When using a 4:1 reeve setup with a 4K capacity hoist, what is the maximum weight you can lift?

In a 4:1 reeve setup, the mechanical advantage provided by the sheaves allows you to lift weights more easily. The “4:1” ratio indicates that for every four units of rope pulled through the system, the load is lifted one unit. This means that the force required to lift the weight is reduced by a factor of four.

When you have a hoist with a capacity of 4K (4,000 pounds), the maximum load you can effectively lift is directly increased by the mechanical advantage of the reeve system. To find the maximum weight that can be lifted, you multiply the hoist's capacity by the mechanical advantage.

In this case, the hoist can lift 4K and the 4:1 mechanical advantage means you can lift: 4K x 4 = 16K.

Therefore, the maximum weight you can lift with this setup is indeed 16,000 pounds. This understanding of mechanical advantage is crucial in practical applications of hoist systems, resulting in efficient lifting operations while keeping within safety limits.