Bluebird folding?/towable 3,000lb engine Hoist? Worth it?

[Paumanok]

There is a Bluebird engine hoist for sale locally. It is listed as having an 8,000lb capacity lift cyclinder, and 3,000lb tongue/boom capacity. It can also fold and be towed on a 2" ball hitch. Has anyone ever seen/used on of these, and are they recommended? US made? How much do you think its worth? TIA guys!

[SpiderGearsMan]

sounds like overkill or cool

[Uncle Buck]

I rented one once, hell for stout and a real nice picker. Share the asking price so opinions can better be offered. These are a heavier crane for sure.

[kidatari]

I had the opportunity to grab one of those, and I am kicking myself for not picking it up. I'd get it, as it's bound to be exponentially better than the average Harbor Freight hoist.

[Paumanok]

Yeah, I think I'm gonna go take a look, and maybe tow it home:bounce: $500 obo. Only thing is, it doesn't have the original bluebird lifting ram. Its been replaced with an 8 ton Remco brand ram. Anybody forsee any issues with this? I called blue bird and can still get parts for these, and any of the bluebird hoists are available new also FYI.

[Uncle Buck]

I would think more $150-200 unless it is just like new. Of course they are very heavy units, commonly what rent all yards rent out.

[Paumanok]

TTT for any last comments before I leave.

I'm gonna be heading out in a few hours to check this out. Apparently these hoists sold new in the $2,000 range. The manufacturer quoted a MSRP of $409.00 for a new 5 ton lifting ram. I don't think they sell NEW bluebird hoists anymore, plus I couldn't afford it.

I'm sure I need lighting on the exressway ride home right? Can anybody recommend those magnetic trailer light kits?

[Uncle Buck]

TTT for any last comments before I leave.

I'm gonna be heading out in a few hours to check this out. Apparently these hoists sold new in the $2,000 range. The manufacturer quoted a MSRP of $409.00 for a new 5 ton lifting ram. I don't think they sell NEW bluebird hoists anymore, plus I couldn't afford it.

I'm sure I need lighting on the exressway ride home right? Can anybody recommend those magnetic trailer light kits?

Well, they are stout hoists, I guess I am not surprised. OK so say $300? :headscrat

[uhcrandy]

I have seen those before, look good. I hate moving my hoist from my garage. Has anyone made w wheel setup to make a hoist tow-able?

[Danglerb]

Good for tool rental place, anybody else not so sure.

The HF works FINE, never an issue from anybody I know with one, and it folds up. That tow thing is going to take up a HUGE amount of space.

I use mine fairly regularly, but I also offer it up to anybody willing to store the darn thing if they need to use it. Takes maybe 15 minutes to make it small and load into a pickup bed.

What also works pretty well is to buy the HF on sale, do what you need with it, then sell it on CL for about what you paid. Buy another if you need one again.