Electric hoist basics:Difference of CD wire rope hoist and ND wire rope hoist
By seeing this title you must be very confused what we will show, what is the CD type wire rope hoist and ND type wire rope hoist, why we say the CD type and ND type wire rope hoist’ differences? Actually, CD type wire rope hoist is the type of traditional wire rope hoist and ND hoist is the type of European standard wire rope hoist.
For the reason why I want to tell you their differences is that recently I received my customer’s question:
“Dear Latty,
Thanks for your prompt reply.
I´m sorry for doing so many questions, but we have no experience in electric hoists trolleys, and we don´t want to make a mistake with this product because it would be dangerous for the safety of our workers.
Could you send me information and price of the 2 ton european model and kindly tell me what´s the difference between the model CD2T-9m that you have quoted and the model ND european electric hoist? Advantadges and disadvantadge.
We also need you to suggest us what spare parts should we order for 3 working years.
I´ll be waiting for your reply.
Best regards,”
After receiving my customer’ questions I know that our customers who need the products but they may not the professional one at the crane and hoist market. They have their confusions so I make a simple comparison for their reference. And if you also have this confusion, please see the blow clarifications and may this can help you. We Yuantai Crane Dongqi Group always puts our customers at the first place and we hope that you know everything of the product that you purchase from us.
Firstly, let’s see the wire rope hoist appearance:
Secondly, let’s see the CD type and ND type wire rope hoist technical comparison, we will take the 2ton-9m specification as example:
CD type wire rope hoist drawing
ND type wire rope hoist drawing
From the technical specification, we can see that:
- For the speed, ND type is frequency conversion and CD is only single speed. ND type hoist has a converter which can make the hoist traveling and lifting more smooth and less noise.
- For the working class the ND is M5, CD is M3 which means that the ND hoist can keep working about 12 hours, CD hoist can keep working 8 hours. You can choose the hoist according to your working condition.
- For the configuration, ND hoist uses the Germany brand ABM motor and French brand Schneider electrics which cost is much higher that CD hoist as CD hoist uses the Chinese famous Nanjing special motor and Chint brand electrics. Both of them are good quality but the CD hoist has highly cost effective.
- For the motor power, ND type hoist’s power is higher than CD type.
- For the total weight, ND type hoist’s weight is heavier than CD type as its special design.
- For the appearance design, ND type is more elegant than CD type.
- For the maintenance, ND type has low failure rate and the quality is higher than CD hoist.
Here’s a comparison:
| Feature | CD Wire Rope Hoist | ND European standard Wire Rope Hoist |
| Standard/Origin | Based on Chinese national standards | Based on European FEM/ISO standards |
| Design | Traditional, simple structure | Compact, modular, and ergonomic design |
| Motor & Gearbox | Separate components, often basic motors | Integrated hoisting motor + gearbox, low noise, efficient |
| Duty Classification | Typically M3–M4 (light to medium duty) | Up to M5–M7 (medium to heavy duty) |
| Control System | Basic contactor control, often manual or relay-based | Advanced inverter control (VFD) for smooth speed variation |
| Speed Control | Single speed or two-speed | Variable speed (via inverter) |
| Lifting Height & Travel | Standard height, limited modularity | Higher flexibility and customization |
| Maintenance | More frequent, less efficient components | Lower maintenance, high efficiency |
| Safety Features | Basic limit switches | Advanced safety features (e.g., overload protection, sensors) |
| Energy Efficiency | Less efficient | High efficiency motors |
| Lifespan & Reliability | Shorter lifespan, more downtime | Longer lifespan, better reliability |
| Cost | Lower initial cost | Higher initial cost, but lower long-term costs |
In Conclusion, ND type wire rope hoist has the best quality with the high price and CD hoist has the general quality but with the low price. If you consider about the quality and maintenance ND type hoist is a good choice but if you consider about the cost effective, CD type hoist is a better choice.
Now do you have a simple understanding about these two wire rope hoists?
If you still have questions please do not hesitate to contact us and we will offer you the best designs and provide high standard electric hoists with highly efficient technology and economic index!
