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Hoist
device used for lifting or lowering a load / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A hoist is a device used for lifting or lowering a load by means of a drum or lift-wheel around which rope or chain wraps. It may be manually operated, electrically or pneumatically driven and may use chain, fiber or wire rope as its lifting medium. The load is attached to the hoist by means of a lifting hook.
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A "hoist" normally is used for lifting (near vertical) and a winch is normally used for pulling (near horizontal).
Construction sites, especially for buildings of more than five floors in height, often employ hoists to lift workers and building materials.