The Yale HCH metal chain container is a purpose-built accessory for the Yale VSIII hand chain hoist range, storing the slack end of the load chain neatly during lifting operations. It attaches directly to the VSIII hoist body via the dead-end stop and existing body bolts — no modification required — keeping the slack chain off the floor and protected from snagging and damage. Containers come in capacity Sizes I through IV matched to VSIII capacity and Height of Lift, with dedicated heavy-capacity containers available on request.
Key Features
- Direct attachment to VSIII hoist body: Mounts using the existing dead-end stop and body bolts. No drilling, welding, or hoist modification required.
- Steel construction: Robust steel container with corrosion-resistant finish, matched to the durability of the VSIII hoist.
- Capacity sizes I to IV (standard range): Four standard sizes cover the VSIII 250 kg to 5,000 kg range with both 3 m and 6 m Height of Lift options.
- Heavy-duty options: Size V containers are available for the VSIII 10/4, 20/8, 30/12, and 50/18 heavy-duty hoists on request.
- Protects load chain from damage: Prevents the slack chain from dragging on the floor, snagging on obstructions, or being damaged by other equipment in the work area.
- Improves work area safety: Eliminates trailing chain in the operator's working space, reducing trip and entanglement hazards.
- Easily detachable: Container can be removed for cleaning, inspection, or chain replacement without disassembling the hoist.
- Compatible with optional Yale fabric chain bag: Use the steel HCH container for permanent installation, the fabric chain bag for portable applications, see HCH Fabric Chain Bag product.
Technical Specifications
| Article No. |
Container Size |
Compatible VSIII Capacity |
Compatible HOL (m) |
| N04100014 |
Size I |
VSIII 250 to 1,000 kg |
3 |
| N04100015 |
Size I (extended) |
VSIII 250 to 1,000 kg |
6 |
| N04100016 |
Size II |
VSIII 1,500 to 2,000 kg |
3 to 6 |
| N04100017 |
Size III |
VSIII 3,000 kg |
3 to 6 |
| N04100018 |
Size IV |
VSIII 5,000 kg |
3 to 6 |
| N04100019 |
Size IV (extended) |
VSIII 5,000 kg |
9 to 12 |
| N04100020 |
Size V (heavy) |
VSIII 10,000 kg+ on request |
3 to 6 |
Container sizing is determined by both VSIII capacity and Height of Lift, longer HOL requires a larger container to accommodate the additional slack chain length. The sizing shown is indicative, contact our team to confirm the correct container article number for your specific VSIII model and HOL specification. For VSIII 10/4, 20/8, 30/12, and 50/18 heavy-duty models, dedicated heavy-capacity chain containers are available on request.
CE & UKCA Marked | Compatible Yale VSIII Accessory
This product is an accessory designed for use with the Yale VSIII hand chain hoist range. CE marked and UKCA marked, supplied with appropriate documentation. Selection of the correct container size for a given VSIII capacity and Height of Lift is critical for safe and effective operation, our team will help specify the appropriate size for your hoist.
More About This Product
The Yale HCH metal chain container is a purpose-built accessory for the Yale VSIII hand chain hoist range, providing organised storage for the slack end of the load chain during lifting operations. The container attaches directly to the VSIII hoist body via the dead-end stop and existing body bolts, requiring no modification to the hoist itself. Without a chain container, the slack load chain falls free below the hoist, where it can drag on the floor or load, snag on obstructions, or risk damage to the chain itself or surrounding equipment. The HCH container collects and contains the slack chain neatly within a steel enclosure, keeping the work area clear and protecting the chain from environmental and mechanical damage. Containers are sized in capacity Sizes I through IV, with each size matched to a specific VSIII capacity range and Height of Lift specification. For VSIII heavy-duty models (VSIII 10/4, 20/8, 30/12, 50/18), dedicated heavy-capacity containers are available on request.
Suitable Applications
The Yale HCH metal chain container is suitable for any VSIII installation where the slack chain would otherwise hang free, including permanent overhead lifting points, hire fleet equipment, workshop bays, and any application where chain housekeeping matters for safety, cleanliness, or chain protection. Particularly recommended for: outdoor or exposed applications where chain debris is a problem; clean environments (food, pharmaceutical, electronics) where chain contamination is unacceptable; high-cycle applications where chain wear is a concern; and any work area where trailing chain creates a trip or snag hazard. This container is sized for the Yale VSIII hand chain hoist; for Yalelift 360 hoists see the matching YL360 container, and for larger capacities the fabric chain bag is a lighter alternative.
How to Use the Yale HCH Chain Container for VSIII
- Confirm container size: Verify the container article number matches your VSIII model and Height of Lift. Sizing depends on both capacity and HOL.
- Position the container under the hoist: The container hangs below the hoist body, attached at the dead-end stop and body bolts.
- Attach the container: Following the installation instructions, secure the container using the dead-end stop and the existing body bolts. No additional drilling required.
- Verify free chain travel: Manually operate the hoist through its full range of travel, confirming the chain feeds smoothly into the container without binding or snagging.
- In use, the slack chain self-collects: As the hoist lifts, the slack end of the load chain feeds automatically into the container. No operator intervention required.
- Periodic inspection: Inspect the container at each LOLER examination for damage, corrosion, and free chain travel.
Warning:
Yale hoists and trolleys are not designed for passenger elevation applications. The chain container must be sized correctly for the VSIII capacity and HOL, an undersized container can cause the chain to back up and bind, preventing further operation. Contact our team to verify size selection.
Safety Information
- Verify the container article number matches your VSIII model and Height of Lift before installation.
- Inspect the container at each LOLER examination, including chain free-travel into the container, container body for damage or corrosion, and mounting integrity.
- Never overload the container by exceeding the VSIII rated HOL, the container is sized for the specified HOL only.
- Container must be removed before transporting the hoist, to prevent damage to the container or hoist body.
Inspection and Maintenance
Inspect the chain container at each LOLER examination of the VSIII hoist. Check for free chain travel into the container, body damage or corrosion, and the integrity of the mounting bolts. The container itself requires no routine lubrication or service. Replace if damage compromises function. WOLFF Onsite supplies replacement containers and provides full LOLER inspection services.
Optional Accessories
- Yale HCH Fabric Chain Bag: Lightweight alternative for portable applications. See HCH Fabric Chain Bag product.
- Replacement mounting hardware: Available as a kit if original bolts are lost or damaged.
- Custom sizing: Special-order containers for non-standard HOL specifications on the VSIII hoist.
Downloads
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know which container size to order?
Container size depends on both the VSIII capacity AND the Height of Lift (HOL). A 1,000 kg VSIII at 3 m HOL takes a different container size than a 1,000 kg VSIII at 6 m HOL. The container article number we supply will match your specific hoist configuration. Tell our team the VSIII model number AND the HOL when ordering, we'll specify the correct container.
Q: Can I use a chain container with a VSIII 10/4, 20/8, 30/12, or 50/18?
Yes, but these heavy-duty VSIII models require dedicated heavy-capacity containers (Size V and above), supplied on request rather than from standard stock. Contact us to specify the appropriate container for your heavy-duty VSIII installation.
Q: Is the metal HCH container or the fabric chain bag the right choice?
Choose the metal HCH container for permanent installations, durability, and resistance to wear from environmental factors (dust, chemicals, weather, sparks). Choose the fabric chain bag (HCH Fabric Chain Bag, product N04600060) for portable, lightweight, or rental applications where weight and pack-down volume matter more than permanent installation durability.
Q: Does fitting a chain container affect the VSIII's WLL or HOL?
No, the container is an accessory that holds the slack chain only and does not affect the load-bearing components of the hoist. The VSIII's WLL and HOL ratings remain unchanged when fitted with the container.
Q: Can I retrofit a container to an existing VSIII?
Yes, the HCH container attaches via the existing dead-end stop and body bolts on the VSIII, requiring no modification to the hoist. Field retrofit is straightforward and can be done by a competent person.
Q: How is the container fitted, do I need special tools?
Standard hand tools are sufficient (typically socket spanner). The installation procedure is detailed in the supplied instructions, takes 10 to 15 minutes per hoist.
