces.
With theGPK electric chain hoist, GIS offers the perfect solution. The special chain deflection ensures maximum lifting height whilst making optimum use of the available headroom. This chain hoist can be easily integrated into a GISKB crane system or a travelling crane to provide maximum lifting height for load capacities of up to 2,000 kg. There is also the option of an extended version, which enables the transport of long and bulky goods.

What is a synchronised chain hoist?

A synchronised chain hoist is a specialised design in which two electric chain hoists are mechanically and electrically interconnected in such a way that both load lines run in parallel and the transported goods cannot twist during lifting. The distance between the two load hooks can be set as required. On request, the synchronous chain hoist can be fitted with a bespoke load-handling solution. The synchronous chain hoist is ideal for long and bulky transported goods of up to 2 × 2,500 kg that need to be lifted in a stable and controlled manner.

What is a handy chain model?

A handy chain model is a specialised control unit for the GIS electric chain hoist, which enables quick and effortless one-handed positioning of loads. Its position close to the load hook allows the hoist to be operated whilst simultaneously guiding the load – all with one hand. The handy chain hoist is particularly well suited to workplaces involving many repetitive lifting operations and can be easily combined with a slewing jib crane or a suspended crane for comprehensive goods handling.

What is a handy telescope model?

A telescopic hand control is a special control unit for the GIS electric chain hoist, which enables quick and precise one-handed positioning of loads. The telescopic hand control is designed to serve as both a control and a guide handle.
In the handy telescope model, a guide tube stabilises the lifting action and ensures linear movement without any lateral deflection. This makes the handy telescope model particularly suitable for eccentric or irregularly shaped loads that require precise guidance.
This electric chain hoist is particularly well suited to workplaces involving a large number of repetitive lifting operations and can easily be combined with an articulated slewing jib crane.

Can GIS electric chain hoists be used outdoors?

Yes, electric chain hoists with a protection class IP 65 can be used outdoors. The GIS chain hoists in the GP / GPM series come as standard with a protection class IP 65, which means that the chain hoist is dust-tight and protected against water jets. This ensures reliable operation outdoors. The permissible temperature range for outdoor applications is between -15 °C and +50 °C. Suitable options are available for applications outside this range.

Is there an electric chain hoist that runs as quietly as possible?

Yes, the GIS GPM250 electric chain hoist from the GP series operates particularly quietly, with a noise level of 65 dB at a measurement distance of 1 m, which is noticeably quieter than other standard chain hoists available on the market.
GIS chain hoists in the GP series are fitted with a 3-stage gear featuring helical gearing, which significantly reduces noise levels.

What capacities are single-phase electric chain hoists suitable for?

GIS single-phase electric chain hoists can be used for a lifting capacity of 2000 kg. This single-phase alternating current version can be conveniently operated with electricity from the socket, both stationary and in conjunction with a manual or motorised trolley. The chain hoist is suitable for repetitive handling at the workplace as well as for mobile use indoors or outdoors.

GIS single-phase electric chain hoists are designed for a load capacity of up to 2,000 kg and, thanks to their AC design, can be operated directly from a mains socket. 
They can be used as stationary units or in combination with a manual or motorised trolley. This makes the GIS-1 single-phase electric chain hoists suitable for both routine lifting operations in the workplace and for mobile use, both indoors and outdoors.

What is the temperature range for the use of electric chain hoists?

GIS electric chain hoists are designed in their standard version for a temperature range of -15 °C to 50 °C. Special versions are used for ambient temperatures outside this standard range.

What are the advantages of profile-steel chains?

Profile-steel chains, such as those used in the GPM and GP electric chain hoists, offer approximately 15 per cent more capacity for the same nominal diameter compared with a round-steel chain. The larger cross-sectional area therefore has a positive effect on the load-bearing capacity.
Furthermore, chain wear is noticeably reduced with profile-steel chains, which significantly extends the chain’s service lifetime.

Are trolleys equipped with a fall protection?

Yes, all GIS manual and electric trolleys are equipped with a integrated fall and climbing protection device made of solid cast steel, as well as a protection against accidental contact. Among other things, this prevents the trolleys from falling off the crane track in the event of a load wheel breaking, the trolley tilting, or strong lateral forces being applied.

Can GIS trolleys manoeuvre around curve radii?

Yes, GIS trolleys type GHF and GMF can be equipped with support rollers, which enable smooth running during cornering. The exact details of the possible turning radii are shown in the relevant dimensional drawings for the trolleys.

Tips & tricks: Lubrication the chain

Regular lubrication of the load chain can increase its service life by a factor of 20 to 50. The operating instructions recommend a low-viscosity gear oil of the 15W 40 type. The chain manufacturer also emphasises the importance of viscosity and recommends a value below ISO 300. An unsuitable oil can cause the chain to clump together in the chain bag, preventing the chain links from running smoothly through the chain guide. The load chain must be lubricated along its entire length, including between the chain links, before commissioning and regularly during use.

Tips & tricks: Preventing sideways pull

A load angle exceeding 4° should be avoided, as this places excessive strain on both the load chain and the chain guide. This leads to increased wear and tear and may compromise the operational safety of the system. Correct alignment of the hoist and the load ensures that the chain runs smoothly and that the components are not subjected to unnecessary stress.

Tips & Tricks: Incorrect running direction of the electric chain hoist

If the load is lowered when the ‘Up’ button is pressed, or vice versa, the electric chain hoist has most likely been incorrectly connected to the mains supply. In this case, the connection must be checked and correctly carried out by an authorised specialist to ensure fault-free operation.

Tips & tricks: Outdoor operation

The GPM and GP electric chain hoists are suitable for outdoor use as standard, thanks to their IP 65 protection rating. The permissible temperature range is between -15 °C and +50 °C, meaning that typical outdoor applications are reliably covered. It is also advisable to install a protective canopy over the electric chain hoist to shield the unit from direct exposure to the elements and thus extend its service life.

Tips & Tricks: Protecting the control cable

The control cable must not be used as a pulling mechanism when moving an electric chain hoist, even if a strain relief cable is fitted. Pulling on the control cable can cause damage or result in the cable being torn out. The hoist must always be moved using the load hook to ensure that the control cable is not subjected to unnecessary strain.

Tips & Tricks: Trolley with plastic rollers

If the standard steel rollers are too noisy or if noise is carried into a building in a disruptive manner, trolleys with plastic rollers can be used. These are suitable for load capacities of up to 1,250 kg and significantly reduce noise levels. Our sales team will be happy to advise on further noise insulation solutions.

Tips & tricks: Trolley with stainless steel rollers

If the working environment contains aggressive acids or alkalis, we recommend using a corrosion-resistant electric chain hoist together with a trolley fitted with stainless steel rollers. This combination protects the components from chemical stress and ensures reliable operation even under demanding environmental conditions.

Buyer's guide: Getting it right when buying an electric chain hoist

When selecting an electric chain hoist, various factors must be taken into account to ensure the equipment operates reliably and is optimally suited to the specific application. Our guide helps you consider the most important criteria and make an informed purchasing decision.

What is a low headroom bridge?

A low headroom construction is used in rooms with low ceilings and where space is limited. To reduce the construction height, the cross-beam (crane bridge) is positioned high up between the crane tracks. This makes optimum use of the available headroom and ensures that a sufficient lifting height is available despite the limited space.

What is a saddle?

A saddle is used to optimise headroom in GISKB crane systems and travelling cranes with a double crane bridge. In this design, the hoisting unit – an electric chain hoist – is mounted on a saddle between the two cross-beams. This reduces the construction height of the crane, allowing the available headroom to be utilised to the full.

What is a bend?

A bend is a track element within a GISKB overhead monorails system. It enables customised routing and is used to move goods flexibly from one workstation to the next. The integration of bends with angles of 30° or 45° allows the monorail system to approach and connect different stations in a work process with pinpoint accuracy. In addition, turntables can be used for 90° changes of direction, or track switches for combining several lines, in order to optimally adapt the system to the spatial conditions and work processes.

What is a track switch?

A track switch is a track component of the GISKB crane system used to connect two or more lines of a overhead monorail. Its function is similar to that of a railway track switch: by moving the track switch, the moving hoist is directed onto line 1 or line 2. Depending on the application, the track switch can be operated manually or electrically.

What is a turntable?

A turntable is a track component within a GISKB overhead monorails system that enables a 90° change of direction in a very confined space. The hoist moves from the overhead monorail into the turntable and, once it has rotated, can continue along the desired outgoing crane track. Depending on the model, the turntable rotates either mechanically or pneumatically.

What is the difference between an underslung and an overhead travelling crane?

The difference between an underslung and an overhead travelling crane lies in the position of the crane track and the trolleys. In an overhead travelling crane, the crane bridge moves along rails on the crane track. This design allows for high load-bearing capacities and makes optimum use of the available hall width. The crane bridge of a underslung overhead crane is situated below the crane track and is particularly suitable where the hall height is low or where the existing ceiling is to be used directly for fixing.
Both models can be individually adapted to the specific structural conditions and offer an efficient solution for lifting and moving loads in industrial halls.

What is a freestanding system?

A freestanding system is used when the existing ceiling structure is very high or does not have sufficient load-bearing capacity. Assembly is carried out using supports that are fixed directly to the floor. Crane tracks and crane bridges can be mounted on this supporting structure both lengthways and crossways. If required, a freestanding crane system can be extended or dismantled with minimal effort and reassembled at a new location.

What is an electric tug?

In GISKB crane systems with electric crane and/or cross travel, an electric tug is responsible for moving the hoist or the crane bridge. Its function is similar to that of a locomotive, which propels the trolley along the rail. The electric tug is attached either to the hoist’s trolley for cross travel or to the crane bridge’s rolling apparatus for longitudinal travel. It features a control assembly with a frequency converter, allowing two travelling speeds to be adjusted steppless. This enables smooth start-up and oscillation-free, precise positioning of the load.

What is a rolling apparatus?

The rolling apparatus is a key component of the GISKB crane system. In suspended cranes, it connects the crane bridge to the crane track and enables its horizontal movement. If the crane bridge is to be moved electrically rather than manually, the rolling apparatus can be fitted with an electric tug. Different versions of the rolling apparatus are available for single and double crane girders. The rolling apparatus is fitted with plastic load wheels as standard to ensure particularly smooth manual operation and quiet running. Steel rollers are used for high load capacities.

Are steel or aluminium hollow profiles preferable?

Hollow profiles made from steel offer a more cost-effective solution. Thanks to their trolleys and rolling apparatuses fitted with plastic load wheels, they have smooth running and are also suitable for larger span widths of the crane bridge. 
Aluminium hollow profiles are used for lighter load capacities of up to approximately 630 kg. Thanks to their excellent smooth-running properties, they offer improved handling and enhanced ergonomics, thereby enabling shorter cycle times.

Do crane systems have to be inspected regularly, and if so, by whom?

Yes, crane systems and lifting equipment must be inspected regularly. As the operator, you are obliged under Swiss law to take all necessary measures to prevent accidents at work and to comply with the manufacturer’s instructions in the instruction manual. Additional legal requirements may apply depending on the country: in some countries, equipment and cranes must be inspected periodically by a competent person; in Germany, for example, this must be done at least once a year. The inspection ensures that the system functions technically correctly and can be operated safely.

Neither the ceiling nor the existing upper construction can bear the load required for a crane system. Are there any alternatives for the assembly of the crane system?

Yes, a freestanding system is a good option where ceiling structures do not have sufficient load-bearing capacity.
Assembly is carried out by securing the supports to the floor. Crane tracks and crane bridges can be easily fitted to the longitudinal or transverse beams of the supporting structure.
Furthermore, the freestanding crane system can easily be relocated to a new site at a later date.
Depending on the area a crane needs to cover, a wall-mounted slewing jib crane or a pillar-mounted slewing jib crane may be a cost-effective alternative to a freestanding system.

Are there also crane solutions for the food industry?

Yes, hot-dip galvanised profiles are used for applications in the food industry, as well as in the chemical industry or in wastewater treatment plants, where there are high requirements for corrosion resistance. All screws and components are galvanised as standard. The hoists can be supplied in a corrosion-resistant version. For hygiene reasons, only food-grade lubricants are used for the gears and load chain.

Canloads be lifted outside the crane system’s suspension points?

To cover hard-to-reach working areas, GISKB crane systems and travelling cranes can be designed as special telescopic or overhung systems. With a telescopic crane girder, an arm can be extended so that a greater reach is available if required.
This allows the user to move loads outside the crane runway, ensuring efficient hall use. This is helpful if there is no suspension possibility for the crane system (e.g. if goods have to be brought into the building from outside with the crane system), if obstacles (ventilation ducts, radiant heaters or media lines) prevent the use with crane runway, or if there are niches in the floor plan of the production hall which the crane should also serve.

Tips & tricks: Electric relocation of loads

Manually moving loads along steel sections can be very laborious – particularly in the case of repetitive handling, large spans or heavy loads. In such cases, the use of a rail drive is recommended. This enables electric, stepless movement and can be easily retrofitted to existing crane systems. The smooth drive also minimises load oscillation, which makes operation easier and improves health and safety.

Tips & tricks: Sagging control switch interferes with load

If the hanging control switch gets in the way when lifting or moving the load, it is advisable to use a radio control or an Ideal control. Both options allow the crane system to be operated from a safe distance and prevent the control switch and its control cable from coming into contact with the load.

How does lifting and transporting goods with a vacuum lifter work?

Vacuum lifters use the force of negative pressure to lift loads safely. To do this, suction pads or suction discs are placed on the surface of the workpiece. A vacuum pump removes the air between the suction pad and the material, creating a vacuum. This ensures that the load adheres reliably to the suction surface.

This allows a wide variety of materials – such as metal sheets, glass panels, wooden panels or plastic parts with smooth, airtight or slightly porous surfaces – to be picked up, lifted and moved quickly and gently, without the need for mechanical clamping or lashing.

What is a high-pressure vacuum device?

A high-pressure vacuum device (type GH) generates a high vacuum of around 80–90 % at a low flow rate. This makes it suitable exclusively for air-impermeable materials such as glass, metal, plastic or stone with a smooth surface.

What is a low-pressure vacuum device?

A low-pressure vacuum device (type GN) generates a low vacuum of around 30–40 % at a high flow rate. This makes it suitable for both air-impermeable goods and materials that are slightly permeable to air or porous.

Typical applications include the handling of timber panels or planks, concrete slabs or cardboard, where a high air flow rate is necessary to ensure secure adhesion despite the porosity of the material.

What is an ejector vacuum device?

An ejector vacuum device (type GHGE) is a high-pressure vacuum device that operates on the Venturi principle: a vacuum is generated using compressed air, meaning that no electrical power supply is required for operation. Compared to standard vacuum lifters, an ejector vacuum device is significantly cheaper to purchase, but slightly more expensive to run.

The device is suitable for the vertical transport of glass and other air-impermeable goods.

What is a turning device?

The turning device enables the workpiece to be rotated easily and safely through 180° for machining both the front and rear sides of panels at the same workstation. It serves as an efficient tool for handling various types of panels and is used in particular in the metal and woodworking industries – for example, in table and door manufacturing. The type and number of suction pads are tailored individually to the specific load being handled.

The GH and GN vacuum lifters can be fitted accordingly for use as a turning device.

What is a vacuum tube lifting device?

The vacuum tube lifting device is used for the fast, infinitely variable and repetitive handling of small to medium-sized loads – such as cartons, sacks, drums or containers – weighing up to around 300 kg. The vacuum in the tube simultaneously ensures that the goods are sucked up and held in place, as well as providing the lifting motion, making it particularly easy and ergonomic to move loads.

The tube lifter can be ideally combined with a GISKB crane system or a slewing crane, so that goods can be moved effortlessly from one workstation to the next.

Can goods that are easily permeable to air, such as wooden panels, also be transported using a vacuum?

Yes, GN-type vacuum lifters, which generate a high flow rate, can be used to transport even goods that are easily permeable to air or porous safely. These include, for example, wooden panels.

Can vacuum hoists turn or tilt panels?

Yes, the GN and GH vacuum lifting systems offer optional rotation and/or tilting functions. All lifting, travelling and tilting movements can be conveniently controlled via the central control unit, ensuring that panels can be moved safely and precisely into the desired position.

The electromechanical tilting device, for example, moves the load from a horizontal to a vertical position, which is ideal for loading the panel saw or for space-saving temporary storage of machined components.

Does GIS offer a cost-effective solution for the vertical transport of glass panels?

Yes, provided that a compressed air supply is available, the GHGE unit offers a cost-effective solution for the vertical transport of air-impermeable goods such as glass, metal or plastic. As the unit operates on the Venturi principle and requires no electrical power supply, it is particularly economical to purchase.

What are the advantages of GIS vacuum lifting systems compared to competitors’ products?

Our customers particularly appreciate the central control unit, which controls both the vacuum generation and all lifting and travelling movements. This eliminates the need to work with two separate control units, which simplifies operation and makes the workflow significantly more efficient.

As a manufacturer of electric chain hoists and crane systems, we are also able to offer fully integrated turnkey solutions that are precisely tailored to the specific workplace and premises.

Is there an alternative to vacuum lifting devices for lifting heavy and unwieldy wooden panels?

Yes, there is an alternative to vacuum lifting devices for lifting and vertically transporting heavy or unwieldy wooden panels.

For all types of panels weighing up to 250 kg (gripper opening 0–60 mm), a panel gripper combined with a GIS electric chain hoist offers a cost-effective solution. The panel gripper grips the load mechanically, making it particularly suitable where headroom is limited and ensuring it works regardless of the material’s porosity.

What is a shelf-storage operation unit?

The shelf-storage operation unit is a cost-effective solution for the manual storage and retrieval of pallets or panels, as well as for transporting goods from the storage location to the processing machine. In combination with the GISKB crane system, the 360° rotatable lifting tower enables precise manual or electric movement and positioning of workpieces. Depending on the application, the load is handled using either a vacuum unit or a lifting fork. The shelf-storage operation unit is optionally available with a tilting function. All machine functions are operated via a user-friendly control unit.

What is an roving pendent and when is it used?

An ideal roving pendent is a control solution for a wired control switch in which the switch is not fixed to the hoist, but can be moved freely along a separate C-rail running parallel to the crane girder. This allows it to be moved independently of the load, giving the operator significantly greater flexibility in positioning.
It is used primarily for large or bulky loads where the crane operator wishes to move as freely as possible around the load.

What is a frequency inverter?

A frequency inverter controls the motor speed by adjusting the frequency of the electrical current. This allows lifting and travelling speeds to be continuously adjusted to suit the specific application, and enables individual acceleration and braking ramps to be set. This facilitates precise positioning of the load, reduces load oscillation and protects the mechanical components through smoother motion sequences.
Our electric chain hoists and trolley drives can be fitted with a frequency inverter. In the case of crane systems, direct integration into the crane controls is also possible.

When is it advisable to use a frequency inverter?

A frequency inverter is particularly recommended for transport without oscillation and the precise positioning of loads. The smooth start-up makes travel and lifting movements quieter, which protects the entire crane system and thereby significantly extends the service lifetime of all components prone to wear.

What is a radio remote control?

A radio remote control enables lifting and travelling movements to be controlled remotely. This gives the operator greater freedom of movement than with a wired control switch and allows them to maintain a safe distance from the load at all times.
Suitable radio remote controls are available for electric chain hoists and complete crane systems.

When is the use of a remote control recommended?

A remote control is particularly suitable for large or awkwardly shaped loads, as well as for transport across surfaces that are inaccessible or difficult to walk on. In such situations, the operator can work from a safe distance whilst comfortably controlling the hoisting and travelling movements of the crane system.
It is also an elegant solution for tandem operation: several electric chain hoists or cranes can be operated via a single handheld transmitter and, where required, perform synchronised lifting and travelling movements. This simplifies the handling of long or heavy loads and enhances process reliability.