Explosion Proof Chain Hoists – ATEX Ex- & Flame Proof

Safe and reliable without extra costs: ATEX Ex- & Flame Proof Lifting solutions by J.D. Neuhaus

Up to 100 t
Pneumatic or hydraulic
Explosion protection
Close-up of the JDN PROFI 10Ti pneumatic hoist

Explosion proof chain hoists – ATEX & Flameproof lifting solutions for maximum safety

Looking for safe lifting in hazardous areas? JDN explosion-proof chain hoists – from the world leader in air-powered lifting – provide certified spark-free solutions with pneumatic and hydraulic drives.

Safe lifting in hazardous areas with JDN explosion proof hoists

Explosion-proof chain hoists from J.D. Neuhaus are engineered for maximum safety in environments where sparks or flames could cause catastrophic risks. Designed with purely pneumatic or hydraulic drives, they operate entirely without electricity – eliminating ignition sources and ensuring compliance with international explosion protection standards such as ATEX and IECEx.

With German engineering expertise since 1745, JDN hoists are trusted worldwide in safety-critical industries, from offshore oil platforms to chemical plants and underground mining. Every unit is built for harsh conditions – resistant to dust, humidity, extreme temperatures, and continuous duty operations. When reliability and safety cannot be compromised, JDN delivers lifting solutions that set the benchmark in explosion protection. Learn more about ATEX in practice in our JDN Insights blog article.

Product Overview

Hoists for hazardous areas

All JDN hoists are inherently explosion proof, as they operate exclusively with pneumatic or hydraulic drives. This makes them suitable for ATEX-rated hazardous areas without additional protection. Customers can choose between pneumatic and hydraulic models depending on the available energy supply and application requirements – with detailed information provided on the respective product pages.

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Air hoists PROFI series

The PROFI series – our extremely robust air hoist, designed for heavy-duty and continuous industrial use.

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PROFI series hydraulic

Compact and reliable hydraulic hoists available from 3,2 to 100 tonnes lifting capacity.

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EH series pneumatic

The EH monorail hoist series – the reliable solution for demanding applications and for handling loads under the toughest conditions.

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Crane Systems & Crane Kits

Crane systems and crane kits include explosion-proof overhead travelling cranes, suspension cranes, slewing cranes and rotating cranes.

Special applications for ex-proof JDN hoists

Looking for a specific or individual explosion proof lifting solution? JDN offers hoists specifically for the handling of Blowout Preventers and customized solutions that are adapted to your individual requirements.

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BOP Hoists

Safe Handling Of Blowout Preventers. Explosion-proof systems for critical oil & gas tasks.

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Customized Solutions

Our JDN Global Project Team is working closely by your side to create the right lifting solution for your individual requirements.

permanent excellence

Advantages at a glance

100% Pneumatic & Hydraulic Power: No Electricity, No Sparks

Spark-free lifting technology ensuring safe operation in explosive gas and dust environments.

Certified Safety – ATEX & Flameproof Standards

Globally recognized certifications (e.g. ATEX, IECEx, NEC) guarantee compliance and maximum protection in hazardous areas.

Built For Harsh Environments – Dust, Heat, Cold, Humidity

Engineered to perform reliably under extreme conditions with minimal downtime or wear.

Maximum Availability – 100% Duty Cycle, Low Maintenance

Continuous operation without overheating, designed for durability and reduced service needs.

Key industries for JDN explosion proof hoists

Oil & Gas – Offshore

Extreme, demanding, efficient – the requirements and environmental conditions in the offshore oil and gas industry are unique and among the toughest in the world.

Oil & Gas – Processing (Onshore)

The processing of oil and gas is a complex operation that requires highly skilled personnel and proven technology, all while meeting the highest safety standards.

Chemical & Pharma

Unique requirements for safety, certification, cleanliness, and consistent production processes mean that choosing the right hoist specifications for chemical and pharmaceutical applications is crucia [..]

Defence Industry

Precise positioning, maximum reliability, highest quality – in the defence industry, large and complex assemblies, components of military vehicles, or massive ship elements such as hull sections, engi [..]

Building Materials

The oldest of all raw materials – our history and experience in the mining industry have also proven valuable in the construction materials sector. Heavy loads, such as millstones, need to be replaced [..]

Pulp & Paper

The pulp and paper industry relies on the reliability and compact design of JDN hoists.

Mining

Hard, dirty, dangerous – the mining industry involves some of the most demanding applications and is the birthplace of J.D. Neuhaus’s original pneumatic hoist. Since 1953, we have continuously improv [..]

Case Studies

Crane system for cleanroom in use, installed on a low ceiling

In the hall in question, components are washed and cleaned before being further processed. For the downstream processes within a measuring cell, it is necessary to move and position various loads and [..]

General ManufacturingCrane SystemsEX-ProofTrolley
JDN Kransystem in der Anwendung in einer Lackierkabine bei Grenzebach

In a paint booth, loads, steel structures, and racks for driverless transport systems are moved and handled. Special care is required, as the components must be positioned in various ways to ensure ma [..]

General ManufacturingCrane SystemsEX-Proof
Glasfabrik - Glasflaschen in einer Reihe auf einem Fertigungsband.

Customer requirements posed particular challenges for the development of an efficient lifting solution. The task was to design a small, compact device with a low height that would meet the customer's [..]

General ManufacturingCustomized Solutionsmini
JDN Kransystem mit Laufkatze und Hebezeug aus der PROFI-Serie in der Anwendung in einer Halle bei Böhmer

As part of the redesign of a paint shop and drying hall, work areas for the manual coating of ball valves were set up in an ATEX zone. Paint dust in the air makes the use of spark-free lifting techno [..]

General ManufacturingCrane SystemsPROFI

Do you operate lifting equipment in potentially explosive areas or are you planning a new ATEX application?

Our experts will be happy to advise you on selecting the ideal explosion-proof lifting solution – practical, compliant with standards and tailored to your individual requirements.

Do you have any further questions about explosion proof hoists?

What is the difference between explosion-proof, flame-proof and spark-resistant?

Explosion-proof hoists are designed so that internal components cannot ignite external hazardous atmospheres. Flame-proof refers to enclosures that withstand and contain an internal ignition without allowing it to spread outside. Spark-resistant means the hoist uses special materials and designs to minimize the risk of mechanical sparks during operation. JDN pneumatic and hydraulic hoists combine these principles by eliminating electrical ignition sources entirely, ensuring maximum safety in ATEX-regulated environments.

Which international standards and certifications are relevant?

Explosion-proof lifting equipment must meet strict safety requirements in potentially explosive environments. The most relevant explosion-proof classifications are:

  • ATEX (EU) – Mandatory in the European Union, ATEX (Atmosphères Explosibles) ensures equipment meets essential health and safety requirements and is certified by recognized Notified Bodies under Directive 2014/34/EU.
  • IECEx (International) – A voluntary, globally recognized certification system aligned with IEC-EN 60079 standards, ideal for manufacturers targeting multiple international markets.
  • NFPA 70 NEC (US) – In the United States, equipment must comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC) for hazardous locations (Class/Division), often enforced by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration).

These certifications confirm that JDN explosion-proof hoists are safe for operation in hazardous locations with flammable gases, dusts, or vapors—allowing smooth compliance with regional regulations and legal requirements.

Why are pneumatic or hydraulic drives safer for ex areas than electric?

Pneumatic and hydraulic hoists eliminate ignition sources because they operate without electricity, avoiding sparks, overheating, or short circuits. Pneumatic hoists are widely used in ATEX zones since compressed air drives are robust, spark-free, and suitable for continuous duty. However, in certain fire-sensitive environments, the oxygen content in compressed air can increase combustion risks. In such cases, hydraulic hoists offer an additional safety advantage: they use oil as a pressure medium, which does not promote combustion, and their sealed drives provide reliable protection even in demanding conditions.

What temperature ranges are possible?

JDN explosion-proof hoists are engineered for extreme climates, operating reliably from –45 °C in arctic or cryogenic conditions up to +70 °C in hot, humid, or dusty environments.

Can pneumatic and hydraulic hoists also be used in dust explosion hazardous locations?

Yes. All JDN pneumatic and hydraulic hoists are ATEX-certified for both gas and dust zones, making them safe in industries where combustible dust poses explosion risks.

How high is the availability in continuous duty (duty cycle)?

JDN hoists are designed for 100% duty cycle, enabling uninterrupted operation under full load without overheating. This ensures maximum availability and minimized downtime in demanding applications.

Can JDN hoists be customized for my application?

Yes. JDN offers tailored solutions including special coatings, low-headroom designs, multi-hoist systems, and customized controls, ensuring optimal safety and performance for unique industrial requirements.

What happens in case of sudden loss of air or hydraulic pressure – is the load safe?

In the event of pressure loss, JDN hoists feature mechanical load-holding systems and fail-safe brakes. These ensure the load remains securely suspended, preventing uncontrolled lowering.