Winches are designed to pull loads horizontally across a relatively level surface, whereas hoists can be used to lift loads vertically and suspend them in mid-air.
Can a winch hold a load?
Most winches are made with dynamic brakes, meaning the gear system will automatically hold the load. ... If you were to use a winch to suspend a load, the load could easily slip or the gears could become damaged, resulting in catastrophic failure. Hoists, on the other hand, are designed using a mechanical braking system.