CM Lodestar Electric Chain Hoist

The CM Lodestar is a popular brand of electric chain hoist designed, manufactured, and marketed by Columbus McKinnon Corporation. The first CM Lodestar was produced in 1955. The oldest CM Lodestar was installed in Murray Industrial Supply Company in February 1956 and is still currently in use.

Although mostly used in industrial applications, CM Lodestar has modified editions that are also used in cleanroom environments and wind turbines.

Columbus McKinnon Corporation manufactured the one millionth CM Lodestar in 2006.

Technical Information

There are two types of CM Lodestars, single speed and two speed. Both CM Lodestars have rated capacities of 1/8 tons, 1/4 tons, 1/2 tons, 1 ton, 2 tons, and 3 tons; however, single speed can have 10, 15, and 20 feet lift, whereas the two speed CM Lodestar only has 10 feet lift.

CM Lodestars for wind turbines have more than 300 feet lift, qualifying it for being a long-lift hoist.

CM Lodestars meet ASME regulation B30.16.

References

* [http://www.hoistmagazine.com/story.asp?sectionCode=136&storyCode=2036343 Hoist Magazine]
* [http://www.cmindustrial.com/products/endproducts.asp?product_id=396 Columbus McKinnon]

External links

* [http://www.liftturnmove.co.uk/PDF/Lodestar_first_ever_Booklet.pdf PDF copy of the first print advert for the Lodestar from 1955]