Date: 12/09/2020
Previous Blog:True Vertical Lift Vs. Single-Reeved Hoist
In the past, we’ve discussed how to maximize hook coverage and how to ensure operator safety with hook latch triggers (the video is at the bottom of this page, if you’d like a refresher).
Now, we’re covering the different types of hoist hooks and how to choose the right hook for your application. Not a decision to be overlooked, making the right hook choice is vital for manufacturing productivity, no matter your industry. This is especially true for new installations; choosing the wrong hook up front can cause problems with existing below-the-hook devices and more costs to retrofit the hoist.
Which Hook Should You Use For Your Hoist?
For the hoist packages at R&M, there are two standard options for hoists: an HBC hook and an RSN or DIN hook. From these two, there are other options and custom adaptations that can be considered, but the general breakdown is as follows:
HBC Hooks
The HBC hook is a standard style hoist attachment that has an overall blocky design to it. The HBC hook offers a variety of sizes and always provides the best headroom for each size range when compared to the RSN hook. If the required tasks are headroom dependent and do not require any dimensional consideration for below-the-hook devices, it makes sense to remain with this hoist attachment. This type of hook also provides additional finger safety to the operator due to its overall design.
RSN (DIN) Hooks
The second option is the RSN or DIN hook. This design is more of a teardrop shape and is similar to what many North American customers are used to seeing on cranes. This option is ideal for tasks that require a below-the-hook device. The design makes utilizing slings or shackles easier for operators and more streamlined than the HBC hook. Replacing the HBC hook with the equivalent RSN hook will increase headroom from standard. If headroom is critical for your application, contact R&M to confirm the best possible solution.
Hooks Overall
Though these are just two options of hooks, each allows for a certain level of specification and design to fit your tasks and operations. Specialty applications can require additional specialized hooks. Understanding the application and below-the-hook attachment to the load is vital before the purchase and install to ensure that the right equipment is selected.
When Would You Need A Specialty Hook?
Looking at a specific example in our Northrop Grumman case study, there is a clear selection for a specific hook that checks multiple boxes. The 200 ton crane that was installed included two SXL 100 ton hoists. There was a need for the crane to operate extremely precisely, including micro-speed and inching/indexing capabilities. There were also constraints on the size of the crane and how much area it could take up within the existing facility.
In looking at the specifications and requirements, the 200 ton crane that would normally come with one 200 ton capacity hoist and trolley was not feasible to obtain the correct hook height and to accommodate the large size of the components. Instead, two 100 ton SXL hoists were linked mechanically and synchronized electrically to provide tandem lifting. Using a ramshorn (twin points) hook, this ultimately allowed for the underhook height capability to be increased and created the capacity to complete the tasks required by Northrop Grumman.
Safety in Selection
The importance of selecting the right hook for the job is much like the selection of any other mechanical part: they have to do the job and they have to complete it safely and efficiently. In outlining the exact expectations of the crane and the daily operations and the staff, you achieve better understanding of how the hooks and hoists need to interact and work. The selection of the wrong hook can be frustrating, inefficient and also dangerous.
There may be more costs incurred with specialty designs or the addition of motorization depending on the project, but reworking a hook after install is always going to be more costly. Having a blueprint initially of how the crane functions will help ensure that the correct hook is selected for your application from the start.
Unfortunately, just swapping out the hook is generally not an option. The hook not only needs to be replaced, but often the block assembly needs to be redesigned. This means the crane is unusable while the wire rope is re-reeved and the new hook is installed. There are not only higher costs incurred, but also wasted time and efficiency.
The selection of the right hook also includes safety. For example, operators might resort to dangerous methods of hook loading to keep the latch open or may require an extra worker to hold the latch. To solve for that potential danger, a hook latch trigger could be installed, allowing the operator to push the trigger and safely lock the latch into an “open” position. Once the hook is loaded, the trigger will automatically close the latch again. Now the hook is not only safer to use overall but doesn’t require extra help to load and unload.
See the hook latch trigger in action
Overall Analysis
In the long run, it is always better to weigh all options upfront than to go back and try to fix things after they’ve been completed. The selection of hoist hooks is no exception. By nailing down these expectations, there is a large saving of cost overall and more possibility for specialty and custom builds that streamline processes.
By looking at the standard hook that a crane comes with and understanding the variety of options that it can be outfitted with (or even entirely changed with) is just as important as the selection of the crane itself. Have more questions about hook types or maximizing headroom and operations for your next project? Contact us online or call 800-955-9967.