What is the difference between a chain motor and a manual chain hoist?

An electric chain motor is powered by electricity and operated by a handheld controller. It can raise and lower loads at a controlled speed with the push of a button, making it efficient for flying and trimming heavy production rigs.

A manual chain hoist (also called a hand chain hoist or come-along) is operated by pulling a hand chain. It's slower and more physically demanding, but it requires no electrical power and is useful for static rigging points where the load is lifted once and left at trim height for the duration of the event. Manual hoists are generally only used to transfer loads or adjust fixed points.