Use this article to operate an EVLK Series E‑LIFT™ Electric Chain Hoist after it has been installed and commissioned by qualified personnel.

For product and configuration information, see EVLK Series E‑LIFT™ Electric Chain Hoists.

Safety Notice: Do not use an EVLK hoist to lift, support, or transport people. Do not exceed the rated capacity, lift an unsecured load, stand beneath a suspended load, pull a load at an angle, or use damaged equipment.

Before You Begin

Before each shift or use:

• Confirm that you are trained and authorized to operate the hoist.
• Read the applicable product and safety manuals for the installed model.
• Verify that the hoist, connected trolley, supporting structure, and rigging are suitable for the load and application.
• Check the load chain for damage, twisting, kinks, corrosion, improper lubrication, or binding.
• Check the upper and lower hooks, hook latches, pendant, cables, chain bucket, and visible fasteners for damage or looseness.
• Confirm that the work area and full travel path are clear.
• Verify that the Emergency Stop is released.
• Make sure the load weight, including rigging and attachments, does not exceed the rated capacity.

If you find damage, abnormal noise, damaged electrical controls, or a chain that does not feed correctly, do not operate the hoist. See Inspecting and Maintaining an EVLK Electric Chain Hoist or Troubleshooting Common EVLK Electric Chain Hoist Problems, as applicable.

Prepare and Attach the Load

Before lifting:

1. Confirm that the load is stable and properly rigged.
2. Position the hoist directly above the load whenever possible.
3. Make sure the load is centered in the hook saddle and the hook latch is engaged.
4. Remove slack gradually and confirm that the load is balanced.
5. Keep hands, feet, and loose clothing clear of the load chain, hooks, and pinch points.
6. Make sure no one is beneath or near the suspended load.

Do not side-load the hoist, pull diagonally, drag the load, ground-moor the load, or use the load chain as a sling.

Raise and Lower the Load

Use the pendant controls to raise or lower the load.

1. Maintain a clear view of the load and its travel path.
2. Use controlled pendant input to take up slack and begin movement gradually.
3. Use the variable low-speed control when precise positioning is needed.
4. Keep the load as low as practical while moving it.
5. Stop immediately if the load swings, binds, catches on an obstruction, or moves unexpectedly.
6. Do not use the upper or lower limit switches as normal operating stops.

Important: After connecting power, allow the hoist startup process to complete before operating the pendant controls.

Move a Trolley-Mounted Hoist

If the hoist is installed on a plain or motorized trolley:

• Move the trolley smoothly to minimize load swing.
• Keep the load centered beneath the trolley.
• Confirm that the full beam or runway travel path is clear.
• Do not pull the pendant cable to move a plain trolley.
• Do not use the trolley to pull a load sideways.
• Stop if the trolley does not move smoothly or if the load begins to swing excessively.

Motorized-trolley models may use a four-button pendant for hoist and travel control. Use the buttons marked for the installed configuration.

Use the Emergency Stop

Press the Emergency Stop when an unsafe condition develops or when immediate stopping is required.

When the Emergency Stop is pressed:

• Hoist movement stops.
• Pendant controls should not operate the hoist.
• The cause of the stop must be understood before operation resumes.

Do not reset the Emergency Stop and resume operation until the area is safe and the condition that caused the stop has been corrected.

Respond to Limit-Switch Operation

Upper and lower limit switches protect the hoist at the ends of its approved travel range.

• If the hoist stops at the upper limit, lower the hook or load safely. Do not continue trying to raise it.
• If the hoist stops at the lower limit, raise the hook or load safely. Do not continue trying to lower it.
• If the limit switch does not operate correctly, remove the hoist from service.

Report repeated limit-switch activation, unexpected stopping, or incorrect travel direction to qualified personnel.

After Operating the Hoist

When the lift is complete:

1. Lower the load to a stable, supported position.
2. Remove tension from the rigging before disconnecting the load.
3. Park the hook where it will not create a hazard.
4. Leave the pendant and cables protected from damage.
5. Report any unusual operating condition before the next use.

When to Stop and Contact Service

Remove the hoist from service and contact qualified personnel if you notice:

• Damaged, twisted, kinked, corroded, or improperly lubricated load chain
• Damaged hooks, hook latches, pendant, cables, or chain bucket
• Unusual noise, vibration, grinding, or chain binding
• A hoist that moves in the wrong direction or does not stop as expected
• A limit switch or Emergency Stop that does not function correctly
• A load that drifts, slips, or cannot be controlled safely
• Visible damage to the hoist housing, trolley, support structure, or electrical enclosure

For scheduled inspection requirements, see Inspecting and Maintaining an EVLK Electric Chain Hoist. For safe first-level diagnosis, see Troubleshooting Common EVLK Electric Chain Hoist Problems.

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