The lifting equipment specialist Columbus McKinnon has introduced a battery-powered chain hoist that operates completely without cable connections. The device is primarily aimed at industrial applications, but could also be relevant for construction site use – particularly for assembly work in areas without fixed power supply or at frequently changing work locations.
Unlike conventional electric chain hoists, which are connected to the power grid or a generator via cables, the new solution uses rechargeable battery modules. This eliminates tripping hazards from cables and enables use in environments where cable installation would be difficult or impossible. For construction site use with mobile cranes or as an attached equipment for lifting work, the cordless technology could reduce downtime.
The technical challenges in development mainly involved the energy density of the batteries and the power electronics. Chain hoists require high currents briefly when lifting loads – a requirement profile that modern lithium-ion cells can now meet. Columbus McKinnon has not disclosed details about load capacity or battery runtime, but comparable systems in intralogistics typically achieve operating times of several hours with moderate use.
For the construction machinery industry, the development is another building block in the trend toward electrification of construction sites. While electric excavators and battery-powered compaction equipment are already established, powerful cordless solutions for hoisting equipment have been lacking so far. This could now change: especially in interior finishing, steel construction, or prefabricated house assembly, where aerial work platforms and cranes frequently work together, the technology opens up new application scenarios.
Whether battery-powered chain hoists will prevail in practice depends largely on amortization. Acquisition costs are likely to be higher than conventional models, while savings in cable installation and maintenance must be weighed against this. The service life of the batteries and the availability of replacement batteries will also be decision criteria for fleet managers.
Assessment: With the cordless chain hoist, Columbus McKinnon is testing a market segment that has barely been occupied so far. Concrete technical data and practical experience are still lacking – pilot projects on major construction sites or in the manufacturing industry are likely to follow in the coming months. Market introduction in Europe has not yet been scheduled, but the trend toward cordless electric tools suggests that other manufacturers will follow suit.
