Little Mule Hoist Problems

[oneblueaugust]

Has anyone had any reoccuring problems with the little mule 2-ton strap hoist? The one with the blue strap and the spring at the bottom. We're finding a bunch that have had the release lever eye ground off (done at the factory). When you go to yank on the lever to back the hoist off, the little metal lever bends - all the structural backup is gone from being ground off - and once it's bent the hoist won't release properly anymore.

Just thought I'd see if anyone else is having this problem, as we've got about 40 of these hoists pretty much brand new and I'm afraid they're all going to start failing.

[Resto-master]

Just had a problem with a brand new 300A 1.5 ton fiber hoist. Wouldn't release\break with only about 1200 pounds on it doubled up.

Not sure this helps but Im leary of new little mule hoists :confused:

[linemanfrog]

Back about 8 years ago we had a problem with the exact type that OLD posted a picture of not wanting to release correctly. Notice on that type in the picture where the free spool drum release is. NEVER had a problem with the previous style of little mule. I'm trying to remember what their rep said but cannot, I believe they ended up changing some parts out or something on our hoists or something. I'll ask around work and see if anyone remembers. For the most part everyone where I work prefers the lug-all brand. I personally don't care which brand as long as it has the external rings designed for stick work since it makes it a little easier to operate the direction lever and free spool lever wearing gloves.