Engine hoist and stand

[burgie]

Hi gang...

If you follow the URL below it'll show the 16,000 lb. engine hoist I fabricated and also the matching engine stand...

http://www.chevyc60.com/the_shop_tools_page.htm

I have used them on several projects and they work awesome...

[Franz©]

My curioscity abounds, how are you determining the capacity of the hoyst to be 16,000 pounds?

[burgie]

well...I am merely going by the rating of the hydraulic cylinder; it is an 8-ton piston. Now...I don't know of any engine (that I would ever need to lift) that would weight 8 tons, but I built it with pretty heavy wall square stock and, to date, has handled every task with ease.

I hope that answers your question sir? I haven't performed any weight limit testing...just stated the capability of the piston...

[nissan_crawler]

:spit:

Umm, we have 4,000 pound rated lifts at work (and this is why 2 ton hf ratings kill me) that are built out of 3/8" 2x8 legs, and they have a 1" 4x6 plate for the base, along with 4x10 main beam and the horizontal part is 2x10.

That is NOT even CLOSE to 16,000 pounds. 1600 maybe.

[burgie]

Oh my heavens...I merely staed the rating of the piston that I bought for the project. Here...let me start over:

****************

Hi gang...

If you follow the URL below it'll show the engine hoist I fabricated and also the matching engine stand...

http://www.chevyc60.com/the_shop_tools_page.htm

I have used them on several projects and they work awesome...

[nissan_crawler]

I wasn't trying to be a jerk. Advertising that as a 16,000 pound lift could have a bad consequence if somebody bought that thinking they could do that.

[Franz©]

Well now Burgie you can either just back the truck up a bit and learn something, or ya can get all head up. I really don't give a rusty rats ass which way you go, but I took the time to scale your picture and allow an Old Fart who has put together a hell of a lot more iron together to acquaint you with reality.

FACT 1, your design is a 3rd class lever ergo, presuming your jack can produce 8 ton of force, the maximum lift at your hook would be 1/3 of that force or 5,333 pounds.

FACT 2, your stinger made of 3/16 wall tubing will NOT support 5000 pounds. Neither will your horizontal legs, and those casters will be crushed long before you get near 3000 pounds.

FACT 3, your reenforcment from the back crossmember to the boom is mislocated and will contribute to the boom bending if and when you get a heavy load on the stinger.

FACT 4, The connection between the legs and the crossmember is insufficient. 3/16 wall tube will yield damn fast under force around a bolt unless the boltholes are reenforced.

FACT 5, Your method of attachment between the stinger and the lift chain is dangerous.

The paint job looks nice though.

Now, like I said, I don't give a damn, so you can either ask for help to retrofit the contraption, or you can get hurt bad using what you have. That part is up to you.

[burgie]

Thanks very much, Franz, for taking the time to point out the numerous deficiencies with the hoist I built from scratch without any plans. I appreciate that return to reality from someone who has "put together a hell of a lot more iron" than I ever will. I actually feel that life has cheated me because I haven't had someone with your worldliness and technical expertise at my disposal to guide me whenever I feel enthusiastic. I truly don't know how I managed to survive this long without your tutelage.

My hoist has performed flawlessly and safely doing everything that I have asked it to do. I have neighbors who are mechanics in auto shops that have borrowed it and complimented me for its ruggedness and size. They, like me, understand that it wasn't designed to NASA specifications by someone with a Ph.D. in Mechanical or Structural Engineering from M.I.T., but hey...it does the job.

I'm new here, having made my first posting a mere few days ago. I am a member of and participate in numerous other forums on the web. I always treat others with respect and courtesy. If someone makes an incorrect statement I send them a private mail to discuss the issue; I don't slam them in front of everyone or become argumentative. It serves no useful purpose other than to alienate oneself from the group. Yet, in every group there are always those that feel they have to showcase their expertise. Those individuals just can't resist the temptation to get on that soapbox.

In summary, thanks for that wealth of knowledge Franz. Maybe I should just go out, spark up my cutting torch and cut the hoist up and bring it to the scrap yard. At least you were able to find it in yourself to make one positive statement; mentioning the nice paint job. Jeez, maybe I can sell Krylon at the local Wal-mart...

[burgie]

And for the record, I have lifted close to 4000 pounds with my hoist and it remains 100% intact. The casters are still perfectly round and functional, all the welds are intact with no cracking or deformation and the hoist displays no signs of stress related fatigue or early evidence of structural failure...

[kidney]

Nice job....I'm sure that was a fun project to put together.

However, without going into detail, I would suggest taking a good look at a store bought lift (there is a reason most look exactly the same). I would take note that a lot of them have three sets of casters and reinforcements on the upper boom. I don't think any of the mods would require too much work, or for you to take apart your whole lift. Triangulation is your friend.

I guess when you get to be old, you learn to just say what's need to be said, with no need for pleasantries. So don't take some of the old guys as being pricks. I can't say they care about you exactly, but in their old age, you might be the guy who they have to call to fix their vehicles. The last thing they want is for someone to bounce their motor off the ground.

[Holedgr]

I guess Franz is more concerned over your safety than your ego.

I think it's a nice looking hoist, but you kinda came off as a "wood" guy so I am sure Franz was just doing what Franz does........Give his "more often than not" good advice even if it come with 2 lbs of sarcasm! :D

Lots of knowledge on this board.....use it and enjoy your shop safely!

-T

[PAToyota]

As Franz said, you can either take the constructive criticism or get bent out of shape about it...

[Junkman]

As Franz said, you can either take the constructive criticism or get bent out of shape about it...


To rephrase what PA has said........ "you can either take the constructive criticism of Franz, or your jack can get bent out of shape without it":lol_hitti

Franz is like a crusty old sailer that will tell you exactly what is on his mind, and not mince words and sugar coat it to make it more palatable. I don't always agree with him, but I always appreciate, admire, and respect his advise. When you consider his experience, you will realize that he doesn't just post to see his numbers grow. He knows what he is saying, and if he doesn't know the subject, he doesn't comment.

Oh......... before I forget.... Nice Paint Job..:thumbup:

[goodfellow]

To rephrase what PA has said........ "you can either take the constructive criticism of Franz, or your jack can get bent out of shape without it":lol_hitti

Franz is like a crusty old sailer that will tell you exactly what is on his mind, and not mince words and sugar coat it to make it more palatable. I don't always agree with him, but I always appreciate, admire, and respect his advise. When you consider his experience, you will realize that he doesn't just post to see his numbers grow. He knows what he is saying, and if he doesn't know the subject, he doesn't comment.

Oh......... before I forget.... Nice Paint Job..:thumbup:

Amen to that!!! You can take Franz' advice to the bank young fella. As far as the current design is concerned, at a very minimum I'd add a "Boom Strap" for reinforcement to keep that thing from crushing. As was mentioned before, there is a very good reason why all these lifts look the same, and I hope you noticed that all of the 2 Ton models have a boom reinforcement.

You obviously have talent and motivation, just make sure your ego doesn't get in the way.

[SDBOB]

I made 2 similiar about 35yrs ago.Still have them with anything you could imagine hung on them.The tubing was 2-1/2 sq and 3"sq with 3/16 wall.The rear straps 2-3"X3/16 ran from the frame to the top of the rear upright.Its all bolted. The boom had what we call a 'hog' rod welded on top.The strap was 3" X 3/16 the length of the 3" boom.IN the middle is a 3" long piece of 3" pipe welded to the boom. So the strap has to be bent to sit flat on each end at least 3" of flat 4" is better.One end was welded secure,the pipe tacked in the middle.Then the other end above the flat, was heated cherry red then the unheated flat was welded.This will draw the boom upwards in a slight 'U',when cool.I've had 4000 lbs on mine that straightened this 'u' out,then went back to the 'u' when the load was removed. I prefer the locking bolts on the legs on the side as I can set the engine on the legs and roll around and sometimes with lower vehicles they would hit.I've pulled engines in GM A bodies without jacking aand without removing the hoods. Just a few exp's that I've seen just be careful as I've turned mine over on a gravel driveway.Sometimes you just do without thinking.They look good.I have even made a 'light' duty engine only lift for my buddy as he said mine was to heavy to carry and assemble. Have fun. Bob

[jay50]

burgie,
I checked out the links to your shop, great combination of skill in woodworking and metal/welding/fab.
Also, good perserverance in deciding to stay in CO after loosing your job and starting your own business.

[burgie]

Well...I'm ready Franz...please enlighten me on what I need to do to fix the steel abortion I have created.
And while you are at it...feel free to deliver that advice in the same cantankerous fashion for which you seem to be famous for on this site. After all, knowledge and wisdom are always served best by a teacher who delivers that information with an air of sarcasm and in a condescending manner. People respond so well to that type of delivery...
Ego? Hell, I always accept constructive criticism. It's the delivery method that ruffles my feathers. It's the "in your face" condescending mannerisms. But hey, this is the web right...a place where you can post stuff without having to look someone in the eyes. Sorry…but I haven’t allowed myself to become desensitized by the anonymous nature of the web…

[burgie]

Kidney...thanks for the inputs. I will take your advice and look at some other hoists on the web for ideas...

SDBOB...good ideas for the "straps" and "hog rod". I should be able to incorporate those into the hoist with only some minor paint removal to get to bare metal for welding...

Jay50...thanks for the kind words. It was tough not to "follow the money"...but my kids are in high school and a change now is not in the cards. I am working hard to make my small biz fruitful...

[Coach James]

Hey Burgie,
I just went through the pics of your shop. Looks like a place I could spend many days and not get tired of it. Nice layout. Who makes the red vise on your workbench?

Give me your opinion on bandsaws if you don't mind. Any brands to avoid? I want to get one for wood working, but I don't have $1,000+ to spend.

Coach

[IDASHO]

And for the record, I have lifted close to 4000 pounds with my hoist and it remains 100% intact.


So..... What have you lifted that weighed 4k?

4k is a LOT. More than most mid-sized cars:wtf:

[SDBOB]

Thanks.I watch and try to learn there just might be another way to do things.You didn't have that boom support and I thought it worked for him,hmmm.I do not mean anyone else I do watch.I do 'fall down alot',then I remember.

[burgie]

My neighbor is 3rd generation construction and his son is a plumber. He had a small metal bin that they used for old lead flashing and lead plumbing waste. They would occasionally melt some down in a ladle to make weights for surf casting. It had been sitting next to his shop for years. He was going to rent a forklist to load the bin onto his trailer to bring to the metal yard...but I suggested we try lifting in with the hoist I made. While not 2 tons exactly, I remember he said it weighed pretty close to 2 tons from the yard scales...

[1stwarrior95]

I for one think it looks very professionally built. Don't take that the wrong way.

I would add the boom truss and use double upright support straps, (ran completely to the top of the upright), though.

I built my own "cherry picker' too. Mine is considerably heavier than yours, because the 3/16 wall tubing wasn't available at the time. I used 1/4 wall 3x3 for the legs, and 3x4 for the boom and upright, with a 3-1/2 in? I-beam for the boom extension. (Once again couldn't find the right size tubing for the boom extension).
The I-beam boom extension came in handy though because I attached a small boat winch and chain drive to make the extension "extendable" under load.

But yours looks alot better than mine! LOL

Checkin out your other projects on your website now!

[jhn9840]

Burgie,

Sometimes it's hard to judge by a picture but it looks like you made very good use of a pretty small area.

The two sheds look good also. Great way of storing items from your restorations.

jhn9840
John

[burgie]

1stwarrior95: Thanks very kindly for the compliment. The addition of a boom strap and side supports seem to be a coimmon theme and I will work on adding these...

jhn9840: Likewise...thanks for the kind words. I ultimately would like a shop of about 30'x60'...but i want to see how the surrounding community responds to my new small business. If things look good after the first year I'll likely spend the money and put up a large structure out in the back yard. My wife can then reclaim the garage :-) :-)

[SDBOB]

Thanks.I just want to reenforce something'weld the small piece of pipe to the boom and NOT to the strap'.The pipe gets a good tack to the boom this will allow for movement of the total length of boom and strap. I'v ebeen building my dream garage for 5 yrs its underroof but i need garage doors and concrete floor with radiant heat.2yrs ago I needed a vehicle so I went and got a new GMC.I'm totally happy with the truck.So my garage money is limited. My garage is 30X60 with a gambrel roof,the ceiling height is 10 foot downstairs.

[ROGERH]

Beautiful work.
Did you replace the hydrauic cylinder on the engine lift?
If so, where did you get that cylender.
I have a bumper lift I would like to rehab.
Thanks in advance