CM electric chain hoists are widely used in live entertainment for lifting truss, lighting, audio, video and other production equipment. The Columbus McKinnon chain hoist range includes several hoist families for entertainment applications, with different capacities, designs and power options depending on the requirements of the production.
The range includes the compact CM Prostar, the established CM Lodestar family, the higher-capacity Lodestar RRS, and the battery-powered CM BatteryStar. Within the Lodestar range, there are also Classic and Next Gen models, which can make choosing the right hoist less straightforward if you are unfamiliar with the differences.
This guide breaks down the main CM chain hoists available for live entertainment, explains where each model fits within the range, and covers the key factors to consider when selecting a stage hoist for your application.
What CM Electric Chain Hoists Are Available for Live Entertainment?
The CM entertainment range includes several different hoist families, but each serves a fairly clear purpose once the range is broken down by capacity and application. MTN SHOP currently carries Prostar, Lodestar Classic, Lodestar Next Gen, Lodestar RRS and BatteryStar models for live event lifting.
CM Prostar
The CM Prostar is a compact 500 lb electric chain hoist for lighter entertainment and stage rigging applications.
- 500 lb capacity for lighter production loads
- 16 ft/min lift speed
- Under 36 lb for easier handling and transport
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DC electromechanical double brakes
- 10-pocket liftwheel for smoother chain engagement
- Overload protection built into the hoist design
CM Lodestar
The CM Lodestar electric chain hoist range provides higher-capacity options for professional live entertainment rigging.
- Model F – 1/2 ton / 1,000 lb: Classic or Next Gen
- Model L – 1 ton / 2,000 lb: Classic or Next Gen
- 16 ft/min lift speed
-
Heavy-duty DC brake on Next Gen
- Externally adjustable clutch
- 5-pocket liftwheel
- IP65 protection
CM Lodestar RRS
The CM Lodestar Next Gen RRS is a higher-capacity entertainment chain hoist designed around a single-reeve configuration.
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2 ton / 4,000 lb capacity
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Single-reeve design
- 16 ft/min lift speed
- 2 HP motor
- Heavy-duty DC brake
- Externally adjustable clutch
- 5-pocket liftwheel
- IP65 protection
CM BatteryStar
Rather than simply offering another step in the Lodestar capacity range, the CM BatteryStar is designed around battery-powered lifting, making it useful where running conventional power and control cabling to the lift point is less practical.
The CM BatteryStar is a 1 ton battery-powered chain hoist powered by a Milwaukee Tool® M18™ REDLITHIUM™ battery.
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1 ton capacity
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Battery-powered operation
- Variable speed up to 8 ft/min
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Wireless control from more than 60 ft
- 20 ft standard lift
- Dual overload protection
- IP55-rated electronics
CM Hoist Comparison: Capacity and Key Differences
The main differences across the CM entertainment hoist range come down to lifting capacity, hoist design and power source. Here is a quick comparison of where each option fits.
| CM Hoist | Capacity | Main Difference |
|---|---|---|
| CM Prostar | 500 lb | Compact option for lighter entertainment loads |
|
CM Lodestar Model F Classic / Next Gen |
1/2 ton / 1,000 lb | Lodestar option for medium-capacity stage and production lifting |
|
CM Lodestar Model L Classic / Next Gen |
1 ton / 2,000 lb | Higher-capacity Lodestar for larger entertainment loads |
| CM Lodestar RRS | 2 ton / 4,000 lb | Higher-capacity Lodestar using a single-reeve configuration |
| CM BatteryStar | 1 ton | Battery-powered hoist with wireless control |
