AMH Chain Hoists
All Material Handling chain hoists are a domestic alternative when the job calls for a dependable hoist and the budget doesn't support premium European pricing. AMH manufactures manual and electric chain hoists in Chicago, IL, and covers the capacity ranges most frequently specified in overhead lifting, maintenance, and material handling work.
AMH Chain Hoists for Overhead Lifting
A chain hoist suspends from an overhead structure and raises or lowers a load by pulling chain through the hoist mechanism. Manual chain hoists (also called hand chain hoists or lever hoists) use operator effort to drive the load chain. Electric chain hoists use a motor to handle the lifting work.
ASME B30.16 (Overhead Hoists, Underhung) and ASME B30.21 (Lever Hoists) govern the design, fabrication, and operation of chain hoists used in load-handling service. AMH hoists are designed in accordance with these standards.
AMH produces hoists at a price point that works for budget-sensitive procurement, shops, maintenance facilities, and rigging crews where the priority is documented capacity at an accessible cost rather than the longest service interval a premium import brand offers.
Holloway Houston carries AMH chain hoists and can advise on pairing with AMH hoist trolleys for beam-mounted installations.
Types of AMH Chain Hoists
Manual Chain Hoists
Manual (hand) chain hoists use a hand chain to drive the load chain through an internal gear reduction. Pulling the hand chain raises the load; reversing direction lowers it. The ratchet-and-pawl mechanism holds the load at any point in the lift. Manual hoists are used in locations without electrical power, in hazardous atmospheres where electric motors are restricted, or where portability is more important than lift speed. AMH manual hoists are available across a range of working load limits.
Electric Chain Hoists
Electric chain hoists motor the chain drive, removing manual effort from the lifting cycle. Motor, drum, and controls are packaged together in a unit that suspends from a trolley or fixed hook. Electric hoists are specified for repetitive pick-and-place cycles, production lines, and any situation where lift frequency makes manual operation impractical. AMH electric models are governed by ASME B30.16.
Lever Hoists
Lever hoists (ratchet hoists) use a short handle rather than an overhead hand chain. They are portable, work in any orientation, and are frequently used for tensioning, pulling, and positioning work as well as vertical lifting. ASME B30.21 governs lever hoist design and operation. AMH lever hoists cover capacities suited for rigging and maintenance applications.
Complete Your AMH Hoist Setup
- AMH Hoist Trolleys : Beam-mounted trolleys for running AMH chain hoists along I-beam runways.
- AMH Hooks : Replacement hooks and hook assemblies for AMH hoist and rigging applications.
- AMH Chains : Load chain and lifting chain from AMH for hoists and chain sling fabrication.
Why Holloway Houston for AMH Chain Hoists
Holloway Houston has been in the rigging and lifting business for over 65 years, operating out of Houston, Texas. We are an authorized AMH distributor, stocking chain hoists for same-day and next-day shipping from our Houston warehouse.
Our rigging specialists know the AMH product line and can help you select the right hoist capacity, lift height, and trolley configuration for your application. We also offer rigging inspection services, qualified inspectors examine hoists and lifting hardware per ASME and OSHA standards.
Chain Hoist Standards and Safety Awareness
AMH chain hoists are designed in accordance with ASME B30.16 (overhead hoists) and ASME B30.21 (lever hoists). The following awareness points apply to chain hoist selection and use:
- Chain hoists carry a rated load limit stamped or labeled on the unit. Operating within the marked load limit is the baseline for safe service.
- ASME B30.16 specifies inspection intervals: frequent inspection before each use and periodic inspection at intervals determined by service frequency. Signs of concern include cracked hooks, damaged load chain, worn brake pads, and abnormal noise during operation.
- The hoist chain is a load-bearing component and is rated separately from the hoist body. A chain showing twisted links, bent links, or elongation beyond the manufacturer's wear limit warrants removal from service per ASME B30.16.
- Lever hoists operating under ASME B30.21 are subject to the same inspection disciplines as overhead hoists. Overloading a lever hoist can damage the ratchet mechanism and create an unsafe condition on subsequent lifts.
- Attaching a hoist to an overhead structure requires the supporting beam, beam clamp, or trolley to be rated for the imposed load. ASME B30.20 (Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices) applies to attachments used in conjunction with hoists.
Holloway Houston also offers rigging inspection services, our qualified inspectors examine hoists, slings, and hardware per ASME and OSHA standards to keep your equipment in service.
Frequently Asked Questions
AMH manual and electric chain hoists are designed in accordance with ASME B30.16 (Overhead Hoists). Lever hoists fall under ASME B30.21 (Lever Hoists). Both standards govern design, marking, inspection, and use. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.179 applies to overhead cranes in general industry. Hoists operated as part of a crane system fall within that scope.
A manual chain hoist relies on the operator pulling a hand chain through a gear reduction to raise the load. An electric chain hoist uses a motor to drive the chain, removing manual effort from the lift cycle. Electric hoists are suited for high-frequency operations and heavier loads; manual hoists work without electrical power and offer portability.
AMH chain hoists are compatible with AMH hoist trolleys for installation on I-beam runways. The trolley capacity rating needs to meet or exceed the hoist's working load limit. Holloway Houston stocks both AMH hoists and AMH hoist trolleys.
ASME B30.16 specifies frequent inspection (before or during each use) and periodic inspection at intervals based on service severity. Frequent inspection covers visible damage, chain condition, hook condition, and brake function. Periodic inspection is more thorough and is typically performed by a qualified person at defined intervals.
Contact Holloway Houston at 1-888-496-4700 for parts availability, replacement load chain, and hook assemblies for AMH hoists. Our rigging specialists can help identify the correct part number for your hoist model.
DISCLAIMER
Chain hoists are load-bearing lifting devices. Selection, inspection, and operation call for training consistent with ASME B30.16 (overhead hoists) and applicable OSHA standards. The information on this page is provided for general product awareness and does not replace qualified engineering judgment, manufacturer documentation, or site-specific lift planning.