Getting transmissions and engines up into my harbor freight trailer

[ukiltmybrutha]

I am not that physically strong and want to be able to move my transmissions and engines from one side of the yard to the other.

I have a garage with a concrete slab and other slabs that are some distance away and the area between is crusher run gravel. I can't get anyone to show up and do asphalt so I am stuck.

I can barely get those manual trans up on that harbor freight trailer when needed and usually hurt myself even when I lift from the knees.

The trailer has wooden sides and a hinged wooden tailgate that is not long enough to reach the ground. Even if it were long enough it would be a massive boatsail when driving and would break the second I put any real weight on it.

Any ideas how I can move transmissions and engines from slab to slab? I'd also like solutions that involve the trailer. I am having an engine swapped at a shop and I'd like to trailer the old one home. I can't pick up a 100 pound trans without hurting myself, I can't imagine a 400 lb engine.

Thanks!

 

[Codejack]

Well, just at HF, they have a variety of shop cranes and hoists, one of which ought to do the job.

If you want to go old school, find an old playground swing frame, or build similar yourself, and use ratchet straps

 

[Bobf]

Nail some boards together to make a flat ramp and get a cheap HF come-a-long and just pull them up the ramp into the trailer.

 

[dutchgray]

That above, you would be amazed at what you can wobble up a sensible ramp on your own, with a winch to drag stuff its really easy.

 

[1969]

What difference would it make if the trailer was or was not made by HF? In other words, why is HF mentioned in your query?

 

[ukiltmybrutha]

Great points everyone. I am going to try the one of the methodologies mentioned. I like the idea of a hoist that I can carry around. Also, not sure why I am being asked why I mentioned Harbor Freight in my query. The question seems a bit loaded and abrasive without further expansion. I don't see where my question was answered by asking that question either.

 

[ndnchf]

There is a harbor freight 1 ton shop crane coupon for $99 on the HF coupon site. It's good to the end of the month.

 

[zendriver]

What difference would it make if the trailer was or was not made by HF? In other words, why is HF mentioned in your query?

Maybe he is proud of it.

 

[ukiltmybrutha]

There is a harbor freight 1 ton shop crane coupon for $99 on the HF coupon site. It's good to the end of the month.

Me likely...this is part of why I mentioned HF. Look at how all of the gears are turning. FYI, I am in F-berg too!

 

[ukiltmybrutha]

Maybe he is proud of it.

Uhmmmm kinda.

Kinda proud of all that hard work it took for me to put it together. Ehhh...maybe not, could have bought one like it for a similar price for all of my effort.

 

[ndnchf]

Me likely...this is part of why I mentioned HF. Look at how all of the gears are turning. FYI, I am in F-berg too!

Hello neighbor!

Here's the $99 coupon if anyone wants it.

http://www.hfqpdb.com/best_coupon/1+TON+CAPACITY+FOLDABLE+SHOP+CRANE

I was going to get one last Saturday. But a like-new one popped up on craigslist for $25. So I ran over and grabbed it!

 

[1969]

Great points everyone. I am going to try the one of the methodologies mentioned. I like the idea of a hoist that I can carry around. Also, not sure why I am being asked why I mentioned Harbor Freight in my query. The question seems a bit loaded and abrasive without further expansion. I don't see where my question was answered by asking that question either.

Please show me where my question was a bit loaded or abrasive? You are correct, I did not answer your question as I thought it might be a bit loaded.

 

[ukiltmybrutha]

Hello neighbor!

Here's the $99 coupon if anyone wants it.

http://www.hfqpdb.com/best_coupon/1+TON+CAPACITY+FOLDABLE+SHOP+CRANE

I was going to get one last Saturday. But a like-new one popped up on craigslist for $25. So I ran over and grabbed it!

Ahh, this is actually a GREAT idea. It can double as a cherry picker and something that I can drag along on my HF trailer. I have never used one of these. Since the trailer floor is flat, could the crane come forward unexpectedly and/or roll off from the weight of the motor. Again this is new to me, but I almost bought one to pull a motor just the other day.

What part of the Berg are you in? I am in Spotsy.

 

[jessesandy]

The "1000 lbs." HF furniture dolly with two milk crates on top gave me the perfect highth to slide an engine block to and from the pick up tailgate. Used a cargo strap to hold everything to the dolly.
Just need plywood or something across the gravel.

 

[ukiltmybrutha]

Please show me where my question was a bit loaded or abrasive? You are correct, I did not answer your question as I thought it might be a bit loaded.

If you thought my question was potentially loaded as you stated, why post in my thread at all? The fact that you have not offered any useful suggestions yet gives me all of the prima facie proof that I will ever need with respect to my initial indication that your question was loaded.

Not here to play mind games.

 

[ukiltmybrutha]

The "1000 lbs." HF furniture dolly with two milk crates on top gave me the perfect highth to slide an engine block to and from the pick up tailgate. Used a cargo strap to hold everything to the dolly.
Just need plywood or something across the gravel.

Thank you, I guess that I have good cause to grab me one of these. I appreciate all of the help from everyone.

 

[1969]

If you thought my question was potentially loaded as you stated, why post in my thread at all? The fact that you have not offered any useful suggestions yet gives me all of the prima facie proof that I will ever need with respect to my initial indication that your question was loaded.

Not here to play mind games.

OK boss, carry on.

 

[lakeroadster]

OP... you'd be amazed how much weight these $15 furniture dollies will carry.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-800-lb-Capacity-Furniture-Dolly-33815/202721481

 

[ndnchf]

Ahh, this is actually a GREAT idea. It can double as a cherry picker and something that I can drag along on my HF trailer. I have never used one of these. Since the trailer floor is flat, could the crane come forward unexpectedly and/or roll off from the weight of the motor. Again this is new to me, but I almost bought one to pull a motor just the other day.

What part of the Berg are you in? I am in Spotsy.

I'm just a little north of purvis ford, off rt. 3. I just realized that you started the thread. I could probably come over after work and help load that stuff if you'd like. Once loaded, use lots of tie down straps to secure things!

 

[pop pop]

Hand trucks and shop crane.

 

[Gotcha640]

Google "trailer hitch crane." It would require either a strategically placed square tube on the trailer, or unhooking the trailer at each end, another truck, or skip the trailer, but they're tremendously useful. I used mine for logs, appliances, engines, 150qt ice chests, pretty much anything I couldn't safely or cleanly lift my self. Can also pull the engine out of another car.

 

[ukiltmybrutha]

The "1000 lbs." HF furniture dolly with two milk crates on top gave me the perfect highth to slide an engine block to and from the pick up tailgate. Used a cargo strap to hold everything to the dolly.
Just need plywood or something across the gravel.

Thank you.

 

[ukiltmybrutha]

OK boss, carry on.

Thank you boss.

 

[ukiltmybrutha]

OP... you'd be amazed how much weight these $15 furniture dollies will carry.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-800-lb-Capacity-Furniture-Dolly-33815/202721481

Man 800 lbs for $15? What's a trip to the chiropractor cost these days?

 

[ukiltmybrutha]

I'm just a little north of purvis ford, off rt. 3. I just realized that you started the thread. I could probably come over after work and help load that stuff if you'd like. Once loaded, use lots of tie down straps to secure things!

Thanks buddy. I am bit further South. I'll sling you a pm. It's a long story, but like everything here it's always in relation to sustainability.

 

[ukiltmybrutha]

Hand trucks and shop crane.

Thanks!

 

[CarsonConcepts]

HF also has a couple different versions of "Pickup Truck Cranes". Could mount one on the trailer to lift and swing things onto the deck.

https://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/truck-cranes/12-ton-capacity-pickup-truck-crane-60732.html

https://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/truck-cranes/12-ton-capacity-pickup-truck-crane-with-cable-winch-61522.html

 

[driftpin]

If you're just using a single piece of 3/4" plywood on your HFT trailer, and it's stored outdoors, without some paint or preservative on the wood, it may-not support your engine! You could easily hit a pothole or go over a 'sleeping policemen' with a bit too-much velocity, and find that as the weight of the engine bounces-up, when it comes-down, it could crush the plywood, and end-up on the roadway, possibly resulting in an accident for you or for others.

I've used a come-along anchored to the front of my pick-up bed to ratchet heavy objects like engines and transmissions up ramps and into the bed. Once you get it there, I strongly urge you to NOT attempt to transport the load any distance without securing it down, preferably with ratcheting straps of sufficient weight-bearing capacity, I would suggest at-least 1000 lbs. You need to do this to be safe. Even if it's across your backyard, you need to secure the load.

As to those pick-up truck cranes from HFT, you need to have something to brace directly beneath the crane, if you are going to lift anything heavier than you are, and the location of where to mount it and how to mount it, on your trailer are critical.

 

[kctyphoon]

If you're going to get the engine hoist, I suggest getting the two ton version instead.. might as well get the one that is more versatile. The small one does not have a whole lot of reach..