Who makes a good quality engine hoist?
- Thread starter Coryc1
- Start date
blazemaster83
Well-known member
OTC if you can afford it. I also had a Carolina Shop Hand 6000, which is a 3 ton hoist. A lot of them have a nice frame but the jack is a china PoS. The nice ones will have the hydraulic pump with a separate reservoir, and hoses leading to the ram. Cheaper ones will just have a bottle jack.
islandkent
Well-known member
Great question Cory. I just checked out those ones that Blaze just mentioned. I have a early Princess Auto(Canadian Harbor Freight) one from the late 90's. Yes made in China but was built dam nice. Has the out riggers on the back and front legs for greater stability. It still works great and no oil leaks on the ram what so ever. But now I never seem to see the out riggers on any of the ones you see these days. And lighter gauge steel in them.
Cory I have my doubts you could get a "decent one" for under 750 US which up her in Canada would be a grand.
I'm curious to see what some of the guys have found for a decent lift.
Oh I forgot to add... everybody these days seems to be hung up on the folding type. My old one does not fold. Only takes me about ten minutes or to put it together and take apart and to put back up on the storage shelf. It weighs around 220lbs.
Cory I have my doubts you could get a "decent one" for under 750 US which up her in Canada would be a grand.
I'm curious to see what some of the guys have found for a decent lift.
Oh I forgot to add... everybody these days seems to be hung up on the folding type. My old one does not fold. Only takes me about ten minutes or to put it together and take apart and to put back up on the storage shelf. It weighs around 220lbs.
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bobcatdan
Well-known member
If you wait and watch for a used one, Ex Cell made a nice one. Labled as USA made and overall pretty nice. Only down fall is they are not folding. Generally speaking, I don't brands that make good one, especially USA made ever really offered folding ones.
Why do you not like it?
Caster ****?
Hate to pump the jack?
Bent it from too much weight?
Doesn't extend long enough?
Doesn't have the right color?
Doesn't fold up for storage?
matt_i
Well-known member
Strangely enough I have had great luck with a HF crane of about 19yo now.
Now this is a "3 ton" or "6000 lb" and there are many hits out there with those terms.
I have used it for engines but the best feature was being able to use it to load and unload a Bridgeport milling machine, the capacity is there and also equally as importantly the clear span between the lower frame rails is large enough to set the base on the ground.
I will tell you every piece of threaded hardware on it other than the handle has been replaced with a Grade 5 bolt, and the chain & crane hook replaced with Pewag variants, the ram has a set of bushings which center it in the upper arm rather than letting it float around, but its done quite a few jobs where nothing else would work. Its able to be taken on the road and into subterranean garages and basements via the typical disassembly.process
Now this is a "3 ton" or "6000 lb" and there are many hits out there with those terms.
I have used it for engines but the best feature was being able to use it to load and unload a Bridgeport milling machine, the capacity is there and also equally as importantly the clear span between the lower frame rails is large enough to set the base on the ground.
I will tell you every piece of threaded hardware on it other than the handle has been replaced with a Grade 5 bolt, and the chain & crane hook replaced with Pewag variants, the ram has a set of bushings which center it in the upper arm rather than letting it float around, but its done quite a few jobs where nothing else would work. Its able to be taken on the road and into subterranean garages and basements via the typical disassembly.process
I recently saw somewhere a hoist that had a linier actuator in place of the hydraulic cylinder and it had a remote control that operated the actuator. I don't remember where I saw this but it looked very cool. L/A's are very smooth in operation and the article said you could get 1ton thru 3 ton models of actuators. It looked like a very good way to eliminate the tedious and inaccurate hydro cylinder pump and release.
Mike
Mike
Blue Bird hoists where rental tough, used them 50 years ago. They have been bought out but still made in the USA.
https://www.icfinc.com/products/engine-lifts
The Chinese cherry pickers work well if you install Oilite sleeves into the casters (this is a HUGE upgrade) and install nigh quality fasteners. Spend your money on a high quality engine tilt mechanism and you'll be pulling engines with ease. Don't be afraid to buy a used one off Craigslist. Fresh primer and paint and she'll be like new. The lift cylinders rarely fail since these are typically used a handful of times at most and then sold.
-- Dave
-- Dave
I have a HF. It's ok but the cylinder was bad out of the box. Replacement was ok. But every HF jack I've owned leaks after a few years. Or leaks down. Maybe HF and buy a better cylinder when it dies. I haven't used my HF hoist in probably 10 yrs so we'll see...
Those were sold by Sams Club back in the 90's so they are pretty common to find. A buddy of mine had one, not the most portable, but it was a nice solid hoist.
Here's an example of one. https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/pts/d/milwaukee-heavy-duty-ton-engine-hoist/7263853356.html
Hey Coryc,
If you want replies to your future questions... it would be good to answer a few of the post questions.
That said...
My HF need the casters oiled all the time, it bent a leg when lifting at 80% of it's limit. I so wish I installed the air over hydraulic. It is about 18 years old
The older the HF, the better. As with most China built stuff the old stuff had to compete with USA made products. Now day's it's China vs China, and thus it all *****.
Deadsquiggles
Well-known member
Other than the all metal casters, I had no complaints about my HF engine hoist. Only reason I sold it is because I grabbed the 2T HF engine hoist. Not sure about COO for the higher priced engine hoists like from Sunex, Uline, Westward. Vestil makes a fairly heavy duty engine hoist but they’re still made in China.
vssjim
ALLIANCE MEMBER
We still have a folding one at work all original and top notch quality.
mikester
Well-known member
FYI, the Torin hoists are pretty decent. I think Northern Tool sells them but Torin makes them for NAPA, Advance Auto and Autozone. Same hoist, different colors. I got this info directly from Torin when I was trying to find one for myself. Pepboys had them on sale but they had sold out of them. Called Torin, got the info and bought a blue and gray one from Autozone and they actually matched the then beat the sale price from Pepboys. Ive use it quite a few times.
rangerfredbob
Well-known member
I've had a HFT 1.5 ton? size folding crane for around 20 years, it isn't perfect but it's been a trooper it sat in a barn for 5 years or so extended, the cylinder was rusty, cleaned it with emery cloth and it's been going for years, never topped up the oil or anything, I've used it for all sorts of non engine lifting stuff like body work, pulling fence posts, unloading trailers...
I know there's better, and I think the lightest one they make isn't great which I'm guessing is what you had.
I know there's better, and I think the lightest one they make isn't great which I'm guessing is what you had.
DIY use folding is a priority.
All the hoist are a slight variation of the same design. Often paint and brand label change.
Quality is also variable from brand and even individual units.
The pro units jump in price $$$$
Google lines up choices:
View attachment 1101043
All the hoist are a slight variation of the same design. Often paint and brand label change.
Quality is also variable from brand and even individual units.
The pro units jump in price $$$$
Google lines up choices:
View attachment 1101043
Slednut
Well-known member
I have a HF hoist that with a few mods has done all I need. The first thing I did was make it so I could run it over the grass and gravel. The system is steerable and I can hook it to a tractor mower.
I also made it so I could lock the swivel of one of the casters on one leg. This made it so the hoist didn't have a mind of its own when trying steer it into position.
I also added an additional hole in the boom so it can be extended further for lifting lighter stuff.
I also made it so I could lock the swivel of one of the casters on one leg. This made it so the hoist didn't have a mind of its own when trying steer it into position.
I also added an additional hole in the boom so it can be extended further for lifting lighter stuff.
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The ones we rented were not folding. But they had a really slick design where they assembled with almost no fasteners- the legs and such assembled over a pin or installed bolt, and once there was weight on it, that was it.
A few years later when I moved (800 miles) I rented a Blue Bird that was fully assembled and a tow-behind unit. We didn't rent those because almost no one had trailer hitches in NYC area in 1987.
My HF hoist is ~25 yrs old. I've pulled cast iron V8s with cast iron transmissions. No issues. But I'm sure the ram will leak at some point, even with 20 uses....
Folding isn't a priority for me- in fact it's a negative. I have an HF and it probably has 8 bolts and nuts to assemble. I store it on a shelf apart and can put it together in less than an hour. It doesn't take any floor space and I never see it until I need it; the components are behind other stuff that I actually use. I can't imagine that most shops today have an engine hoist sitting around on the floor and taking up space. Because how often are engines pulled today when they normally run for 200K+ miles?
ipdaley
Active member
I have an Excell hoist I purchased new at Sam’s Club in 1992. See them on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace every so often. Hands down the best hoist I’ve ever used. Upgraded mine with an air over hydraulic ram a couple of years ago. It isn’t collapsible but can be torn down and stored against a wall.
laser3kw
Well-known member
I have it's step brother - a "Lorin" sold by Farm & Fleet. It works well.
How does everyone fell about swivel casters all around? Mine has swivels in the back and non-swivels out front. Kind of a pain steering it.
logical
Well-known member
nuclearchainsaw
New member
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2025
- Messages
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Late to the game here, by a longshot, but for future visitors, I just got this one from mechanic superstore and it's been a dream lon as you're looking for a 2 ton....seems like the only one they currently have, though.
Ranger RSC-2TF 2-Ton Capacity Foldable Shop Crane
The Ranger 2-ton capacity foldable shop crane / engine hoist holds up to 4,000 lbs. and features a portable design. Boasting heavy steel construction and rugged
mechanicsuperstore.com
Even tho it's been a few years I'll also add I have what looks like pretty much the same one as this right down to the strange wheel setup and rotating hook but Canadian Tire brand and cheaper price. Mines a bit older, I dont think it has that spring on the pump.
whateg01
Well-known member
What are you referring to as outriggers? I've never seen an engine hoist, especially from HF or similar with anything I would call outriggers.
I assume they're referring to a feature like this where the wheel is mounted to a telescoping member that can be extended to increase the footprint/wheel base. An outrigger would typically extend to provide additional support to the wheels, or even completely deload the wheels, but I get what they mean.
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milkovich
Well-known member
If you have the money, these from AC Hydraulic are really nice. The legs are super low profile and fit into most pallets (and below lots of control arms).
The AC hydraulic hoists do look awesome. I took a deep dive when I was looking to get a small footprint engine hoist and I don't think there's anything else with that same capacity that fits in the same footprint. I found an alternative with similar footprint and capacity that's Chinese made but it's certainly not as nice. I posted about it here.
Post in thread 'Small Footprint Engine Hoist'
Small Footprint Engine Hoist
I'm in need of an engine hoist for lifting machines and various other heavy things. I have a bridge crane in my shop, but it doesn't help me for lifting things into my pickup or trailer outside the shop. My shop is very small, and already overcrowded. I'm looking for an engine hoist that not...
www.garagejournal.com
Incidentally, someone has one of those AC hydraulic hoists for sale near me for pretty cheap but I haven't been able to connect with the seller. It's cheap enough I would consider upgrading and selling the black widow. It doesn't have the pallet legs, but it has an even tinier footprint which is what I'm after.
Junkman
Well-known member
I have a Walker made in the USA that I purchased in 1967. It has spent a lot of time out in the weather with the ram fully retracted, and looks awful but it still works well. Thanks for bringing this subject up. Since last fall, I loaned it to a friend who has yet to return it. I suppose he thinks I forgot about it (which I did) or that I might die, and he gets to keep it since no one else would know that he borrowed it. I'm going to give him a call tonight.
I use a 15YO Princess Auto folding 2 ton when needed. I have enough overhead crane capacity to handle a tonne over working floor but nothing on outside areas where machine tools live. I moved my 2,200 lb. bridgeport clone in place with the PA lift with no fuss
My Millrite is only 1,300 lbs but my hoist is also only a 1 ton.
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Firebrick43
Well-known member
OTC ate the best I have used. Vestil a close second.
That being said I couldn’t afford one for as little as I do and have a sunnex 5222 as well and it’s excellent compared to the Horror fright ones I have used.
That being said I couldn’t afford one for as little as I do and have a sunnex 5222 as well and it’s excellent compared to the Horror fright ones I have used.
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Personally, I despise the engine hoists that have the angled outriggers. Never fails, you set the jackstands where you can get access and as you are either going in or out with the hoist from under the vehicle, the legs come in contact with jackstands. Plus it makes it more difficult to get in tight to a pallet to pick up an engine or even off the engine stand.
I much prefer the ones I've used that have the parallel outriggers. Unfortunately, I don't know of very many these days that make them as most all have the same crappy design of angled outriggers.
I was about ready to make my own about 20 or so years ago when I stumbled across this one at a local auto parts store on clearance. There are no markings on it anywhere but for some reason I think I remember the brand being American Forge, but not 100% certain. The outriggers telescope and slide in for storage. I use my engine hoist a lot these days for many things other than just lifting engines. Where I work mostly by myself and I'm not as young as I used to be I find myself relying on my engine hoist to do a lot of the heavy lifting around my shop.
With the two non-swiveling wheels at the outriggers and the swivel casters at the opposing end, it easily maneuvers around the shop for excellent control. For lifted vehicles there are times I do wish it was a bit taller at the back, I think I see a modification coming in the near future to raise the rear pivot up for getting over the core supports on lifted Jeeps and trucks. Lately I have had to remove front tires on a couple to get the front ends down low enough. Stability has never been an issue with this engine hoist.
I much prefer the ones I've used that have the parallel outriggers. Unfortunately, I don't know of very many these days that make them as most all have the same crappy design of angled outriggers.
I was about ready to make my own about 20 or so years ago when I stumbled across this one at a local auto parts store on clearance. There are no markings on it anywhere but for some reason I think I remember the brand being American Forge, but not 100% certain. The outriggers telescope and slide in for storage. I use my engine hoist a lot these days for many things other than just lifting engines. Where I work mostly by myself and I'm not as young as I used to be I find myself relying on my engine hoist to do a lot of the heavy lifting around my shop.
With the two non-swiveling wheels at the outriggers and the swivel casters at the opposing end, it easily maneuvers around the shop for excellent control. For lifted vehicles there are times I do wish it was a bit taller at the back, I think I see a modification coming in the near future to raise the rear pivot up for getting over the core supports on lifted Jeeps and trucks. Lately I have had to remove front tires on a couple to get the front ends down low enough. Stability has never been an issue with this engine hoist.
Personally, I despise the engine hoists that have the angled outriggers. Never fails, you set the jackstands where you can get access and as you are either going in or out with the hoist from under the vehicle, the legs come in contact with jackstands. Plus it makes it more difficult to get in tight to a pallet to pick up an engine or even off the engine stand.
I much prefer the ones I've used that have the parallel outriggers. Unfortunately, I don't know of very many these days that make them as most all have the same crappy design of angled outriggers.
I was about ready to make my own about 20 or so years ago when I stumbled across this one at a local auto parts store on clearance. There are no markings on it anywhere but for some reason I think I remember the brand being American Forge, but not 100% certain. The outriggers telescope and slide in for storage. I use my engine hoist a lot these days for many things other than just lifting engines. Where I work mostly by myself and I'm not as young as I used to be I find myself relying on my engine hoist to do a lot of the heavy lifting around my shop.
With the two non-swiveling wheels at the outriggers and the swivel casters at the opposing end, it easily maneuvers around the shop for excellent control. For lifted vehicles there are times I do wish it was a bit taller at the back, I think I see a modification coming in the near future to raise the rear pivot up for getting over the core supports on lifted Jeeps and trucks. Lately I have had to remove front tires on a couple to get the front ends down low enough. Stability has never been an issue with this engine hoist.
I definitely agree about the angled legs. Unfortunately, I had to prioritize a small folded footprint when I chose mine.
The AC hydraulic hoists discussed above come in both an angle leg version and and a "pallet" leg version, and both fold up. The pallet version is still larger when folded of course, but would be a great compromise.
Of course there's always the option of taking it apart for storage between uses. Or just get a bigger shop I guess.
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zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I guess I didn't realize the AC Hydraulics' parallel (pallet style) legs fold up. That is kind of the best of both worlds. I like that one.
Jasmith801
Member
Engines are pulled out quite often for repairs
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Great. Another rabbit hole I went down thanks to Garage Journal. Now I'm looking at the AC Hydraulics engine hoist again and thinking about pulling the trigger than selling mine vs. modifying my existing. What to do????
Damn you Garage Journal anyways.. 