Wesco Counter Balance Hand Winch Lifter

The Wesco Counter Balance Hand Winch Lifter is a manually operated counterbalance lifting unit designed for controlled, precise load positioning in shops, stockrooms, and production areas where battery-powered equipment is unavailable, impractical, or unnecessary given the lifting frequency. Lifting is accomplished via a hand winch with a locking crank that holds the carriage securely at height without drift during positioning.

Aluminum and steel construction balances weight and durability. The invertible forks provide two usable height positions from the same attachment, expanding the effective range without swapping parts. The 11.25" load centers are sized for compact, concentrated loads rather than standard pallets. Lowered height ranges from 2" to 25" depending on fork orientation. Mobility is provided by 5" polyurethane rear swivel casters with brakes and 4" front wheels. Top-of-frame rollers allow the unit to be laid horizontally for transport through doorways or tight spaces. An optional removable steel platform (20.5" x 24.25") fits over the forks for handling cartons, totes, and irregular-shaped items.

Models and Specifications:

♦ 273515, 350 lb capacity. Maximum lift range 118.5" to 140" (invertible fork positions). Lowered height range from 2" to 25". Locking hand winch. Invertible forks. 11.25" load centers. 5" polyurethane braked rear swivel casters, 4" front wheels. Aluminum and steel. Horizontal transport rollers. The highest-reaching model is suited for tall rack positions and overhead work at the lightest capacity.

♦ 273516, 400 lb capacity. Maximum lift range 99" to 120.5" (invertible fork positions). Lowered height range from 2" to 25". Same specification as 273515 at greater capacity and reduced maximum reach.

♦ 273517, 500 lb capacity. Maximum lift range 48.5" to 71" (invertible fork positions). Lowered height range from 2" to 25". Same specification as 273515, at the greatest capacity and the lowest maximum reach. Choose when the load weight requires 500 lb and a maximum reach of up to 71" is sufficient.

Selecting the Right Model:

♦ Capacity vs. maximum lift height tradeoff, the three models present a direct tradeoff: the 350 lb model reaches up to 140", the 400 lb model reaches up to 120.5", and the 500 lb model reaches only up to 71". Select based on both the load weight and the highest position the load must reach. If the load weighs 500 lb but must reach above 71", none of these models is appropriate for that combination contact CustomMHS at 866-333-0728 to discuss alternatives.

♦ Invertible forks and two height positions: flipping the forks on their mounting provides two distinct maximum lift heights per model (the range shown in the table). This expands the usable height range without changing attachments. The lower position is used for lower-height work; the upper position for maximum reach within the model's capacity.

♦ Optional platform (20.5" x 24.25"): the removable steel platform converts the fork configuration to a flat deck for handling cartons, totes, equipment bases, and irregular loads that cannot be engaged by forks. Specify when ordering if a flat deck is needed for the intended load types.

♦ Hand winch vs. powered lift: the hand winch provides slow, controlled lifting with locking height retention, but requires the operator to crank throughout the lift. For higher-frequency lifting or heavier loads, a powered counterbalance stacker with an 850-lb to 1,000-lb capacity and an electric lift may be more appropriate.

Where Commonly Used:

♦ Stockroom and Shop Overhead Positioning, shops and stockrooms positioning loads at shelf, rack, or overhead heights up to 140", use the 350 lb model for controlled manual lift to positions that powered equipment cannot reach in tight spaces or areas where battery operation is impractical.

♦ Production and Maintenance Component Positioning: positioning components, sub-assemblies, and tooling at machine height using the locking winch for stable, drift-free holding during installation and alignment tasks, where the operator needs both hands free once the load is at height.

♦ Narrow Aisle and Tight-Space Lifting: Facilities with narrow aisles and confined stockroom areas where full-size powered stackers cannot maneuver use the compact counterbalance hand winch lifter for manual lifting in the available space, with horizontal transport capability through doorways when needed.

♦ Carton and Tote Lifting with Optional Platform: operations handling cartons, totes, and irregularly shaped items at elevated positions use the optional flat platform conversion to provide a stable, flat deck surface for loads that cannot be safely engaged with standard forks.

CustomMHS is an authorized Wesco distributor. All purchases include the manufacturer's factory warranty.