Hoister

The hoister is a key piece of equipment in poultry slaughtering and processing lines for conveying materials at large inclines or in vertical orientation. As defined by the terminology standard for livestock and poultry slaughtering equipment, it refers to a conveyor that conveys materials in a large-incline or vertical state. In poultry processing operations, this equipment is primarily responsible for vertical transfer of live poultry cages, cross-level lifting of cut raw materials, and elevating by-products to high-level processing equipment. Its compact vertical structure effectively utilizes the plant‘s vertical space, linking material flow between workstations at different elevations.

Structural Types and Working Principle

Hoisters are classified by conveying mode into continuous and reciprocating types. In poultry slaughterhouses, continuous hoisters commonly use chain plates, scrapers, or nylon belts as carrying components, with materials ascending continuously along inclined or vertical tracks—suitable for stable lifting of poultry cages, turnover boxes, and cut poultry parts. Reciprocating hoisters transfer materials through up-and-down movement of a platform or cage, suited for heavy loads or scenarios requiring precise positioning. Drive units typically employ frequency-controlled motors and reducers, with operating speed adjustable to match line rhythms. Material-contact carrying components and frames are generally made of 304 stainless steel to withstand the high-humidity, washdown-intensive environment of slaughterhouses.

Typical Applications in Poultry Slaughtering

In poultry slaughtering operations, hoisters appear at the following stages: the live poultry receiving area, for vertically lifting stacked poultry cages from the ground or transport vehicles to the hanging station elevation—some lines are equipped with automatic cage lift/unload systems to reduce manual handling intensity; the cutting and trimming section, for elevating cut raw materials from lower workstations to overhead conveying lines or deboning equipment feed inlets to meet downstream elevation requirements; and by-product handling, where collected viscera or feathers can be lifted to elevated temporary storage bins or dewatering equipment inlets. Compared with horizontal conveying equipment, hoisters achieve elevation changes within a limited footprint, making them particularly suitable for multi-story buildings or retrofit projects with line elevation differences.

Selection and Hygienic Design Considerations

When procuring a hoister, confirm that carrying components and material-contact surfaces are made of food-grade stainless steel, and that chains or drive components are fitted with guards to prevent washdown water from directly hitting drive mechanisms. Lifting height and throughput capacity should be determined by line layout and rhythm. Power ratings for typical poultry cage hoisting equipment in slaughterhouses generally range from 3 to 11 kW, depending on load and lifting speed. For live poultry area cage hoisters, impact resistance of the carrying platform and anti-fall safety devices are key considerations; for cut material hoisters, surface smoothness and cleaning accessibility should be prioritized. Equipment should comply with the general safety and hygiene requirements for conveying equipment specified in GB/T 42121-2022 Livestock and poultry slaughtering and processing equipment—Conveyor equipment for poultry slaughtering and processing. Routine maintenance should focus on drive chain tension checks, carrying component wear assessment, safety limit device function verification, and removal of residue from frames and carrying surfaces, with flushing and sanitizing performed after each shift