Yale YaleMINI 360 Hand Chain Hoist

Model YaleMINI 360 | Capacity 250 kg or 500 kg | Die-Cast Aluminium Housing | 2.9 to 4.3 kg Net Weight | 360° Rotating Hand Chain Wheel | CE & UKCA Marked

The YaleMINI 360 is the smallest in Yale's hand chain hoist range, designed for portable, light-duty lifting and pulling applications where weight and compactness matter. The housing is made from die-cast aluminium, giving exceptional power-to-weight ratio: the 250 kg model weighs just 2.9 kg at 3 m HOL, and the 500 kg model only 4.3 kg, making both small enough to fit into a typical tool box. The hand chain wheel cover rotates a full 360°, allowing the operator to work from any position outside the danger zone. The YaleMINI 360 is equally suited to lifting and to horizontal pulling, making it useful for assembly work, light maintenance, vehicle workshops, fabrication, installation tasks, light construction, and trades work where a full-size chain hoist would be impractical. Forged hooks made from age-resistant high-alloy tempered steel yield under overload rather than breaking, and the galvanised steel load chain meets all national and international regulations.

Technical Specifications

Specifications quoted are for standard 3 m Height of Lift. The YaleMINI 360 is supplied as standard with 3 m HOL; extended lengths are available on request. Both models include the load pressure brake that holds the load in any position when the hand chain is released.

Key Features

• Die-cast aluminium housing: Exceptional power-to-weight ratio. The 250 kg model weighs just 2.9 kg, the 500 kg model 4.3 kg, both fit into a typical tool box.
• 360° rotating hand chain wheel cover: Operator can apply force from any direction, keeping clear of the danger zone.
• Light enough for one-hand carry: Genuinely portable. Take it to the job rather than the job to the hoist.
• Equally suitable for lifting and pulling: Use the YaleMINI 360 for vertical lifting or horizontal pulling/tensioning of loads.
• Load pressure brake holds in any position: Complies with all technical regulations. Load is held automatically when hand chain is released.
• Forged load and suspension hooks: Age-resistant high-alloy tempered steel. Hooks open under overload rather than breaking, giving visible warning before failure.
• 360° rotating hooks with safety latches: Both top and bottom hooks rotate freely, fitted with robust spring-loaded safety catches.
• Galvanised steel load chain: Compliant with all national and international standards. Optimal fit to the load chain wheel ensures safe and long-lasting operation.
• Compact protected design: Die-cast housing fully protects all internal parts. Can be used outdoors or in rough environments.
• CE and UKCA marked: Compliant with EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and UK Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008.

Suitable Applications

The YaleMINI 360 is the right tool for portable, light-duty lifting and pulling: vehicle and machinery workshops (engine pulling, gearbox removal, suspension work); plant and equipment installation (positioning small motors, pumps, valves); fabrication and welding shops (positioning workpieces, jigs, fixtures); light construction (placing fittings, lifting tools to height); domestic trades (HVAC installation, plumbing); arboriculture and grounds maintenance; agricultural use (lifting and tensioning); and as a tool-box hoist for service engineers. Use the larger YaleMINI 360 500 for slightly heavier general work; the 250 kg model excels at the lightest applications where portability is paramount.

How to Use the Yale YaleMINI 360 Hand Chain Hoist

1. Mount the hoist securely: Suspend from a structure rated for the WLL plus safety factor. Engage the top hook safety latch fully.
2. Position the 360° hand chain wheel cover: Rotate to give safest operator access, clear of the load path.
3. Inspect before each use: Visually check load chain, hooks (safety latches operational), housing, and hand chain. Do not use if any defect is found.
4. Engage the load: Attach the load to the bottom hook using suitable accessories. Ensure the safety latch closes fully.
5. Lift by pulling the hand chain: Apply steady pull. Hand chain pull at WLL is 25 daN (250 kg) or 24 daN (500 kg), comfortable for single-operator use.
6. Hold position: Load pressure brake holds the load automatically when the hand chain is released.
7. Lower the load: Pull the opposite side of the hand chain to lower at a controlled rate.
8. For pulling applications: Position the hoist horizontally with the suspension hook anchored at one end and the load hook at the other.

Warning: Yale hoists and trolleys are not designed for passenger elevation applications and must not be used for this purpose. Never exceed the rated 250 kg or 500 kg Working Load Limit. The YaleMINI 360 is rated for light-duty use and is not a substitute for a full-size industrial chain hoist on heavier loads.

Safety Information

• Always inspect the hoist before each use: load chain, hooks, safety latches, hand chain, housing.
• Never exceed the Working Load Limit (250 kg or 500 kg, see hoist body).
• Use only with manual hand chain pull. Never use levers, mechanical pulling devices, or motor drives on the hand chain.
• Never side-pull or angle-pull at the suspension point.
• Keep hands clear of the load chain inlet and chain wheel during operation.
• Do not stand under suspended loads.
• Remove from service immediately if chain elongation exceeds discard criteria in the Operating Manual.
• Avoid impact, dropping, or striking the die-cast aluminium housing, as cracking may compromise structural integrity.
• LOLER 1998 thorough examination required every 12 months by a competent person.

Inspection and Maintenance

The YaleMINI 360 requires minimal routine maintenance. Lubricate the load chain regularly with a thin-film lubricant suitable for galvanised steel chain. Internal mechanism is sealed; disassembly should only be carried out by a competent person. Visually inspect the die-cast housing for cracks or impact damage at each LOLER examination. Hook opening and minimum thickness must be measured against the wear limits in the Operating Manual. WOLFF Onsite provides full LOLER inspection and spare parts.

Optional Accessories

• Extended Height of Lift: Standard 3 m HOL, longer lengths available on request.
• Replacement load chain: Galvanised steel chain, sized to match the model.
• Replacement safety catches: Spring-loaded safety latch kit for top and bottom hooks.

Downloads

• YaleMINI 360 Datasheet (EN, 2024) , full spec tables and dimensional drawings (PDF, 3.7 MB)
• YaleMINI 360 Product Brochure (EN, 2022) , illustrated product brochure (PDF, 6.6 MB)
• YaleMINI 360 Brochure (EN, 2021) , product brochure (PDF, 580 KB)
• YaleMINI 360 Spare Parts List (EN/DE/FR) , spare parts cross-reference (PDF, 1.3 MB)

Frequently Asked Questions