Chain Blocks, Hoists & Winches

A girder trolley runs the hoist along the beam; a beam clamp fixes a lifting point to it. Both are rated and both are sized to the beam flange, where width and taper matter as much as capacity. Check the flange dimensions before ordering either.

A chain block lifts vertically from a fixed suspension point, operated by hand chain. A lever hoist ratchets with a handle and works at any angle, whether that's lifting, pulling or tensioning. Straight-down repetitive lifting: block. Everything else: lever.

The distance the hoist itself occupies between its suspension point and its hook at full raise. Low-headroom models exist for tight spaces. If your beam is low, check this figure before capacity.

No. Chain blocks, lever hoists and winches sold for load handling are rated for loads only. Lifting people needs equipment specifically designed and rated for it.

It is set by the beam, not just the load. Measure the flange width and check whether the flange is tapered, then match both to the adjustment range on the trolley or clamp. Capacity on its own won't tell you whether it fits.