Automatic Hooks

Automatic Crane Hooks

Automatic crane hooks allow operators to attach and release loads without manual intervention, keeping workers clear of suspended loads throughout the entire lift cycle. Powered by remote control or sensor-based activation, they are the standard solution wherever hand-hooking creates safety exposure, cycle-time bottlenecks, or access limitations.

Holloway Houston Inc. is an authorized U.S. distributor for Elebia, the inventor and global market leader in automatic hook technology. We stock the full Elebia range, from the compact EVO2 to the heavy-duty NEO100, for immediate shipment from Houston, TX.

What Are Automatic Crane Hooks?

An automatic crane hook is a rigging device that self-engages onto a load ring or master link and releases on command, either via RF remote control or by contact-release when the load is set down. Unlike a conventional hook, no rigger is required at the load connection point during attach or release.

Elebia's automatic hooks use a patented magnetic attraction system: the hook self-closes onto the load ring through magnetic force, with no manual intervention required to attach. The release is fail-safe, the hook will not open unless a deliberate command is sent and confirmed. In the event of a power loss or signal failure, the hook defaults to the locked, closed position. Know more about quick release hooks.

Benefits of Automatic Lifting Hooks

For procurement engineers and rigging supervisors evaluating automatic hooks, the operational case rests on four measurable improvements:

• Safety : Eliminates suspended load exposure workers never need to approach a live load to hook or unhook. This directly addresses OSHA 1910.179 requirements for overhead crane operations and reduces the most common cause of serious rigging injuries.
• Productivity : Faster lift cycles with remote-controlled operation. In high-cycle environments (steel mills, precast plants, assembly lines), eliminating the manual release step from each cycle reduces handling time per pick, compounding across hundreds of lifts per shift.
• Reduced Operator Fatigue : No manual hook manipulation required at height or at the load. Operators work from the crane cab or a safe standoff distance for the full lift cycle.
• Broad Sling Compatibility : Compatible with chain slings, wire rope slings, and synthetic round slings fitted with a master ring. Works across crane types including overhead bridge cranes, gantry cranes, and mobile cranes.
• Certified for Demanding Environments : Elebia hooks carry CE marking and are available in DNV-certified and ATEX-rated configurations for offshore, marine, and hazardous area applications.

Automatic Crane Hook Applications

Automatic hooks are the specified solution across a wide range of industries where conventional hooking creates safety or efficiency constraints:

• Steel mills and metal fabrication : high-cycle coil and plate handling where manual release is a bottleneck.
• Manufacturing and assembly lines : repetitive pick-and-place operations with consistent rigging configurations.
• Construction and heavy lifting : crane-assisted placement of structural members, precast panels, and HVAC equipment.
• Offshore and maritime : deck cargo handling and subsea lifts where rigger access to the load is impractical or prohibited.
• Drop testing and aerospace : precise, remote load release where timing and repeatability are critical (Elebia D10 / R2).
• Wind energy : nacelle, blade, and tower component installation at height, where a rigger at the connection point creates unacceptable work-at-height exposure.
• Hazardous environments : blast furnace areas, chemical processing, and radioactive material handling where personnel must be kept clear of the load zone.
• Warehousing and logistics : automated or semi-automated lifting cells with high throughput requirements

Elebia Automatic Hooks

We carry the complete Elebia product line. All models feature Elebia's patented magnetic self-closing system, fail-safe locking, and RF remote control operation as standard.

EVO Series — Automatic Crane Hooks

The EVO series covers most industrial overhead crane applications. Remote-controlled via the Elebia RF handset. Rechargeable battery with charge indicators. Available in 5 capacities:

NEO Series — Heavy Duty Lifting Hooks

The NEO series is engineered for the highest-capacity lifting applications — port operations, heavy industry, and offshore crane work. Same RF remote architecture as EVO with reinforced construction for extreme-duty cycles.

Specialty Models

Beyond the EVO and NEO hook series, Elebia produces several specialty products for specific application requirements:

• Elebia S40 Automatic Lifting Shackle (WLL 88,184 lbs / 40,000 kg) : Remote-release shackle for applications requiring a shackle connection point rather than a hook.
• Elebia C5 Automatic Lifting Clamp (WLL 11,023 lbs / 5,000 kg) : For plate and structural steel lifting without sling rigging.
• Elebia C6 Automatic Lifting Clamp (WLL 13,227 lbs / 6,000 kg) : Higher-capacity plate clamp variant.
• Elebia D10 Quick Release Drop Test Hook (WLL 22,046 lbs / 10,000 kg) : Precision remote release for aerospace, ballistic, and military drop testing where release timing is critical.

How to Choose the Right Automatic Crane Hook

Selecting the correct automatic hook requires matching four key parameters to your application. Getting any of these wrong can create a safety or operational problem:

• Working Load Limit (WLL) : Your automatic hook's WLL must equal or exceed the maximum load weight — accounting for the total rigging assembly weight (sling, hardware, and load), not just the load alone. Apply a safety factor per your applicable standard (ASME B30.10 for hooks).
• Activation Method — Remote vs. Contact Release : Most Elebia EVO and NEO hooks use RF remote control via the Elebia handset. The Elebia contact-release models (such as the C-series clamps) release automatically when load weight is removed at touchdown — suited to repetitive, consistent pick-and-place operations. Choose based on whether you need release on command or release on landing.
• Sling Compatibility : Elebia hooks are designed for use with a master ring on your sling assembly. Confirm your chain slings, wire rope slings, or synthetic round slings are fitted with a compatible ring size. Contact Holloway Houston if you need sling assembly with matched master links.
• Environmental Rating : Standard EVO and NEO models are rated for general industrial environments. For offshore or wash-down environments specify IP67-rated models. For hazardous atmospheres (explosive or flammable environments) specify ATEX-certified variants. For DNV-classed vessels or platforms, DNV-certified models are available.
• Battery Life in High-Cycle Operations : Evaluate battery capacity against your expected daily cycle count. Elebia publishes cycle counts per charge for each model. High-cycle operations may benefit from the Elebia multi-bay charging station (CHx10) to keep spare batteries ready.

Quick Release Hooks Guide →

Why Order Elebia Automatic Hooks from Holloway Houston Lifting?

• Authorized Elebia U.S. distributor : genuine OEM product with full manufacturer warranty
• Stock in Houston, TX : same-day ship on most EVO series models
• ISO 9001:2015 certified : documented quality management on all orders
• Technical support from our rigging team : capacity selection, sling compatibility, application review
• Accessories in stock : battery chargers (CH220), multi-bay charging stations (CHx10), and replacement parts.

Contact Holloway Houston for a Quote →