Milwaukee 2 Ton Electric Chain Hoist

Navigating the world of heavy lifting can be daunting without the right equipment. I recently had the opportunity to work with the Milwaukee 2 Ton Electric Chain Hoist, model 9570, a tool designed for serious lifting tasks. This corded hoist, with its 2-ton load capacity, proved to be a robust solution for various lifting challenges. Here’s a detailed look at my experience with it.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that struck me about this hoist is its build quality. Milwaukee is known for durable tools, and this one is no exception. The hoist feels solid and well-engineered, capable of withstanding substantial weight and frequent use. The finish, although not flawless, stood up well to handling and installation. There were a few scuffs and scratches, but nothing that affected its performance.

Setup and Installation

Setting up the Milwaukee hoist was relatively straightforward but required some muscle. Weighing in at a hefty amount, having a couple of extra hands during the setup was essential. The hoist comes with an upper latch-type ridged top hook, making it easier to secure onto a mounting point. However, the unit ships with bare wires, so I had to add a plug – a minor inconvenience but something to be aware of.

Performance and Ease of Use

In terms of performance, this hoist excels. The single-phase operation with a 115/230 voltage option provides flexibility depending on your power source. I found the lifting speed of 8 feet per minute adequate for most tasks. Although it's not the fastest hoist available, it strikes a good balance between speed and control, essential when dealing with heavy loads.

One of the standout features is the multi-disc magnetic brake, which offers excellent load holding and positioning. This feature ensures that even with a heavy load, the hoist maintains a steady and controlled lift. Additionally, the adjustable upper and lower limit switches provide an extra layer of safety, preventing over-travel of the load.

Durability and Reliability

Durability is a significant factor when considering any lifting tool, and the Milwaukee hoist shows promise in this area. The overload limiting clutch adds a layer of protection, ensuring the hoist doesn’t exceed its maximum capacity. During my tests, the hoist handled loads up to its 2-ton limit without any issues. The chain buckets included were a nice bonus, making it easier to manage the chain during operation.

However, it’s worth noting that I encountered some issues. One unit I received appeared used and didn’t function correctly out of the box. This was disappointing but seems to be an anomaly rather than the norm. Another unit worked perfectly, lifting a 3200lb rock from a custom gantry without breaking a sweat. This suggests that while the hoist is generally reliable, quality control might be an area Milwaukee could improve.

Safety Features

Safety is paramount when working with heavy lifting equipment, and the Milwaukee hoist includes several features to ensure safe operation. The multi-disc magnetic brake and adjustable limit switches are crucial for maintaining control and preventing accidents. The 24-volt pushbutton station offers easy operation, allowing for precise control over the lifting process. Additionally, the overload limiting clutch prevents the hoist from lifting beyond its rated capacity, which is a vital safety measure.

Usability and Practicality

The hoist’s usability is enhanced by its practical design. The 10 to 20 feet adjustable lifting height makes it versatile for various applications. Whether you’re lifting heavy machinery, construction materials, or large rocks, this hoist can handle the task. The single-phase operation is convenient, but switching between 115v and 230v required some technical know-how. It would be beneficial if Milwaukee offered a simple switch for this conversion.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Robust Build Quality: The hoist feels solid and well-constructed, capable of handling heavy loads.
• Effective Load Control: The multi-disc magnetic brake and adjustable limit switches provide excellent control and safety.
• Versatile Lifting Range: With an adjustable height of 10 to 20 feet, the hoist is suitable for various lifting tasks.
• Overload Protection: The overload limiting clutch ensures the hoist operates within its safe capacity.

Cons:

• Weight and Setup: The hoist is heavy and requires multiple people for setup.
• Initial Wiring: The unit ships with bare wires, necessitating additional installation steps.
• Quality Control: Some units may have issues out of the box, indicating potential quality control concerns.

Conclusion

Overall, the Milwaukee 2 Ton Electric Chain Hoist is a powerful and reliable tool for heavy lifting tasks. Despite some minor setbacks, its robust build quality, effective load control, and versatile lifting range make it a worthwhile investment for those regularly dealing with heavy loads. While the setup and initial wiring could be more user-friendly, these are minor inconveniences compared to the hoist’s performance and safety features.

I would recommend the Milwaukee hoist for its durability and efficiency in handling heavy lifting tasks. It’s particularly well-suited for industrial and construction environments where reliable lifting equipment is crucial. Just ensure you’re prepared for a hefty setup and possibly a few initial adjustments. With these considerations in mind, the Milwaukee 2 Ton Electric Chain Hoist stands out as a dependable choice for heavy lifting needs.