Abstract: A BOF sublance hoist system including a two speed hoist drive for rapidly moving the sublance through a non-critical distance above the molten metal bath within the BOF and then slowly moving the sublance through a critical spotting distance for enabling safe insertion and withdrawal of the sublance into and from the bath. The drive includes a first electric motor for rapid movement, a second electric motor for the slower movement and an emergency air motor to be used in place of the second motor in the event of electrical power failure. When the first motor is in operation, the second motor is shut off and its brake is set. The reverse is true for times when the second motor is operating. A planetary gear system which is driven internally by the first motor and externally by the second motor serves as the gear reducer for permitting power transmission to the hoist drum to be achieved through operation of either the first, second or third motor.