Motors for Beginners: What You Need to Know About Chain Hoists and Controllers
Ever walk into a venue and look up at a truss rig that seems to float perfectly overhead, lit beautifully, and ask yourself—how does that even get up there?
Welcome to the world of motors, or more specifically: chain hoists and motor control systems. If you’re stepping into rigging for the first time or you're working a production where motors are part of the spec, this article’s for you.
At Eagle Production Company, we’ve deployed chain motor systems in everything from hotel ballrooms and concert halls to outdoor festivals and permanent installs. Whether you’re hanging line arrays or LED walls, understanding the basics of motors is essential for safety and efficiency.
What Is a Chain Hoist, Really?
Chain hoists are electric motors that lift, lower, and hold heavy equipment like truss, lighting, or audio gear. These aren’t your average garage winches—these are precision machines built to handle hundreds or thousands of pounds with high reliability.
Common motor specs include:
- 1-ton or ½-ton capacity (refers to the lifting load)
- Single speed or dual speed (affects the fine control during lifts)
- Standard or self-climbing (some climb the chain, others pull it up)
They’re usually paired with trussing systems and require proper cabling, control, and—critically—rigging expertise.
Understanding Motor Controllers
Think of motor controllers as the command center. These let you control multiple hoists at once and ensure that all your motors start, stop, and move together. Depending on the rig and the level of complexity, you might be working with:
- Simple pickle controllers for one or two motors
- Multi-channel direct control racks
- Advanced low-voltage control systems with remote pendant or digital interfaces
"The golden rule: never move a motor unless you can see the load."
That means if you’re operating motors, you’re either looking directly at the truss—or someone trustworthy is spotting for you with clear comms.
Cabling and Power: Don’t Wing It
Each motor needs a few critical connections:
- Power cable – usually 3-phase or single-phase depending on motor type
- Control cable – for up/down commands from your controller
- Chain bag attachment – to collect the chain and keep things clean and safe
Make sure you’re using properly rated cable. Power cables should be clearly marked, and cable paths need to be secure and taped or ramped to avoid trip hazards or pinching points.
At Eagle AV Rental, we often include pre-labeled cabling bundles with our motor kits so crews can plug in quickly and correctly, even under tight load-in schedules.
Safety First: Don’t Skip These Basics
Motors are powerful tools—but they also introduce real risk. Whether you're lifting 200 lbs or 2,000 lbs, here are the non-negotiables:
- ✔ Certified riggers only should attach motors to structure
- ✔ Use safety steels or backup slings in case of failure
- ✔ Inspect chains, hooks, and motors before every use
- ✔ Never stand under a moving load
- ✔ Check your venue’s rigging points and load ratings in advance
One more tip: Always confirm motor orientation before powering on. Running a motor in reverse unexpectedly can damage gear—or worse, create a drop hazard.
Planning Your First Motor Rig
Here’s a simplified checklist if you’re new to this and trying to plan a small show or event:
- ✔ Determine your total load weight
- ✔ Choose appropriate motor tonnage (don’t run motors near their max)
- ✔ Map out motor positions and truss layout
- ✔ Plan for controller location and operator sight lines
- ✔ Arrange for qualified rigging personnel on-site
If you're renting, talk to your provider about pre-rigged truss and plug-and-play motor packages. At Eagle, we offer setups that allow small teams to get flying quickly—with all safety measures in place.
Real-World Scenario: Load-In With Limited Time
We once had a client who booked a high-impact corporate event at a theater-style venue with only a 6-hour load-in window. We used six 1-ton motors to fly a fully pre-rigged truss grid with lighting, drape, and branding elements already attached.
With a synced controller and pre-labeled cabling, we were at trim height and tested in under 90 minutes. The client was floored—and so was the venue staff.
This is the kind of efficiency that proper planning with motors can bring to your production.
Final Thoughts: Respect the Rig
Chain hoists and controllers aren’t just for arena tours—they’re incredibly useful tools for production teams at all levels. But they require respect, planning, and trained hands to keep everyone safe and on schedule.
If you’re new to motors, don’t guess. Ask the right questions, bring in the right people, and learn the fundamentals before you fly anything.
And remember—if you ever need help planning a motor package, or want to talk through your rigging approach, Eagle is always here to support you.
Get in touch anytime—we’re happy to help you lift your production to the next level.
