About Bisomac and Nihon Bisoh
Overview: Bisomac is the brand name for traction hoists developed and manufactured by Nihon Bisoh Co., Ltd. of Japan. Established in 1966, Nihon Bisoh specializes in exterior wall access and maintenance, renting and manufacturing temporary gondolas (suspended platforms), building permanent window-cleaning gondola systems, and providing facade inspection and renovation services.
Nihon Bisoh is one of Japan's leading gondola companies, running a large rental fleet of suspended platforms across the country. Because the company uses and maintains its own hoists at scale, it designed the Bisomac hoist line around practical field experience, with a focus on durability, ergonomic handling, and fast, simple maintenance. The Bisomac 210 is the line's best-known model outside Japan and powers many of the company's own specialty gondolas.
In Japan, Nihon Bisoh offers standard and battery-powered deck gondolas, special-purpose gondolas for elevator shaft construction, bridges, chimneys, tanks, and wind turbines, and permanent gondola systems and automatic window cleaning machines for high-rise buildings. Outside Japan, Bisomac hoists are sold through distribution partners and are commonly paired with modular platforms such as Altrex MHB. Through Scaffold Exchange, you can find Bisomac hoists and the providers who sell, rent, and service them.
Bisomac and Nihon Bisoh Product Lines
Nihon Bisoh offers hoists, gondolas, and building maintenance systems. Main product lines include the following.
Bisomac Traction Hoists
Personnel-rated traction hoists, including the Bisomac 210 series, built for low maintenance and reliable climbing on job site power.
Deck Gondolas
Temporary suspended platforms in multiple lengths, with automatic leveling and variable lifting speed, for facade renovation.
Battery-Powered Gondolas
Cordless gondola models that run on rechargeable batteries, eliminating power cables during ascent and descent.
Special-Structure Gondolas
Custom gondolas for elevator shaft installation, bridges, chimneys, tanks, wind turbines, and tower parking structures.
Permanent Gondolas & Window Cleaning
Permanent window-cleaning gondola systems and automatic window cleaning machines for high-rise buildings.
Where Bisomac Hoists Are Used
Bisomac hoists and Nihon Bisoh gondolas are used on a wide range of suspended access work, including the following.
Facade restoration and repair
Window cleaning and glazing
Exterior painting and sealant replacement
Elevator shaft construction
Chimney, stack, and tank access
Bridge inspection and maintenance
Exterior signage installation
Swing stage rental fleets
How Bisomac Compares to Other Manufacturers
Bisomac is one of many manufacturers serving the scaffold and access market. Here is how it compares.
European aluminum access equipment
- Mobile scaffold towers and ladders
- MHB modular suspended platforms
- Platforms commonly paired with Bisomac hoists
- Best for lightweight aluminum access
Construction material hoists
- Portable wire rope hoists
- Track and rack and pinion hoists
- Lifts materials, not workers
- Best for lifting materials on site
Japanese traction hoists and gondolas
- Personnel-rated traction hoists
- Temporary and permanent gondolas
- Low-maintenance hoist design
- Best for suspended platform hoisting
Global scaffold and access provider
- Spider traction hoists and platforms
- Systems scaffold and services
- Manufacturing in several countries
- Best for large industrial and commercial work
U.S. scaffold and access equipment
- Frame, systems, and rolling scaffolds
- Built for the U.S. market
- Broad scaffold product range
- Best for U.S. contractors and rental fleets
Find Bisomac Hoists Near You
Use the Scaffold Exchange map to search by location, filter by manufacturer, and connect directly with providers who sell, rent, and service Bisomac traction hoists and suspended platforms.
OSHA Compliance & Safety Standards
On U.S. construction sites, suspended scaffolds using traction hoists fall under OSHA 29 CFR 1926.451 and 1926.452. Hoists must be capable of the rated load, have a normal and an emergency brake, and be tested and listed by a qualified testing laboratory. Each worker on a two-point suspended scaffold needs both a guardrail system and a personal fall arrest system on an independent lifeline. Permanent window-cleaning gondolas and building maintenance equipment are covered by OSHA 1910.66 in general industry.
- Hoists listed by a qualified testing laboratory
- Normal and emergency braking on each hoist
- Platform and hoist combinations approved by the manufacturers
- Independent lifelines and fall arrest for every worker
- Rigging and counterweights checked by a competent person
- Hoists serviced per the manufacturer's schedule
1926.451
Scaffolds — General Requirements — U.S. Construction Regulations
OSHA Interpretations & Rulings →