Which Lever Chain Hoist?

[catalytic]

I would like to buy a 1.5 ton model of one of these:



I've found myself borrowing them from friends quite a bit for moving machines and also for forestry. I just noticed the dreaded import manufacturing sticker on the newest Columbus McKinnon models, and I do not see COO info for the other go-to makers (Yale, Coffing, Harrington). Does anyone still make one domestically? Also, does anyone have experience with the models designed to let you let out chain under load (i.e. controlled release)?

 

[justin1795]

the one you have a picture of has forward and reverse we use them at work.

 

[Jim B]

I bought one from Harbor Freight a few years ago to pull the diesel engine out of my boat. It was a fraction of the price of a name brand unit. I figured I only needed to use it twice, once to remove the old engine and once install the new one. Through no fault of our own we ended up putting the new engine in and out about a dozen times. The hoist worked perfectly. It operates smoothly and construction seems pretty good. Not sure I would buy one for daily commercial shop use but for around the home shop I think it's a pretty good deal.

 

[A**holes Garage]

Our techs used some years ago made by Beebe, pretty stout and never failed us. Don't know if they're making them anymore or in business.

 

[The Tate]

All we use at work is Kito brand come alongs and chain falls. Used other brands, nothing seems as smooth and reliable as the Kitos.

 

[bad_idea]

I have a couple CM that I use for work. Good quality and decent price.

 

[rburke65]

We also used the CM hoists at work, but those were made in the States then. They were some good stuff.