Yale Yalelift 360 Hand Chain Hoist

Model Yalelift 360 | Capacity 500 kg – 20,000 kg | 360° Rotating Hand Chain Guide | Standard 3 m HOL | CE & UKCA Marked | German Engineered

The Yale Yalelift 360 is a premium hand chain hoist whose defining feature is its patented 360° rotating hand chain guide, a design that allows the operator to work from virtually any position, including from the side of the load or above it, and even enables horizontal pulling and tensioning applications. By rotating the hand chain cover to the most accessible direction, the operator is no longer forced to work in the danger zone directly beneath or beside a suspended load. The brake system is extremely quiet and improves serviceability by omitting the vulnerable ratchet pawls used in older designs, while the chain guide and gearbox are almost totally enclosed to protect internal components in the toughest conditions. Forged load and suspension hooks made from high tensile steel yield under overload rather than breaking, providing visible warning before failure. The Yalelift 360 covers capacities from 500 kg to 20,000 kg and can be easily modified into the Yalelift IT push or geared trolley range, a single platform spanning the full industrial lifting requirement.

Technical Specifications

Specifications quoted are for standard 3 m Height of Lift. Greater HOL is available on request. The 20,000 kg model is supplied with six chain falls only, half the chain count of comparable competitor 20-tonne hoists, giving higher lift speed, lower hoist weight (196 kg vs typical 350 kg+) and a compact hook-to-hook dimension of just 1,065 mm. Two operators are required on the hand chain at full load (2 × 44 daN). For full A-N dimensional data, see the datasheet linked below.

Key Features

• Patented 360° rotating hand chain guide: The hand chain cover rotates a full 360° around the hoist body, allowing the operator to apply lifting force from any angle, vertically below the load, from the side, or above. Ideal for confined spaces, horizontal pulling, and tensioning applications.
• Operator stays clear of the danger zone: By repositioning the hand chain direction, the operator can avoid working directly under or beside a suspended load, a significant safety advantage over conventional fixed-direction hoists.
• Quiet, pawl-free Weston brake: The brake system omits the vulnerable ratchet pawls of older designs, giving extremely quiet operation, improved serviceability, and reduced wear over the service life.
• Hardened, precision-pocketed load sheave: Four precision-machined pockets on standard models (five on the 20-tonne version) ensure accurate, consistent movement of the load chain through the sheave.
• Enclosed stamped steel housing: Four stay-bolt construction protects internal components from the toughest conditions and is rated for outdoor and industrial use.
• Drop-forged hooks that yield under overload: Made from high tensile steel; deform visibly rather than breaking, giving warning before failure. Both top and bottom hooks rotate freely through 360° and are fitted with robust safety latches.
• Zinc-plated alloy steel load chain: Grade T and Grade V chains to EN 818-7 standards; corrosion-resistant zinc plating standard.
• Horizontal pulling capability: Suitable for fleeting and tensioning operations, pull loads horizontally across floors or tension structural components.
• 20-tonne compact design: Only six chain falls (vs eight typical), hook-to-hook 1,065 mm, weight 196 kg at 3 m HOL, easier to install and reposition than competitor 20-tonne hoists.
• Easily converted to Yalelift IT: The same hoist body adapts to the Yalelift IT integrated push/geared trolley range, single platform across the full Yale lifting catalogue.

Suitable Applications

The Yalelift 360 is engineered for industrial environments where operator flexibility, speed, and serviceability matter. Typical applications include plant and equipment installation, machinery maintenance, structural steel erection, mould handling, vessel and tank fitting, and horizontal pulling/tensioning of loads. The 360° hand chain guide is particularly valuable in confined spaces, between columns, beside fixed plant, or where the operator would otherwise be forced to stand under the load. Where explosion protection is required, see the Yalelift 360 ATEX variant. For low headroom applications (under approximately 600 mm at 5 t), see the Yalelift LH range. For light-duty or portable use under 500 kg, see the YaleMINI 360 range.

How to Use the Yale Yalelift 360 Hand Chain Hoist

1. Mount the hoist securely: Suspend from a structure rated for the Working Load Limit plus an appropriate safety factor. Engage the top hook safety latch fully.
2. Position the 360° hand chain cover: Rotate the patented hand chain cover to the direction that gives safest and most accessible operation, clear of the load path, away from obstructions, and from a position outside the danger zone.
3. Inspect before each use: Visually check load chain, hooks (safety latches operational, no bending or wear), housing, hand chain, and brake operation. Do not use if any defect is found.
4. Engage the load: Attach the load to the bottom hook using suitable lifting accessories. Ensure the safety latch closes fully and the load sits in the saddle of the hook.
5. Lift by pulling the down-side hand chain: Apply steady pull to the appropriate side of the hand chain. The opposite side lowers. Hand chain pull at WLL ranges from 21 daN (500 kg) up to 44 daN (10 t), see specifications table.
6. Two-operator operation for 20-tonne model: The Yalelift 360 20,000 kg requires two operators on the hand chain (2 × 44 daN total pull). Coordinate movements clearly via verbal signals.
7. Hold position: The Weston-style brake holds the load in any position when the hand chain is released, automatic, no operator action required.
8. Lower the load: Pull the opposite side of the hand chain to lower at a controlled rate.
9. For horizontal pulling/tensioning: Position the hoist with the hand chain cover rotated to give safest operator access. The hoist may be used for fleeting and tensioning provided the load remains within the rated WLL and is not subjected to side-loading at the suspension point.

Warning: Yale hoists and trolleys are not designed for passenger elevation applications and must not be used for this purpose. Never exceed the rated Working Load Limit. Never use the hoist with damaged chain, hooks, or housing. Never use the hoist to lift loads over personnel.

Safety Information

• Always inspect the hoist before each use, load chain, hooks, safety latches, hand chain, brake, and housing.
• Never exceed the Working Load Limit stamped on the hoist body.
• Use only with manual hand chain pull, never use levers, mechanical pulling devices, or motor drives on the hand chain.
• The 20,000 kg model requires two operators on the hand chain at WLL, do not attempt single-operator full-load lifting.
• Never side-pull or angle-pull the load at the suspension point, only vertical hoist suspension is permitted.
• Position the 360° hand chain cover to keep the operator clear of the load path and danger zone.
• Do not stand under suspended loads.
• Ensure adequate headroom for the loaded hoist plus chain travel, see datasheet for A-min dimensions (300 mm at 500 kg up to 1,065 mm at 20 t).
• Remove from service immediately if chain elongation exceeds the discard criteria specified in the Operating Instructions.
• This product must be inspected by a competent person at intervals not exceeding 12 months under LOLER 1998 (UK).

Inspection and Maintenance

The Yalelift 360 requires minimal routine maintenance. Lubricate the load chain regularly with a thin-film lubricant suitable for Grade T/V alloy chain. The brake mechanism is sealed; disassembly should only be carried out by a competent person. Load chain elongation over 11 chain pitches exceeding 2% indicates the chain has reached the end of its safe service life and must be replaced. All hooks must be measured for opening (Dimension C) and minimum thickness against the wear limits in the Operating Manual. WOLFF Onsite provides LOLER-certified inspection, spare parts, and full overhaul services for all Yalelift 360 capacities, contact our hire and service team for details.

Optional Accessories

• Adjustable overload protection device: Factory-fitted slip-clutch overload limiter.
• Chain container: Metal chain container (HCH) or fabric chain bag sized to match each capacity, keeps the loose end of the load chain contained during lifting.
• Corrosion-resistant version: Enhanced surface protection for marine, offshore, and aggressive industrial atmospheres.
• Extended Height of Lift (HOL): Standard 3 m HOL can be specified to greater lengths on request.
• Conversion to Yalelift IT: Field upgrade to integrated push (ITP) or geared (ITG) trolley.

Downloads

• Yalelift 360 Datasheet (EN, 2024), full spec tables and dimensional drawings (PDF, 3.9 MB)

Frequently Asked Questions