Columbus McKinnon Corporation (CMCO) has launched the CM Tornado 360° ratchet lever hoist featuring the revolutionary Sidewinder lever handle. Ergonomically designed for increased safety, the patent-pending CM Tornado 360° allows the operator to be more productive with significantly less effort compared to conventional ratchet lever tools.

“To create the best ratchet lever hoist on the market, Columbus McKinnon started by asking a simple question: how do people use ratchet lever tools to perform their job?” said Andre Schon, senior global product manager—manual hoist products.

“A global team of CMCO engineers and application specialists performed extensive research and customer interviews to engineer and build a first-in-class product that exceeds the ergonomic and performance expectations of our customers around the world.”

The CM Tornado’s Sidewinder lever handle features a 360° rotating lever and a fold-out revolving handle. Working in unison, these integrated components allow the operator to realize the full potential of 360° rotation while working in a safe and ergonomic position.

Ergonomically designed for increased safety, the patent-pending CM Tornado 360° allows the operator to be more productive.

This unique design reduces repetitive wrist action experienced with traditional lever hoists, letting the operator utilize a full 360˚ range of motion to work up to 12 times faster. The Tornado’s double-reduction gearing and high-quality bearings decrease pull force by up to 30%, minimizing operator fatigue as compared to using conventional ratchet lever tools.

The innovation behind the CM Tornado 360° is another example of Columbus McKinnon’s continued commitment to designing and manufacturing the safest and most efficient equipment for lifting, positioning and securing loads.

The Tornado is available in 3/4 and 1-1/2 ton capacities with standard lifts up to 20 feet. Additional lifts are also available. The hoist features a lifetime warranty and meets ASME B30.21 manually operated hoist standard. The CM Tornado 360° joins the CM family of hoist products, including the CM Hurricane 360° hand chain hoist, which harness the safety and versatility of 360-degree engineering.

Outside of the North American market, this hoist is available to customers under the Yale brand as the Yale Ergo 360° ratchet lever hoist.