Air Or Elecctrick Hoist?

[Jim Meade / Iowa City]

I have an A frame with a 3 ton manual hoist on it.  I'd like to add a lighter hoist that is faster and easier to use.  I'm thinking either air or electric.  Which would you like, and why?  Can they be operated with precition or do you just get as close as you can?  I'm thinking of a 1 or at most 2 ton hoist.

[buckfarmer]

In the factory where I used to work we had both. The electric was more reliable. The air may have been undersized for what we used for.

[Jim Meade / Iowa City]

Thanks.  I ordered a 1 ton Milwaukee.  It should be big enough for most of my jobs.  I have a 3 ton manual for bigger jobs.  

[mike se il]

Local welding shop moved into a building with an existing overhead air operated hoist. After using it Ralph said if he had any choice he would never have an electric hoist again. He said the main advantage is being able to make small changes.  The electric hoists tend to flywheel.  Moving a very small amount is difficult.  With the air he can feather it and move small distances