Where can I find an "electric" motor that is capable of lifting 500 lbs straight up and down, and how much $?
Answers:
you can put a lot of pulleys in the syestem to even out the weight so then you would be able to use a less powerful motor it is up to you though.
Other answers:
How high??? Not much of a problem in a short rise. The higher it has to go, the more over all "drag" is added. Can't be much help with out more information. You want a simple system or do you need a Crane...
How high??? Not much of a problem in a short rise. The higher it has to go, the more over all "drag" is added. Can't be much help with out more information. You want a simple system or do you need a Crane...
Go to motor web sites. Descent brands are Leeson, Baldor, Dayton.
More info on your application would be helpful. Motorized industrial chain hoists can be found at grainger.com or mcmaster.com and will cost a bunch.
A lower cost approach that is human powered would be either a come-along with a pully or a block and tackle rig - you could find either at your local home improvement store.
Good luck