Stage Hoist Buying Guide: Capacity, Speed, D8/D8+/C1 and Controllers
To choose a stage hoist, start with the design load at each lifting point, then pick a rated capacity above it, confirm lifting speed and height, decide which safety classification your venue or production requires (D8, D8+ or C1), and choose a controller that matches how the hoists must move. This guide walks through each step and shows how Dingyou’s DY+ stage hoists, servo CNC hoists and hoist controllers fit.
Step 1: Choose the capacity
Work out the load at each lifting point, including the suspended assembly and its rigging hardware. The number of hoists does not by itself tell you how a load will be shared, so have your rigging layout reviewed by a competent person.
The DY+ catalogue lists four rated loads (2026 catalogue, pp. 19–20):
| Rated load | Motor power | Lifting speed | Chain (mm × falls) | Protection | Noise | Self-weight excl. chain | Chain weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 250 kg | 0.23 kW | 4 m/min | 4 × 12 × 1 | IP66 | 50 dB(A) at 1 m | 14 kg | 0.36 kg/m |
| 500 kg | 0.45 kW | 4 m/min | 5 × 15 × 1 | IP66 | 50 dB(A) at 1 m | 20 kg | 0.54 kg/m |
| 1,000 kg | 0.75 kW | 4 m/min | 7.1 × 21.3 × 1 | IP66 | 50 dB(A) at 1 m | 34 kg | 1.05 kg/m |
| 2,000 kg | 1.55 kW | 4 m/min | 10 × 30 × 1 | IP66 | 50 dB(A) at 1 m | 50 kg | 2.1 kg/m |
| Rated load | Starting price (USD, ex-works) |
|---|---|
| 250 kg | From $720 |
| 500 kg | From $820 |
| 1,000 kg | From $920 |
| 2,000 kg | On request |
The catalogue specifies an alloy-steel lifting chain with an 8× safety factor. Volume orders can get discounted pricing – request a quotation.
Step 2: Choose the speed and lifting height
All listed DY+ models run at 4 m/min. If you need faster or variable speed, Dingyou’s servo hoists are listed from 0–7 m/min (1,000 kg) up to 0–29 m/min (200 kg, 3 kW). Tell us your required lift and available headroom so chain length and chain-bag capacity can be confirmed.
Step 3: D8 vs D8+ vs C1
These are classifications commonly used in the entertainment industry to describe how a hoist is designed for lifting over people. In general terms:
- D8 – may not hold or move loads over people without additional safety measures.
- D8 Plus (D8+) – designed to hold loads over people while at rest, without a secondary safety device; no one may be under the load while it moves.
- C1 – complies with DIN EN 17206 and can hold and move loads over people; the requirements (second brake, double limits, overload shutdown, controls) are system-level and set by risk assessment.
Source: IGVW SQP2 (status 03/2024), which originates from the German DGUV Vorschrift 17/18.
How this maps to Dingyou products:
| Brake configuration | Brakes | Intended use |
|---|---|---|
| DY+ standard | One independent electromagnetic brake | General lifting; not for holding loads over people without additional safety measures |
| DY+ with dual-brake option | Two electromagnetic brakes (single-fault tolerance) | Specify for overhead (D8+) use, confirmed against your rigging plan and local regulations |
| Servo CNC hoist | Dual electromagnetic brakes independent of the motor, 10× chain safety factor, four-point limit switches | Suits C1-type system designs, subject to the system’s risk assessment |
DY+ is designed to D8+ principles: chain with an 8:1 safety factor, load path dimensioned for overhead holding, and an optional dual brake for single-fault tolerance. For overhead (D8+) use, specify the dual-brake option and confirm requirements with your rigging plan and local regulations.
See D8 vs D8+ explained for more detail.
Step 4: Fixed speed or variable speed?
- Fixed speed hoists (like the listed 4 m/min DY+ models) run at a single speed and are typically operated with a portable controller for individual or grouped lifting.
- Variable speed or servo systems allow programmed speed and position. Dingyou’s servo CNC hoists offer integrated or separate drives, multi-axis coordinated control, optional load sensing and DMX512 / TCP console interfaces.
Choose variable speed when the movement itself is part of the show – kinetic designs, scenery that must arrive on cue, or several axes moving together.
With the PLC control system, a frequency inverter can be added as an option to give soft start and soft stop when lifting and lowering. Servo hoists are fully variable.
Step 5: Choose the controller
| Portable knob-type | PLC touchscreen | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical use | Touring, changing venues | Permanent venues, integrated installations |
| Operation | Individual or grouped | Separate operator panel and control cabinet; programmable scenes |
| Options | Flight-case formats; ABS case within 8 channels; custom up to 50 channels; modular grouped controllers; one-touch start and emergency stop | Encoder position feedback (positioning tolerance ±5 mm); optional frequency inverter for soft start/stop; optional load sensors with overload alarm; RS485; optional console and DMX512 triggering; 380 V 3P+N+PE supply |
Send hoist models, supply voltage/frequency, connectors and cable lengths. The DY+ uses a 16 A, 4-pin CEE industrial connector. See hoist controllers.
Step 6: Check documents and supply scope
Ask for the specification sheet, manual, brake configuration and certification documents for the exact model. See Certifications & Compliance and our guide to preparing a stage hoist project brief.
Frequently asked questions
What capacity stage hoist do I need?
One with a rated load above the design load at each lifting point, including rigging hardware. DY+ is listed at 250, 500, 1,000 and 2,000 kg.
How fast is the DY+ hoist?
The catalogue lists 4 m/min for all four DY+ capacities.
Is DY+ certified to D8+?
No. DY+ certificates cover the EC Machinery and EMC directives. DY+ is designed to D8+ principles: chain with an 8:1 safety factor, load path dimensioned for overhead holding, and an optional dual brake for single-fault tolerance. For overhead (D8+) use, specify the dual-brake option and confirm requirements with your rigging plan and local regulations.
When do I need a servo hoist instead?
When you need programmed speed, position and coordinated multi-axis movement. See servo CNC hoists.
How much does a DY+ hoist cost?
Ex-works starting prices are from $720 (250 kg), $820 (500 kg) and $920 (1,000 kg); 2,000 kg on request. Contact us for volume pricing.
Request a quotation
Send us your requirements – load, lifting height, quantity, controller and delivery destination – and we will prepare a quotation.