ExcellentJudge.me reviewsBig bulk discountsUp to 25% off*
KlarnaFinancing available
Free deliveryOrders over £100*

Manual Hoists

Manual chain hoists come in two styles, chain blocks and lever hoists, both lightweight, sturdy and needing no power source. We sell the Yale range across a wide array of capacities and chain lengths, from the Yalelift 360 chain block to the best-selling Yale Handy lever hoist.

A manual hoist uses mechanical advantage, a system of gears, cogs and sprockets or a ratchet and pawl mechanism, to let one person lift or move loads that would otherwise need a powered winch or a team of workers. Because they run entirely by hand, they're a reliable choice for outdoor sites, remote locations or anywhere a power supply isn't practical, and they need less maintenance than an electric equivalent since there's no motor or wiring to inspect.

Manual Hoists– Now available at MTN Shop UK.
Loading…

22 products

View

Manual Hoists – Product list

Chain block vs lever hoist: what's the difference

A chain block, also called a chain hoist or block and tackle, is operated by pulling a hand chain and is used mainly for vertical lifting. The operator doesn't need to stand close to the device, which suits awkwardly shaped loads or situations where staying clear of the load matters. A lever hoist is operated by cranking a lever with one hand and works in both vertical and horizontal positions, making it better suited to pulling, dragging, stretching and tensioning tasks alongside straightforward lifting. See our chain hoist guide for a full comparison.

Standards and compliance

Manual chain hoists sold here are built to BS EN 13157, the harmonised standard covering manually powered lifting equipment, and carry CE marking confirming compliance with the relevant EU and UK machinery requirements. In UK workplaces, manual hoists also fall under LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations), which requires regular thorough examination, typically every 6 or 12 months depending on use, alongside routine visual checks before each use. The manufacturer's stated working load limit (WLL) marked on the hoist should never be exceeded.

How to use a chain block

Suspend the hoist by attaching the top hook to a beam via a beam clamp, or to a secure anchor with a shackle. If the load needs to travel horizontally, a trolley is the right suspension choice instead. Position the hoist directly above the load's centre of gravity, attach the load firmly to the bottom hook using a suitable lifting sling, then pull the hand chain to raise or lower, avoiding sudden or forceful movements.

How to use a lever hoist

Suspension and load attachment follow the same principles as a chain block. The pawl rod lever controls the operating direction: set it to the raise position and pump the lever to lift, set it to lower to descend, or set it to neutral to let the chain move freely in both directions for adjusting length.

Choosing between chain blocks and lever hoists

Chain blocks generally reach higher capacities, with our range covering up to 50,000kg WLL, making them the better choice for heavy, straightforward vertical lifts. Lever hoists max out lower, but their one-hand operation and horizontal capability make them the practical choice for pulling, aligning machinery, tensioning lines or working in confined spaces where a chain block's pull-chain action doesn't fit.

Is a manual hoist right for your job?

Manual hoists may not be the right choice if your lifting work needs speed, a very long lift, very heavy loads beyond the range's capacity, or a high level of movement precision. In these cases, an electric chain hoist is usually the better fit.

Why buy your manual hoist from MTN Shop

All Yale manual hoists sold here are genuine stock. We ship fast across the UK with straightforward returns on unused stock. For bulk orders or help choosing the right style and capacity, request a quote and our team will confirm stock and lead time directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Choose a chain block for straightforward, high-capacity vertical lifting where you don't need to stand close to the load. Choose a lever hoist if the job involves pulling, tensioning, horizontal movement, or working in a confined space with one-hand operation.
Chain blocks in this range reach up to 50,000kg WLL for heavy-duty vertical lifting, while lever hoists typically cover lower capacities suited to pulling and tensioning tasks.
No. Both chain blocks and lever hoists are entirely manually operated, making them a practical choice for outdoor sites or locations without electricity.
Standard chain blocks are designed for vertical use only, since horizontal use can jam the chain. Some models with a 360 degree rotating hand chain guide, such as the Yalelift 360, can operate horizontally.
Choose an electric hoist if the job needs speed, a very long lift, very heavy loads beyond a manual hoist's practical capacity, or a high level of movement precision that manual operation can't reliably deliver.

You may also like...