HF 1-ton vs. 2-ton shop cranes

[Quijote]

There are coupons readily available for the 1-ton crane for $99. I was planning on getting one , but I seem to read insinuations that the 2-ton crane is much better.

Can someone with experience with either, or ideally both, comment on the differences beyond load rating? Is one significantly larger/better built/easier to use/etc.?

The 2-ton also seems to not have particularly great coupons if any. Even a great 25% coupon puts it at near $200. Is it worth double the 1-ton? I will seldom use either, never mind need the 2-ton rating, but I would get it if it is a better product.

Thanks.

 

[padronanniversary]

Bigger is better

 

[EDixon]

I recently sold my 1-ton and got the 2-ton. The extra height and reach is the biggest advantage. I could barely get engines in and out of the bed of my Avalanche with the 1ton, but the 2 ton did it yesterday with probably another 1.5feet of lift available.

 

[RCStocker]

It is not that bigger is better. The 2 ton has a longer boom arm and will raise up higher. Many times you need the extra height when removing an engine form a truck or larger car. I use my picker to move heavy bench top lathes and milling machines. Buy the larger one. I have a HF and I have used it to pull small tree stumps and it has worked very well for the past 10 years.

 

[diesel research]

The 2-ton also seems to not have particularly great coupons if any. Even a great 25% coupon puts it at near $200. Is it worth double the 1-ton? I will seldom use either, never mind need the 2-ton rating, but I would get it if it is a better product.

Thanks.

that's what you think

the typical crane has 4 different boom reach holes. Each hole loses between 500-1000lbs of capacity. By the time you've reached the fourth hole, you are down to a mere 500lbs. murphy's law dictates you will be operating mostly in the extended reach portion.

 

[Quijote]

I didn't know the reach and height were noticeably different. Thanks for the feedback!