What is a Chain Hoist?

A chain hoist, usually just called a motor, is an electric lifting device that raises and holds truss, lighting, speakers and screens above a stage, controlled from a motor controller. Riggers hang hoists from the venue's roof or a stage roof, then use them to lift equipment from the floor to its show height. Hoists can lift large loads safely, but only in the hands of trained riggers.

How chain hoists are used

Hoists are rigged and run in five steps:

  1. Mark out: riggers mark each hanging point on the floor from the rigging plot.
  2. Hang the points: up-riggers attach slings and shackles to the roof steel and drop the hoist chains.
  3. Attach the load: hoists are connected to the truss or speaker frames on the ground.
  4. Lift: the motor controller raises the hoists together, keeping the load level.
  5. Secure: at trim height, secondary safety steels are added if required.

Hoists need regular inspection and pre-use checks, which crews can track as checklists in Crescat.

Chain hoist vs manual hoist

An electric chain hoist is powered and run from a controller, so many can lift together. A manual chain hoist is pulled by hand and is used for small loads or where no power is available. Electric hoists are standard for shows, where many points must lift at the same speed.

Common chain hoist ratings

  • Quarter-tonne hoists for light loads
  • Half-tonne hoists, the most common for touring
  • One-tonne and two-tonne hoists for heavy speakers and screens
  • D8 hoists, a common European standard for stage use
  • D8+ hoists, with extra brakes for holding loads over people
  • Variable-speed hoists for moving scenery during a show

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between D8 and D8+?

Both are European standards for stage hoists. D8+ hoists have higher safety factors and a second brake, so they are designed to hold loads over people without extra safety measures. D8 hoists usually need secondary safeties in that situation.

Who controls the hoists?

A trained rigger runs the motor controller, with spotters watching the load as it moves.

How often are chain hoists inspected?

Before every use by the crew, and by a competent person at regular intervals set by law and the manufacturer, often every six or twelve months.

Related terms