A Legacy of Brands

With a family of trusted global brands including CM, Coffing, Chester, Stuart Rush’s line of manual/lever hoists combines superior engineering, efficiency, and durability for a wide range of applications.

A red industrial chain hoist labeled “Chester Hoist 5 Ton” is mounted on a black beam, with chains hanging down.

Manual/Lever Hoist for Every Configuration.

CM by Stuart Rush and Chester manual/lever hoists for overhead lifting, load positioning. Filter by mount configuration, capacity, or lift speed to find the right unit

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Unplanned Downtime Starts With the Wrong Specification.

Get the hoist rated for your application, your environment, and your duty cycle before the order.

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The Brands Your Facility Has Been Running for Decades

Battery hoists are backed by the same engineering standards and parts continuity your facility has relied on for years.

One manufacturer, one place to specify, source, and support all of it.

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Is a Manual/Lever Hoist Right for Your Application?

Best used when you need to lift or move heavy loads in locations where electricity or air is unavailable or impractical. Ideal for low-frequency lifting tasks where the cost and complexity of a power hoist aren’t justified. Manual hoists are also preferred in hazardous or explosive environments where electrical equipment posts a safety risk.

Working Load Limit (WLL)

The maximum rated load. Never exceed — include the weight of all rigging hardware (slings, shackles, beam clamps) in your calculation.

Working Load Limit (WLL)Lift Height

Length of chain or rope available. Standard is 3 m; custom runs are available up to 30 m+. Match to your required hook travel.

Headroom

Vertical distance from hook to hook at the lowest position. Critical in tight spaces such as low-ceiling workshops or confined plant rooms.

Pull Effort

Force a single operator must apply to the hand chain at full WLL. Typically 30–40 kg. Important for operator ergonomics and sustained use.

Manual/Lever Hoist FAQs

A chain hoist uses a continuously-looped hand chain and is designed for vertical overhead lifting over longer distances. A lever hoist uses a short ratchet lever for incremental movement — it is better for precise positioning, horizontal pulling, and confined spaces where you cannot swing a long chain.

Calculate the total load including the object being lifted, all rigging hardware, and any dynamic forces. Apply a safety factor (typically 4:1 for general lifting). The hoist’s WLL must exceed this figure. The WLL is stamped on the body and load hook — never guess or estimate.

Inspect before every use: check for twisted or cracked chain links, worn hooks, damaged housing, and a freely-moving load brake. Lubricate the load chain every 3 to 6 months with chain lubricant (not grease). A full strip-and-inspect service is typically recommended annually or per the manufacturer’s specified interval.

Need Help Matching a Hoist to Your Application?

Load capacity, mounting configuration, environment rating, and duty cycle all affect the right specification. A distributor familiar with your application can confirm the right unit before the order.

Get Your Application Specified Today