VA SERIES CHAIN LEVER HOIST OVERVIEW
The VA Series uses a hand-operated ratchet lever mechanism to raise, lower, pull, tighten, or position a load through the load chain. Its compact construction and 360° rotating handle support controlled operation where access is restricted or a long hand chain would be impractical.
Model selection should consider more than rated capacity. Confirm the maximum total load, required lift, available headroom, direction of pull, suspension or anchorage point, operating effort, and working environment before ordering.
VA SERIES PRODUCT FEATURES
- 360° Rotating Handle: Allows the lever to be operated through different handle positions where the available working arc is restricted.
- Double-Pawl Brake System: The specified mechanism uses a double-pawl brake arrangement for reliable engagement.
- Weston-Type Automatic Load Brake: Helps control the load during lifting and lowering.
- No-Load Free-Wheeling: Allows rapid load-chain adjustment when the hoist is not under load. Do not engage free-wheeling while the load chain is carrying a load.
- Heat-Treated Steel Components: The specified construction includes heat-treated steel plates, gears, and shafts.
- Forged Hooks with Safety Latches: The upper and lower hooks are forged and fitted with safety latches.
- Strength and Fatigue Criteria: The product data specifies a 4:1 safety factor and fatigue testing for 2,000 cycles at 1.5 × WLL (working load limit).
- Applicable Standard: EN 13157 is listed as the applicable standard for the VA Series. Specify any required declaration, inspection record, or test certificate when requesting a quotation.
VA SERIES LEVER CHAIN HOIST DRAWING
VA SERIES CHAIN LEVER HOIST SPECIFICATIONS
Use the specification table below to compare rated capacity, standard lift, operating effort, number of load-chain falls, load-chain diameter, dimensions, net weight, and other model-specific data. To compare the VA Series with other lever-hoist configurations, review our complete lever hoist range.
| Model | VA-0.75 | VA-1.5 | VA-3 | VA-6 | VA-9 | |
| Capacity(t) | 0.75 | 1.5 | 3 | 6 | 9 | |
| Standard lift(m) | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | |
| Running test load(t) | 1.125 | 2.25 | 4.5 | 9 | 13.5 | |
| Effort required at capacity(N) | 140 | 220 | 320 | 340 | 360 | |
| No.of coluns of load chain | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| Load chain dia.(mm) | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 10 | |
| Dimensions(mm) | A | 145 | 175 | 203 | 203 | 203 |
| B | 86 | 100 | 118 | 118 | 118 | |
| C | 122 | 130 | 150 | 205 | 316 | |
| D | 37 | 45 | 50 | 64 | 85 | |
| H | 320 | 380 | 480 | 620 | 700 | |
| L | 285 | 370 | 410 | 410 | 410 | |
| K | 30 | 36 | 40 | 50 | 58 | |
| Net Weight(kg) | 7.5 | 11.5 | 21 | 31.5 | 47 | |
| Packing measurements(L×W×H)(cm) | 35.5x14x16.5 | 49.5×15.5×19 | 51x19x21.5 | 53x22x21.5 | 82x32x21.5 | |
| Extra weight per meter of extra lift(kg) | 0.8 | 1.4 | 2.2 | 4.4 | 6.6 | |
Note: Dimension letters correspond to the VA Series dimensional drawing. For lifts above the 1.5 m standard, add the listed extra weight for each additional metre of lift.
HOW TO SELECT A VA SERIES LEVER HOIST
Choose the Rated Capacity
Determine the maximum total load, including any lifting attachments, and select a hoist with a rated capacity equal to or greater than that load. Never exceed the rated capacity marked on the hoist.
Confirm Lift and Headroom
The standard lift is 1.5 m. If a longer lift is required, state the total required lift in the enquiry and account for the additional chain weight. Compare dimension H with the available headroom between the suspension point and the load connection.
Check Operating Effort
Operating effort increases from 140 N on VA-0.75 to 360 N on VA-9. Confirm that the operator can move the lever through a controlled arc without obstruction.
Define the Load Path
Confirm whether the task is vertical lifting, pulling, tightening, or positioning. Keep the hooks, load chain, and hoist body aligned with the intended load path; do not side-load the body or hooks.
Specify the Working Environment
Identify outdoor exposure, moisture, dust, corrosive substances, temperature conditions, and duty frequency. Do not assume the standard configuration suits a special environment without written confirmation.
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
Typical applications include equipment installation, machinery alignment, maintenance, fabrication, construction support, mining work, power-plant maintenance, and boat manufacturing. The lever-operated mechanism is also suitable for controlled pulling or tightening when the hoist is correctly anchored and the load path remains aligned.
If the task involves repetitive vertical lifting from a fixed suspension point, a hand chain block may be the more appropriate option. See our lever hoist vs chain block guide for a clear comparison of their applications, operating methods, and selection considerations.
OPERATING AND INSPECTION BOUNDARIES
Before use, confirm that the identification markings and rated capacity are legible. Inspect the hooks and latches, load chain, selector lever, operating lever, brake response, and suspension point. Remove the hoist from service if the load chain is twisted, damaged, or excessively worn; if a hook is cracked, opened, or distorted; or if the mechanism slips, jams, or operates abnormally.
Keep the load within the rated capacity. Do not use the load chain as a sling, shock-load the hoist, load the hook tip, side-load the body or hooks, use the hoist to lift or support people, or allow anyone beneath a suspended load. Use free-wheeling only when the hoist is unloaded and the load chain is not carrying a load.
Follow the supplied operating instructions and the site lifting procedure or lift plan for operation, inspection, and maintenance. For a structured review, see the lever hoist inspection checklist.
INFORMATION TO INCLUDE IN YOUR ENQUIRY
- VA model or required rated capacity
- Total required lift
- Available headroom
- Intended task: vertical lifting, pulling, tightening, or positioning
- Suspension or anchorage point and load connection
- Operating environment and expected duty frequency
- Quantity
- Required marking, inspection, testing, and documentation
- Destination and packaging requirements
If you are comparing suppliers as well as models, review the criteria in our lever hoist manufacturer evaluation guide.
FAQ
What Is a VA Series Chain Lever Hoist?
It is a hand-operated ratchet lever hoist available in rated capacities from 0.75 t to 9 t. Repeated lever movement drives the internal mechanism and load chain for lifting, lowering, pulling, tightening, or positioning.
Which VA Model Should I Choose?
Choose from VA-0.75, VA-1.5, VA-3, VA-6, and VA-9 after confirming the maximum total load, required lift, available headroom, operating effort, load direction, and suspension or anchorage point.
Can I Use the Free-Wheeling Function Under Load?
No. Free-wheeling is intended for rapid load-chain adjustment before the hoist is loaded. Do not disengage or free-wheel the mechanism while the load chain is carrying a load.
Can the VA Series Be Used for Pulling or Angled Positioning?
The VA Series is specified for lifting, tightening, and pulling applications. Keep the anchorage or suspension point, hooks, hoist body, and load chain aligned with the intended force. Do not side-load the hoist or allow the load chain to bear against edges or obstructions. Follow the supplied operating instructions and the site lifting plan.
Is EN 13157 Listed for the VA Series?
Yes. EN 13157 is listed as the applicable standard for the VA Series. If your order requires a declaration, inspection record, test certificate, or destination-specific document, state the requirement before quotation.