Complete Guide to Workshop Small Lifting Equipment: Electric Trolley, Electric Hoist, Winch, Jib Crane & Lightweight Gantry Crane

Why Small Lifting Equipment Matters in Modern Workshops

Modern workshops are mostly flexible production, requiring small-batch and high-frequency handling of heavy objects. Compared with large equipment, small lifting equipment is flexible to operate, occupies less space, and has a low cost. It is suitable for local lifting and rapid operations, and can effectively improve work efficiency.

Common workshop lifting equipment includes: electric trolleys, electric hoists, winches, jib cranes, and lightweight gantry cranes. These machines are compact, cost-effective, and highly efficient, making them ideal for localized lifting and fast material handling. In this guide, we will explore the main types, specifications, application scenarios, maintenance tips, and FAQs.

1. Main Types of Small Workshop Lifting Equipment

1.1 Electric Trolley

Function: Installed on I-beams or rails, used for horizontal travel. When paired with an electric hoist, it provides combined lifting and traveling.
Types:
- Push trolley – economical, for low-frequency use.
- Geared trolley – operated via hand chain.
- Electric trolley – motor-driven, suitable for frequent operations.
Application: Assembly lines, warehouse transfer, workpiece movement.

1.2 Electric Hoist (Chain Hoist / Wire Rope Hoist)

Function: Specially designed for vertical lifting; can be mounted with an electric trolley for combined “lifting + traveling.”
Features: Single-speed, dual-speed, or variable frequency; chain type for small loads, wire rope type for larger capacities.
Application: Loading/unloading at workstations, mold lifting, assembly workshops.

1.3 Electric Winch

Function: Used for pulling, dragging, or light-duty lifting.
Advantages: Compact, easy to install, very cost-effective.
Application: Maintenance areas, confined spaces, temporary lifting tasks.

1.4 Small Jib Crane (Wall-Mounted / Floor-Mounted)

Function: Provides localized lifting with flexible rotation.
Application: Workstations, repair shops, machine tool loading/unloading.
Advantages: Space-saving, flexible, can be easily combined with electric hoists.

1.5 Lightweight Gantry Crane

Function: Independent frame structure, either fixed or mobile.
Advantages: Easy assembly, portable, much lower cost than heavy gantry cranes.
Application: Warehouses, repair workshops, multi-station lifting.

2. Technical Parameter Reference Table

Equipment Type	Capacity Range	Span / Reach	Features / Operation	Typical Applications
Electric Trolley	0.25–10 tons	Beam length	Push / Geared / Motorized	Horizontal movement, assembly lines
Electric Hoist	0.25–10 tons	Vertical lifting	Single / Dual speed / VFD	Workstation lifting, mold handling
Winch	≤ 1 ton (portable)	Fixed position	Manual / Electric	Confined space, small pulling
Small Jib Crane	0.5–10 tons	1–10 m arm length	180°/270°/360° rotation	Workstations, repair shops
Lightweight Gantry Crane	0.5–10 tons	2–10 m span	Fixed / Mobile	Warehouses, multi-station coverage

3. Typical Application Scenarios

Maintenance Shops:

Electric hoists + trolleys are used to remove motors and pumps, while winches are great for small repair tasks.

Assembly Workshops:

Trolleys handle horizontal movement, hoists provide vertical lifting, jib cranes support frequent workstation operations.

Warehousing & Logistics:

Lightweight gantry cranes are ideal for pallet loading/unloading; winches assist in narrow aisles.

Metal Fabrication:

Jib cranes + hoists lift steel plates, molds, and semi-finished goods.

4. Key Benefits

Flexibility – Electric trolleys and gantries are mobile and adaptable.
Cost-effectiveness – Far cheaper than large overhead systems.
Safety – Reduces manual handling risks.
Versatility – Wide range of capacities and motion options.
Productivity – Faster loading/unloading, shorter downtime.

5. Maintenance & Safety Tips

Regularly inspect chains, ropes, and hooks for wear.
Keep gears and bearings properly lubricated.
Never overload; conduct load testing periodically.
Train operators on emergency stop and safety rules.
Choose explosion-proof or anti-corrosion designs for special environments.

6. Market Trends

With the rise of lean manufacturing and workshop automation, small lifting solutions are in growing demand. Especially in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, SMEs are increasingly choosing electric hoists, jib cranes, and lightweight gantries for cost-effective lifting solutions.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Electric trolleys, electric hoists,electric winches, jib cranes, and lightweight gantry cranes are essential tools in small workshops. Selecting the right type, tonnage, and design can significantly boost productivity and ensure safe operations.

At SLKJCrane, we provide customized workshop lifting solutions tailored to your specific requirements. Contact our engineers today for professional advice and a competitive quotation.

Expert in Overhead Crane/Gantry Crane/Jib Crane/Crane Parts Solutions

Eileen Hu

With 20+ years of experience in the Crane Overseas Export Industry, helped 10,000+ customers with their pre-sales questions and concerns, if you have any related needs, please feel free to contact me!

+8615738677559

info@slkjcrane.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What’s the difference between an electric trolley and an electric hoist?

Should I choose a jib crane or a gantry crane for my workshop?

Can an electric hoist operate continuously?

What is the standard delivery time for small lifting equipment?

Do these cranes require special foundations?

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