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Hoisting and Lifting Equipment

With a family of trusted global brands, Columbus McKinnon is a leading worldwide designer, manufacturer, and marketer of hoisting and lifting equipment.

CASE STUDY

Innovative Packaging Solution for Fairytale Brownies

Dorner recently created a custom solution for a small business looking to automate their brownie packaging line. This integrated system transports product from the wrapper to the case packer while helping to improve production throughput and product quality. 

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Hoisting & Rigging Products

Hoists and rigging equipment bring together smart engineering, durability, and efficiency for all types of lifting and positioning applications.

Automation Products

Magnetek’s portfolio of wireless controls is engineered for the demands of today’s mobile hydraulic applications. Whether you need CAN output receivers, direct valve control, or solutions for traditional and hazardous environments, our systems deliver the design freedom and performance that today’s equipment demands.

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Linear Motion Products

Duff‑Norton has built its reputation on delivering tough, reliable products that keep lifting, positioning, and transfer operations running smoothly around the world. Our linear motion team is all about smart engineering, dependable performance, and customer support you can count on.

Metals manufacturing involves a wide range of lifting challenges. Each application requires the right combination of hoists, crane systems, and material handling equipment.

 

Furnace Charging

 

Charging a furnace leaves no room for error. Operators need to lift and position full charge buckets into high-temperature zones with control and consistency. Electric wire rope hoists provide the strength, while braking systems help hold and position loads safely.


Reliable lifting here keeps furnace schedules on track.

 

 

Ladle Handling

 

Ladle handling looks different depending on where you are in the process. Large ladles moving molten metal over long distances are typically well suited to the capacity and durability of electric wire rope hoists. 


Closer to the casting floor, where ladles are smaller and spaces are tighter, powered chain hoists are often selected to provide greater control during shorter, more deliberate movements. Selecting the right lifting solution helps support safe, consistent operation across these environments.

 

 

Scrap Handling and Charge Preparation

Steel production often begins in the scrap yard. Heavy, irregular loads need to be sorted, staged, and loaded into charge buckets. Electric wire rope hoists handle the weight and duty cycle, while rigging and below-the-hook devices keep loads secure.


When this step runs smoothly, everything downstream benefits. 

 

 

Sand and Die Casting

 

Casting environments often require flexible, hands on lifting. 


Powered chain hoists support controlled positioning of small ladles and molds, while manual hoists and trolleys provide portability where power is limited. Rigging and below the hook devices help operators safely engage molds and castings with minimal manual handling.

 

 

Billet and Slab Handling

 

Billets and slabs move constantly, often while still hot.


Electric wire rope hoists support the load and duty cycle required, while clamps, tongs, and magnets are selected based on material type. When paired with variable frequency drives, lifting systems reduce load swing and improve placement accuracy.

 

 

Coil Handling

 

Coils hold significant material value, making careful handling essential.


Steel coil handling solutions rely on engineered below the hook devices such as C hooks, coil grabs, and tong style attachments paired with electric wire rope hoists. These systems help protect product integrity while supporting safe, repeatable movement.


Intelli-Lift™ load monitoring systems detect off-center picks, side pulls, and snagged loads, allowing operators to correct issues before they lead to equipment strain, product damage, or downtime.

 

Plate Handling

 

 

Large plates and sheet material require even support to prevent bending or surface damage. 


Plate handling equipment—including lifting beams, clamps, and vacuum lifters—distributes weight evenly during lifting, inspection, processing, and staging. Controlled movement supports efficient sheet metal handling systems throughout fabrication workflows.

 

 

Molding, Tooling, and Die Handling

 

 

Maintenance, tooling, and die changes are critical to plant productivity.


Powered chain hoists and manual hoists provide precise control for positioning molds, dies, and tooling. Mobile workstation cranes and lift assist systems help operators move heavy components safely wand reducing physical strain.


These solutions improve maintenance efficiency and help minimize downtime during changeovers.

 

 

Storage and Transportation

 

 

Material handling continues beyond production. Rigging equipment, such as tie downs, ratchet binders, lever binders, and chain assemblies, secures loads during staging and transport. 


These solutions help ensure metal products move safely from the plant floor to final delivery.

 

Hoisting equipment is an invaluable resource when it comes to moving bulky or heavy loads from one place to another. Whether you are looking for a manual or powered hoist, these pieces of machinery come in various forms and can meet almost any need. From warehouses and factories to loading docks and production lines, hoists are essential tools for helping workers lift safely and efficiently.

Columbus McKinnon offers an extensive range of hoisting and lifting equipment, including electric & air hoists, manual chain hoists, winches, rack and pinion jacks, hydraulic jacks, trolleys & trolley clamps, and lifting trucks. Whether you need to lift or handle loads manually or with power, we have the right solution for you.

Contact our Hoisting & Lifting Division To Discuss Your Application Needs

Featured Brands

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Featured Blogs and Resources

Failure to follow safe lifting practices can lead to serious personal injury and cause damage to equipment and facilities. Our trainers review one of the most common and dangerous lifting mistakes: side pulling.

Read The Full Blog

For the first time, Columbus McKinnon's popular CM Rigging Pocket Guide is available online. This coveted guide is the on-hand resource for riggers in any industry.

Always have available for rigging on the job site for safety best practices, charts, calculations, and more. Download the PDF to your smartphone to have immediately available wherever you go.

Download the Guide

Purchasing or specifying hoists to lift heavy objects in close proximity to equipment and/or personnel is a decision that deserves thoughtful consideration. In this article, we will identify some important items to factor into your decision-making process.

Learn How To Select The Right Hoist

CM® HTP & HTG Clevis Trolley Installation Demonstration

The CM® HTP & HTG Clevis Trolley is an easy installation trolley. Watch as Rob Bruno demonstrates the install process.