=1. The hoist indicator= is a mechanism attached to the drum shaft of a
hoisting engine to show the hoisting engineer the position of the cage
or skip in the shaft throughout the time of hoisting. The use of such
indicators is sometimes required by law, but there is a great diversity
of opinion as to the advisability of using them. The objections to them
are that they are liable to get out of order, and that in general the
use of any automatic device that tends to relieve the hoisting engineer
of responsibility and constant attention to his engine is not to be
commended. A hoisting engineer, however, depends for his stopping point
mainly on a mark made on the rope, or on the drum, or on both, and uses
an indicator mostly as a guide for the position of the cage during the
hoist.