Market-Leading Chain Hoist Brands for the Event Industry
In the world of concerts, festivals, theatre and corporate events, chain hoists are essential. They lift lighting trusses, PA systems, LED walls, scenery, and staging safely and reliably. Because rigs are built and dismantled repeatedly, professionals rely on hoists that are durable, precise, and proven under pressure. Here are the leading brands and the most popular models trusted throughout the event industry.
Columbus McKinnon (CM) / CM-ET / Yale
Columbus McKinnon dominates the entertainment-rigging world. Under the CM-ET and Yale names, the company produces some of the most widely used electric chain hoists globally.
Popular Products
CM Lodestar
The industry standard for concerts, touring productions and hire companies. Available in capacities from 250 kg to 2 tonnes, with quiet operation, long duty cycles and robust safety features.
CM Prostar
A compact, lightweight hoist ideal for small events, exhibition rigs and theatre installs.
Yale Lodestar Variants
Similar performance to CM-ET models, often chosen for fixed installations or specialist applications.
Why they’re popular: exceptional reliability, easy servicing, huge parts availability, strong resale value, and decades of touring-grade trust.
GIS (Switzerland)
GIS has become increasingly popular in the European events market. Their hoists are known for smooth operation, low noise, and modern engineering.
Popular Products
GIS LP Series
Lightweight but powerful chain hoists with aluminium housings and high duty ratings. Used widely in theatres and mid-size touring rigs.
GIS LPM Series
Ultra-compact motors ideal for exhibitions and smaller spans where weight matters.
Why they’re popular: quiet running, modern design, competitive pricing and strong safety engineering.
Stagemaker (VERLINDE)
Stagemaker hoists have a long history in entertainment rigging and remain a staple in many European rental fleets.
Popular Products
Stagemaker SR Series
Known for their black bodywork, low noise levels, smooth lifting and compact design. Available in a wide range of capacities and speeds.
Why they’re popular: refined lifting action, good value, and a strong presence in European theatre and touring markets.
Harrington
Harrington offers a mix of manual and electric chain hoists often used for lighter-duty lifting or secondary rigging tasks.
Popular Products
Harrington Electric Hoist (Small-capacity models)
Ideal for small rigs, workshops and lightweight loads.
Harrington CF Manual Hoists
Simple, reliable hand-chain units useful for utility rigging or adjustments.
Why they’re popular: affordable, dependable, and well suited for venues or productions that don’t require heavy-duty motors.
What Makes a Hoist “Event-Ready”?
- High duty cycle for repeated use
- Quiet and smooth operation
- Overload protection and reliable braking
- Multiple suspension options (hook, lug, trolleys)
- Easy servicing and access to spare parts
- Lightweight but robust construction
- Compliance with entertainment-industry safety standards
The gold standard is still the CM Lodestar, which remains the go-to motor for most large tours and hire companies worldwide. However, brands like GIS and Stagemaker continue to grow thanks to their modern designs and quiet operation.
Final Thoughts
Chain hoists are the backbone of safe event rigging. Whether you’re hanging a small lighting bar or lifting a full festival grid, using proven, reputable hoists is essential. CM-ET and Yale lead the field for touring and rental, while GIS and Stagemaker offer strong alternatives with excellent performance and reliability. Harrington fills the gap for lighter-duty or budget-conscious setups.
If you’d like, I can also create a companion post comparing CM Lodestar vs GIS LP vs Stagemaker SR — a very common comparison when building a hire fleet.