NEIEP Mechanics Practice Exam

For a 14,500 lb machine lifted by a portable gas hoist with a capacity of 4,000 lbs, what type of reeving should be used?

1. 1:1

2. 2:1

3. 4:1

4. 6:1

The correct answer is: 4:1

To lift a machine weighing 14,500 lbs with a portable gas hoist that has a capacity of 4,000 lbs, using reeving is essential to reduce the load that the hoist has to lift directly. Reeving effectively alters the way the cable or rope interacts with the load, distributing the weight across the system. In this case, the load needs to be reduced to a level that the hoist can handle. With a 4,000 lb capacity for the hoist, you need a system where the total load is divided by the number of parts of the line in the reeving system. To find the appropriate reeving ratio, the total weight of the machine (14,500 lbs) is divided by the capacity of the hoist (4,000 lbs). Using a 4:1 reeving system means that the load will be reduced to only about 3,625 lbs (14,500 lbs ÷ 4). This is well within the hoist's capacity, allowing for a safe lifting operation. It’s important to choose a reeving system that provides enough safety margin while also allowing efficient use of the lifting equipment. Therefore, opting for a 4:1 reeving system is indeed the