2.5.4 Multi-hoist cranes

There are two main situations where it may be beneficial for the crane to have more than one hoist unit. Generally, the higher the capacity of the hoist, the slower the hoisting speed. For high capacity cranes, this can result in very slow operations when lifting relatively light loads. A lower capacity, higher speed auxiliary hoist mounted on the same crab frame can facilitate more efficient light load operations.

The second main situation is where the application requires the load to be orientated in some way whilst in the air. An auxiliary hoist or a second crab unit can provide this facility.