Abstract: A hoist assembly includes a frame, a hoist drum that is mounted for rotation with respect to the frame and a disc member, having first and second sides, that is mounted to rotate together with the hoist drum. First and second toothed wheels are connected to the rotatable hoist drum so as to rotate together with the rotatable hoist drum during normal hoist operation. First and second frictional bearing members are positioned, respectively, between the first and second sides of the disc member and the first and second toothed wheels. An adjustable compressive biasing system is provided in order to bias the first and second toothed wheels together. An arresting system is further provided for engaging the first and second toothed wheels simultaneously in order to preclude rotation of the toothed wheels during an emergency condition.