What is a Pneumatic Chain Hoist?

A pneumatic chain hoist (air-powered chain hoist) is an industrial lifting device designed for the safe and powerful lifting, lowering, and positioning of heavy loads. Pneumatic chain hoists are powered by compressed air and are commonly used in industrial applications, especially in environments with high humidity, dust exposure, or in explosion-hazard zones (ATEX). Compared to electric systems, pneumatic chain hoists are highly energy - efficient, durable, and virtually maintenance-free — making them ideal for reliable continuous operation.

What are the advantages of air chain hoists compared to electric hoists?

<ul><li>Explosion protection: Most air chain hoists are generally suitable for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, as they do not generate any sparks with the appropriate equipment features (see diagram on explosion protection for air chain hoists) and therefore minimize the risk of explosions. </li><li>Precision: Air chain hoists enable more precise control of the lifting process thanks to their infinitely variable speed. </li><li>Precise control can be essential to increase safety, improve product quality and reduce the cost of potential damage or errors. The use of an air chain hoist allows lifting operations to be carried out with a high degree of accuracy and control, which is of great benefit in many industrial working environments (e.g. precision engineering, aerospace industry). </li><li>Low maintenance costs: Because they have fewer mechanical components than electric hoists, maintenance costs for air chain hoists can often be lower.</li></ul>

What enables precise positioning when using an air chain hoist?

An air chain hoist enables very precise positioning of loads thanks to infinitely variable speeds and the avoidance of jerky movements. This feature is particularly important in applications where precise positioning and sensitive handling are required, such as in assembly lines or during maintenance in power plants. The smooth control supports efficient work processes and increases safety during lifting operations.

Why is an air chain hoist suitable for continuous operation?

Why is an air chain hoist suitable for continuous operation?

What load capacities do air chain hoists offer and in which areas are they used?

Air chain hoists offer a wide range of load capacities, from 125 kg to an impressive 100 tons, making them extremely versatile. They are used in a variety of industrial sectors such as foundries, power plants, assembly lines in mechanical engineering, shipyards, as well as in corrosive or potentially explosive environments. This wide range of applications underlines their robustness and adaptability to a wide variety of requirements and working conditions.

Compressed air chain hoist in a very robust design

Pneumatic chain hoist TCR-250ME

Compact chain hoist
One-handed operation for
right- and left-handed

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Compressed air chain hoist TCR

for continuous use
Infinitely variable speeds

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01-druckluftkettenzug-laufkatze-3-15tN92oO8komqjNX_800x800

Pneumatic chain hoists & trolleysTCR, TNC

TOKU vane motor
Lightweight aluminum housing

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01-mini-druckluftkettenzug-tcr-250c_800x800

TCR mini pneumatic chain hoist

Compact chain hoist
Overall height: 305 mm

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Compressed air chain hoist TMH

simple installation
low installation height
soundproofed

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Trolleys

Manually operable
optionally with explosion protection, marine paint finish

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Pneumatic chain hoist TCS

Particularly fast
Suitable for high lifting heights
Optimum handling

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Flat lifting gear

Combination trolley /
pneumatic chain hoist
for low rooms

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Robust pneumatic chain hoist for heavy-duty industrial applications:The TCR, RRI and TCRM series

An air chain hoist from the TCR, RRI and TCRM series can generally be used wherever electric chain hoists are used. Thanks to their extremely robust design, TCR, RRI and TCRM air chain hoists are suitable for continuous operation in heavy-duty industrial applications. Thanks to this design (high-strength cast steel housing, permanently lubricated planetary gearbox), maintenance costs / maintenance times are very low. Operation is very simple, each air chain hoist can be supplied with a rope control or a chain control. Regardless of the type of control, the devices are characterized by smooth start and stop operation as well as variable lifting and lowering speeds, which is essential for precise positioning.

In addition to use in corrosive environments, the TCR series air chain hoist is also suitable for use in potentially explosive atmospheres (hazardous areas up to zones 2 and 22, II B, T4) thanks to its spark-proof and robust motors.

We also offer a range of special trolleys. Thanks to our many years of experience, tailor-made, customer-specific solutions and designs are available on request at any time.

Features of the pneumatic chain hoist

Duty cycle: 100 %
Compact design, low overall height
Infinitely variable speeds, no jerky movements
Precise positioning of loads
Overload protection at 1 t load capacity (also TCR 500) without loss of height
With integrated disk brake
Silenced
Permanently lubricated planetary gearbox
Automatic limit stop at the highest and lowest position of the load hook
Chain according to EN 818-7
Non-sparking air motor
Use in potentially explosive atmospheres CE EX IIA 3 c GD T4
Explosion-proof version available, CW EX II 2 GD IIB T4
Rope control or push-button control with emergency stop
Temperature range -10°C - +70°C
In order to use the air chain hoist safely and optimally, a compressed air supply of 6 bar should be available.

Working areas of pneumatic chain hoists:

Compared to traditional electric or hydraulic lifting systems, air chain hoists offer improved energy utilization and support efficient operations. The use of compressed air as a drive medium optimizes the use of energy and can lead to reduced energy requirements in certain configurations. In addition, air chain hoists minimize the risk of malfunctions that can occur with other systems due to oil leaks. These features mean that our chain hoists promote smooth and low-maintenance operation, making them a valuable solution for lifting and positioning loads in industry.

Working areas of the pneumatic chain hoist:

Foundries
power stations
Assembly lines e.g.
- in mechanical engineering or
- in shipyards

Industrial areas
- with highly corrosive environments (high humidity
- and / or aggressive atmosphere such as offshore)
- with potentially explosive areas such as the oil industry
- (oil storage, refineries)
- and many more

Working areas of the pneumatic chain hoist:

Schrägzug:

Like all hoists, the transprotec air chain hoist is designed for vertical lifting.

Under certain circumstances, it is possible to pull loads at an angle with a single or double fall pneumatic chain hoist. The angle from the vertical should not exceed 20°

It is essential to take special precautions for inclined pulling:

Lifting plan
process calculation
and a risk assessment should be completed by a competent person
completed and reviewed by a certified professional.

A site assessment should be carried out:

a review of the structure from which the lifting equipment will be suspended
the lifting points (route of travel),
driver's position
and also the shape, size and weight of the load to be lifted in the inclined hoist.

Druckluftkettenzug Ex-geschützt:

Pneumatic or electric chain hoist – which one is right for my application?

Additional considerations for distinguishing between electric and pneumatic hoists:

1. Power source and infrastructure:
Pneumatic chain hoists require a compressed air supply, which assumes the presence of suitable infrastructure.
In facilities with a central compressed air system, this is typically not an issue. However, in other environments, the installation can be more costly compared to electric systems.

2. Cost and cost-efficiency:
Initial investment costs for pneumatic hoists are often higher, but they can be more cost-effective over time — especially in demanding applications — due to their low maintenance requirements and long service life.

3. Duty cycle and operational demands:
Pneumatic hoists are designed for continuous operation under load and are less prone to overheating than electric models.
This makes them particularly well-suited for frequent, heavy-duty lifting tasks, such as those found in multi-shift operations.

The choice between a pneumatic and an electric chain hoist largely depends on the specific requirements of your application.

Here’s a brief comparison of the key differences:

	Druckluftkettenzug	Electric Chain Hoist
Power Source	Requires compressed air supply	Requires electrical power
Cost	Higher initial investment, but cost-effective in the long run for continuous use	Lower initial cost, ideal for occasional use
Duty Cycle	Suitable for continuous operation – no overheating	Limited duty cycle depending on the model
Maintenance	Fewer wear-prone components – low maintenance	More moving parts – may require more regular servicing
Noise Emissions	Typically noisier

Advice and price enquiry

To help you find the right air chain hoist, transprotec's technical consultants will be happy to provide you with personal advice.

Phone: +494102 7789-600

E-Mail: info@transprotec.de

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Product overview air chain hoists

FAQ: Questions and answers about air chain hoists

What is a Pneumatic Chain Hoist?
A pneumatic chain hoist (air-powered chain hoist) is an industrial lifting device designed for the safe and powerful lifting, lowering, and positioning of heavy loads. Pneumatic chain hoists are powered by compressed air and are commonly used in industrial applications, especially in environments with high humidity, dust exposure, or in explosion-hazard zones (ATEX).
Compared to electric systems, pneumatic chain hoists are highly energy - efficient, durable, and virtually maintenance-free — making them ideal for reliable continuous operation.

What are the advantages of air chain hoists compared to electric hoists?
- Explosion protection: Most air chain hoists are generally suitable for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, as they do not generate any sparks with the appropriate equipment features (see diagram on explosion protection for air chain hoists) and therefore minimize the risk of explosions.
- Precision: Air chain hoists enable more precise control of the lifting process thanks to their infinitely variable speed.
- Precise control can be essential to increase safety, improve product quality and reduce the cost of potential damage or errors. The use of an air chain hoist allows lifting operations to be carried out with a high degree of accuracy and control, which is of great benefit in many industrial working environments (e.g. precision engineering, aerospace industry).
- Low maintenance costs: Because they have fewer mechanical components than electric hoists, maintenance costs for air chain hoists can often be lower.

What enables precise positioning when using an air chain hoist?
An air chain hoist enables very precise positioning of loads thanks to infinitely variable speeds and the avoidance of jerky movements. This feature is particularly important in applications where precise positioning and sensitive handling are required, such as in assembly lines or during maintenance in power plants. The smooth control supports efficient work processes and increases safety during lifting operations.

Why is an air chain hoist suitable for continuous operation?
Why is an air chain hoist suitable for continuous operation?

What load capacities do air chain hoists offer and in which areas are they used?
Air chain hoists offer a wide range of load capacities, from 125 kg to an impressive 100 tons, making them extremely versatile. They are used in a variety of industrial sectors such as foundries, power plants, assembly lines in mechanical engineering, shipyards, as well as in corrosive or potentially explosive environments. This wide range of applications underlines their robustness and adaptability to a wide variety of requirements and working conditions.

Compressed air chain hoist in a very robust design

Working areas of pneumatic chain hoists:

Working areas of the pneumatic chain hoist:

Working areas of the pneumatic chain hoist:

Schrägzug:

Druckluftkettenzug Ex-geschützt:

Pneumatic or electric chain hoist – which one is right for my application?

Additional considerations for distinguishing between electric and pneumatic hoists:

FAQ: Questions and answers about air chain hoists

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