Engine hoist/crane

Any options out there other than the generic Chinese sold by Harbor Freight and all the auto parts chain stores? i'm looking for a collapsible model, preferably a 2-tonner (old Caddy mills are HEAVY). i was considering the OTC Stinger from Tool Warehouse, tho i'll have to call to verify that the free shipping extends to their truck freight items... Any recommendations? Does anyone in the US build these anymore?

Cheers,

...dave

The Harbor Freight are not terrible, the only real issue some of the jacks leak, it's kind of hit or miss. You can get replacements if need be. If their are any US made ones around they are not easy to find, even if the frames were American I bet the jacks are still from offshore

I have a used/abused HF picker that has been used on many a big block engine. My picker was well used before I got it, and has seen alot of use with me, I see no need to get anything of better quality such as an OTC, however, I can appreciate any and all better quality brands. I do think that if you are going to buy a better quality brand the bottle should not say Chiney, Tiawan etc.. If it does, I would not see that as a benefit justifying the extra outlay of cash over an old HF. My 2 bits.

I've had a folding HF engine hoist for ten years - works great, no leaks, no problems, easy to store in a small footprint.

Ill check where the snap on bottle jack is made, I am pretty sure the fram is made in the US though, Ill check monday. I dont actually own one, but my dad does. ITs a summit racing one, its probably about 20 years old, and the jack was stored in an unheated garage, so after all these years the seals have gone. The frame itself is very well built, however the ones they sell know look to be fold up ones just like the HF ones.

Jim

the HF is good unless your planning a bog block or an AMC small block (those things are heavy) the HF folding crane is a great bargain but it's not suited to the big lifting jobs

Tractor supply had some Chiese ones that looked very well built, I know that isnt the answer for the question but one would be hard pressed to get something that good for 250$.

and aweigh we go...

Dave, I bought a HF folding hoist about 2 years ago, to hual in the race trailer. when I got it back to the shop, I looked it over real close and found several welds that looked funky so I ground them out and re-welded. ( that chink powder coat is some nasty smelling ****) Some the bolt and pin holes were, in my opinion, oversized and sloppy, so I replaced them with one size larger hitch pins and reamed the holes to size. That, and some aluminum spacers, took all the "shake" out of it. Made it lots easier to roll around too.
The supplied cylinder started to leak the 2nd time I used it. HF ordered a replacement for me no charge, but it took almost 3 weeks to get it. When it died too, I ordered a double stroke, 8 ton, long ram from Northern,I paid about $60.00 for the cylinder, but it was marked "made in usa" (perhaps they ment the sticker,LOL) It's still going strong, and I really like the speed of that short stroke, pump both ways, cylinder.
The casters have taken a beating, what with draggin' it around dirt and grass pits, and are about due to be replaced. I'm going to try and fit some 3 inch rubber casters in place of the steel one's, 'cause the steel really cuts up the 1/2 in. plywood sheets I lay down under the car.
All in all, I think it was well worth the price, even with the "fixin" I had to do. It's much lighter than my 25 year old Champion, and doesn't take up near the floor space in the trailer. BTW, that old Caddy 500 long block only weighs 35 lbs more than a small block chevy, really. RED

That's the thing... i've seen some nasty-looking ones, and the overall fit and finish seems pretty low in all the details. i just don't like buying poorly made things, even when there is savings involved.

The engines i'm messing with are actually Cad 390s (the old ones, based on the '49 OHV... over 600lbs) and Chrysler RB blocks. If i'm going to make the investment, i'd also like to have the ability to hoist a Chrysler engine with the ****** attached, so i need some beef.

Thanks,


...dave

evildky said:

the HF is good unless your planning a bog block or an AMC small block (those things are heavy) the HF folding crane is a great bargain but it's not suited to the big lifting jobs

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Nonsense mine can lift 4 "bog" blocks at once I have installed and removed (too many times for fitup) a Cummins ISB and trany/transfer case ( about 1600lbs) no problem. I have lifted my Bridgeport milling machine with it no problem (Over 2klbs)

William...

Carolina is a brand I've seen a lot of out of Travelers Rest, SC. No good results when I did a Google search.

I have a chain fall and a small shop crane but I think I'll need to get my jib crane bolted down to put my blown Hemi in my pickup...that's almost 800 lbs with the blower!

...dave said:

Any options out there other than the generic Chinese sold by Harbor Freight and all the auto parts chain stores? i'm looking for a collapsible model, preferably a 2-tonner (old Caddy mills are HEAVY). i was considering the OTC Stinger from Tool Warehouse, tho i'll have to call to verify that the free shipping extends to their truck freight items... Any recommendations? Does anyone in the US build these anymore?

Click to expand...

I have an AC Hydraulics engine hoist. It's a great product, with a very small footprint when not in use.

It's nowhere close to a 2-tonner, though, and it's not made in the US (Denmark, believe it or not).

double post

Here's the ultimate setup. I came across it while we were renovating a local garage. Made in Toronto, Canada. I've been wanting this for quite a while and go back to the website everytime I see one in use somewhere.

Shop Crane / Cherry Picker (Low profile)
http://www.canbuilt.com/products.asp?cat=14&subcat=39#
http://www.canbuilt.com/images_large/4200.jpg


Transmission lift addon
http://www.canbuilt.com/products.asp?subcat=40&cat=14
Picture
http://www.canbuilt.com/images_large/3200LSAP.jpg


Crane height extension
http://www.canbuilt.com/images_large/3275.jpg


I still don't own any of these, but maybe someday.

W-Cummins said:

Nonsense mine can lift 4 "bog" blocks at once I have installed and removed (too many times for fitup) a Cummins ISB and trany/transfer case ( about 1600lbs) no problem. I have lifted my Bridgeport milling machine with it no problem (Over 2klbs)

William...

Click to expand...

I agree. I've lifted several small blocks and a few 60's vintage Jaguar in-line sixes with mine and those 4.2 liter engines weigh more than some big block rat motors. I've had the 2ton HF folding model for close to 10 years and never had a problem. My friend used it to move his Bridgeport and he also didn't have a problem with it.

...dave said:

i'd also like to have the ability to hoist a Chrysler engine with the ****** attached, so i need some beef

Click to expand...

You can find beef at Acme, Super Fresh, or any number of grocery stores. If you watch the circulars you can probably score some cheap.

About the hoist though, I've used my Harbor Frieght unit to do exactly what you're asking -- hoist out a big block chrysler with 727 attached. No sweat.


Hope this helps,
Ed