The short answer
A hoist is designed to both lift and lower a load. A winch is designed to pull a load and, depending on its design, hold it in place.
Mechanically the two are very similar. Input torque, input speed and drum dimensions govern the output of both in exactly the same way, so a winch and a hoist with the same dimensions produce the same line pull and line speed. The differences are in what each is built to survive.
Where they differ
| Winch | Hoist | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary job | Pull a load and, depending on design, hold it | Lift and lower a suspended load |
| Brake | Generally not adequate to absorb the energy of lowering a load | Sized to absorb the energy of lowering a load |
| Freespool | Common — winches usually pull in one direction, and freespool lets the drum turn freely to pay out line | Not used for lowering control |
| Drum core diameter | Typically smaller | Typically larger |
| Wire rope for the same capacity | Smaller diameter — a winch is not intended to suspend a load | Larger diameter |
Why it matters: using a winch to hoist
- Freespool engaged: if a winch is used for hoisting and the freespool is engaged, the load free-falls — most likely with negative consequences.
- Brake failure: if a winch brake fails while hoisting, the load drives the drum backward and the gear reduction becomes a speed increaser. The result can be catastrophic.
- Rope failure: a wire rope failure with the load on the ground is far less troublesome than one with the load fully suspended. That is why winches can run smaller rope — and it is not an excuse for unsafe practices.
How Columbia sizes rope for each
The Winch & Hoist Selector applies these wire rope rules by unit type:
| Unit type | Standard | Rope design factor | Recommended min. D:d | Freeboard (rope below flange) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hoist | ASME B30.16 | 5:1 | 18:1 | 1 × rope diameter |
| Winch | ASME B30.7 | 3.5:1 | 15:1 | 1/2" |
| Winch | EN 14492-1 / general | 2:1 | 10:1 | 1.5 × rope diameter |
Design factor = rope minimum breaking strength ÷ line pull. D:d = drum core diameter ÷ rope diameter. See Wire Rope Selection.
Not sure which you need? Call our sales team at (503) 626-0654. Columbia products are never to be used to lift or move people, or to lift anything over people.
Hoists built to ASME B30.7 base-mounted drum hoist requirements: ASME B30.7 Compliant Hoists.