Troubleshooting Common Electric Hoist Problems

Is your electric hoist is lifting like a champ. The next? It’s grinding, groaning—or not moving at all. As a vital part of any material-handling setup, hoist issues can stall productivity, waste time, and, if ignored, become dangerous.

We’ve seen every type of hoist hiccup—and we’re here to help. In this post, we’ll walk you through the most common electric hoist problems, what causes them, and most importantly, how to fix them quickly and safely.

Problem: Electric hoist struggles to lift or won’t lift at all – even with a load well below its capacity.

Problem Cause:

• Overloaded hoist

• Worn-out motor

• Power supply issues

• Blocked load chain

• Faulty control pendant

How to Fix It:

• Check and verify the load weight

• Inspect the power connections and voltage

• Clean and lubricate the chain

• Test the pendant control for responsiveness

• Call a technician if the motor is overheating

Problem: Squealing, grinding, or clanking sounds during operation.

Possible Causes:

• Dry gears or bearings

• Chain misalignment

• Internal component wear

• Brake failure

How to Fix It:

• Stop the hoist immediately

• Lubricate all moving parts

• Inspect and realign the load chain

• If sounds persist, arrange a professional inspection

Problem: The hoist continues moving after releasing the pendant or fails to stop precisely.

Possible Causes:

• Worn brake pads

• Faulty limit switches

• Electrical control failure

How to Fix It:

• Test and replace brake pads if needed

• Reset or replace limit switches

• Inspect control circuits or contact a technician

Problem: Chain won’t feed properly or gets stuck. The hook rotates awkwardly or doesn’t hold position.

Possible Causes:

• Twisted or stretched chain

• Damaged hook latch

• Lack of lubrication

• Load side pull

How to Fix It:

• Detangle and clean the chain

• Check for deformation or stretching

• Lubricate per manufacturer’s instructions

• Avoid side-loading and train operators on vertical lifts

Problem: Power to the hoist keeps cutting off unexpectedly.

Possible Causes:

• Electrical short circuit

• Overheating motor

• Circuit overload

• Incorrect fuse rating

How to Fix It:

• Check the circuit for grounding or shorts

• Ensure the motor is not overheating due to excessive use

• Consult your electrician to confirm fuse and circuit breaker capacity

To keep your hoist in tip-top shape:

• Perform monthly visual inspections

• Clean and lubricate chains regularly

• Keep pendant controls dry and undamaged

• Schedule annual professional maintenance

• Log all hoist usage and maintenance

Hoist problems can bring your operations to a grinding halt. But with the right knowledge and a bit of preventative care, you can keep lifting safely, consistently, and confidently.

And remember—when in doubt, call the pros. We provide quick-response hoist repair services across Malaysia, so your downtime stays minimal and your operations stay on track.

Disclaimer Statement
We hope you found this article informative. Our content is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute advice or necessarily reflect the full range of services offered by Power Tiek Sdn. Bhd.

Readers are advised to consult with a qualified industry professional and contact our experts for crane recommendations specific to their individual project needs. While we strive for accuracy and completeness in our blog posts, we cannot guarantee they are error-free. Power Tiek Sdn. Bhd. assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions.