Most chain hoists are far more expensive than this one. It can be a little clunky at times- chains do not always run smoothly - but it works. I'd guess from a visual inspection of the parts that it will lift 2 tons safely and it's not at all badly made. I wouldn't want to use this or any other manual chain hoist for that matter to lift things on a day in day out basis but for occasional use this product is just fine.