VITAL® Chain Blocks, Sole Southern African Distributor

Toco Lifting (Pty) Ltd has been the sole authorised Southern African distributor of Vital® chain blocks since 20 July 2018, appointed by Vital Chain Block Mfg. Co., Ltd. of Osaka, Japan (view distributorship certificate (PDF)). Vital began manufacturing chain blocks in 1933 and was formally incorporated as Vital Chain Block Mfg. Co., Ltd. in 1972, recognised globally for lifting equipment conforming to International (ISO) and Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS). Toco supplies Vital® into mining, construction, refineries, manufacturing and marine operations across South Africa and SADC.

Need a quote, headroom dimensions, or advice on which model fits your application? Call 011 345 8800 or email sales@toco.co.za.

Jump to Specifications Features Standards Testing Approved uses FAQ

Specifications, capacity range and standards

All capacities supplied as standard with a 3 m hand chain and 3 m lift chain. Longer hand chain or lift heights (6 m, 9 m, 12 m or custom) supplied on request. Fall configurations: single fall up to 2 t, double fall on 3 t and 5 t, multi fall on 10 t and above. Weights and models per the Toco catalogue.

Build features

Vital® chain blocks are specified at procurement tier for the mechanics, all per the Toco catalogue. A load limiting device is fitted as standard. The braking system is a fully enclosed mechanical friction arrangement with high quality performance brake discs, backed by double ratchet pawls. The hand wheel cover allows angular operation of the hand chain up to 65 degrees, so the operator does not need to stand directly under the load path. A unique fastening design of the hand wheel locknut ensures the friction braking system cannot be overloaded, and the spline fitment of the hand wheel to the pinion shaft simplifies maintenance. The gearing assembly is not attached to the outer covers, protecting it from external impact damage.

Standards and compliance

Toco tests and certifies Vital® chain blocks, not only supplies them

Toco Lifting is a registered Lifting Machinery Entity under DMR 18(5) of the OHS Act, 1993. That means Toco is one of the entities legally permitted to performance test and certify chain blocks in South Africa, with a dedicated Lifting Machinery Inspector and Team providing technical oversight. Buyers do not have to source the block from one supplier and its testing from another.

Full detail on Toco’s testing scope, certificate types and statutory intervals is on the Lifting Equipment Testing and Certification page.

Approved uses

Vital® chain blocks are heavy duty manual hoists rated for industrial lifting. Use them for the applications below.

Where Vital® chain blocks are used

Toco does not limit Vital® chain blocks to these sectors. Tell Toco the load, headroom and environment and the team will confirm the right model.

Why Toco for Vital® chain blocks

Sole authorised SA distributor, appointed 20 July 2018 by Vital Chain Block Mfg. Co., Ltd. of Osaka, Japan. A dedicated, ECSA registered Lifting Machinery Inspector and Team on staff. LEEASA member (LEEASA SUB 00102) and COET member (8000134). Every Load Test Certificate produced on a SANAS calibrated load cell and fully traceable. Operating since 2002 from the Germiston head office and Cape Town branch, shipping SADC wide.

Frequently asked questions

Is Toco the official Vital® distributor in South Africa?

Yes. Toco Lifting (Pty) Ltd is the sole authorised Southern African distributor of Vital® chain blocks, appointed by the manufacturer on 20 July 2018. The original distributorship certificate, signed by Vital President Eisuke Nishimura, is held at Toco’s Germiston head office.

What standards do Vital® chain blocks meet?

Vital® chain blocks are manufactured in Japan to JIS and ISO specifications, are SANS 1594 compliant, use SANS 1592 alloy steel load chain, and are inspected and tested in service to SANS 500. Each unit ships with a Load Test Certificate produced on a SANAS calibrated load cell.

Who performance tests and certifies chain blocks in South Africa?

Chain blocks must be performance tested and certified by a registered Lifting Machinery Entity using a Lifting Machinery Inspector registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa. Toco Lifting is registered under DMR 18(5) of the OHS Act with a dedicated Lifting Machinery Inspector and Team, and tests chain blocks it supplies and units already in service, of any brand.

Do Vital® blocks have overload protection?

Yes. A load limiting device is fitted as standard on Vital® chain blocks: a factory preset friction clutch that slips when the load exceeds the rated capacity, helping prevent accidental overload. It is set at the factory, is not field adjustable, and the trip setting is confirmed on enquiry.

What capacities does Toco stock?

0.5 ton to 20 ton, see the specifications table above for the full model range. All standard capacities are stocked at the Germiston head office for same day or next day dispatch in Gauteng. Capacities above 20 t are available to special order.

What is the difference between a chain block and a lever hoist?

A chain block (hand chain hoist) is operated by pulling an endless hand chain, used for vertical lifting, typically anchored overhead. A lever hoist is operated by ratcheting a side lever, designed for pulling, tensioning, and lifts in tight spaces where a hand chain is impractical. Toco supplies both as Vital® and Taurus product lines.

How often must a chain block be retested?

Under DMR 18, a hand powered lifting device such as a chain block requires a performance test at intervals not exceeding 12 months, with results kept in the lifting equipment register, alongside periodic visual examinations. Toco performs the examination and the performance test and issues the certificate. See the DMR 18 guide for the full schedule.

How do I get a quote and what is the lead time?

Specify the capacity in tonnes, the lift height required (3 m standard, 6, 9 or 12 m to order), and any special configuration. Email sales@toco.co.za or call 011 345 8800. Standard capacities ship same day or next day from Germiston; longer lifts and special configurations are quoted with a lead time on confirmation.

Request a quote, Vital® chain block

Tell Toco the capacity, lift height and application, or describe the lift you are planning.

Call 011 345 8800

Or email sales@toco.co.za. Germiston head office and Cape Town branch, supplying South Africa and SADC.

Toco supplies Vital® chain blocks across Southern Africa on an Ex Works Germiston basis. See Toco’s lifting equipment supply across Southern Africa for the markets served.

Chain blocks are lifting machines examined and performance tested under South Africa’s Driven Machinery Regulation 18. See Toco’s DMR 18 compliance guide for the examination and testing requirements.

Related products and guides: Vital® Lever Hoists · Taurus Chain Blocks · Chain Slings · Testing and Certification · Certifications and Compliance