4 Poster as Engine Hoist?

[wilkrod]

Hi All,
Getting ready to pull the lump from my 86 Lotus Esprit for some maintance, and upgrades. Have always used cherry picker in the past (pain in the ****).
So was just wondering if anyone has ever used their 4 post lift as an engine hoist?
Mine is a DirectLift ProPark9 so plenty of head room. Thought I would center the jack tray on the lift, wrap a chain around it, and connect to the lift straps on the engine. Then up with the lift, out with the engine, roll car out from under lift, and drop engine down on to rolling bench.
Any thoughts?
Thanks much.
Jeff

 

[Jagmandave]

Sounds like a plan to me, the engine in that car isn't that heavy, should work a treat!

 

[APEowner]

Hmm. That's an interesting idea.I haven't ever used a lift like you've suggested but I've used a cherry picker, chain falls from a rafter, an electric hoist from a rafter, a tow truck, a fork lift and even an ancient Michigan bucket loader (I really don't recommend that approach) to pull engines and of all of those I prefer a good cherry picker. The ability to move the engine in any direction on any axis just makes it seem like the best tool for the job to me. What is it about using the cherry picker type hoist that you find to be a pain?

 

[rsanter]

Seems to me like it will work fine
My dad and I just put the engine in the mustang using a chain hoist and it's easier to do that than a cherry picker

Bob

 

[dlcwent]

I"ve bought engines from salvage yards that looked like they used a cherry picker. You know the ones they grab and shake the car off it.

 

[MadMark]

Double check that everything is disconnected first

 

[colin39]

Erm the esprit engine comes out the bottom, used to do cambelts on the and it was the only way. Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious lotus. Lol
drop it on a bench and take the car up.

 

[APEowner]

Erm the esprit engine comes out the bottom

.

I was wondering bout that.

 

[gjz30075]

Ironically enough, I did use a 4 post lift to pull a motor,,,,,from a Lotus Elan. Worked well because the center of the motor to the front of the bumper is a long way and our hoist's boom wasn't long enough.

 

[Mike Miller]

I used my Bend pack 2 poster once, never again, didn't lift high enough, not maneuverable side to side and generally took longer th hook up.

 

[wilkrod]

All,
Thanks for the comments.
The cherry picker approach is a pain because the reach from the back of the car to the C.G. of the motor is at the limit of a typical picker, requires removing the wheels, placing on blocks, etc. I have had this car for 20 years and have pulled the motor twice in the past. Not terribly difficult, but I just got my lift 3 years ago and was pondering the use this time.

Sorry guys, but the Lotus Esprit motor has to come out the top, chassis tubes are under the lump, you would have to cut the chassis apart to drop out the bottom, to extreme for me.

 

[6768rogues]

I use a solid 1" octagonal bar shoved in the ends of two of my lift arms, but it is a 2 post frame lift. I have to use the shortest chain possible or the engine won't clear the core support to get the car out. Remember that the car will sit higher without the weight of the engine. A couple of times I had to let a little air out of the tires to get the car out.

 

[Falcon67]

I use a cherry picker for all pulls. It's easier to maneuver for the cars here. Coming out won't be your problem. Going back in requires the car be precisely positioned for the mate up with the trans. Not easy to wiggle around a car or hoist

 

[Ajustable]

How High are the posts on your lift? As long as you can mount a strong enough structural member on the posts above the engine, and have sufficient Height to lift the engine and clear the Elan body work, it could work, I would worry you will be putting strain on the posts from a different point than they are designed for. Is it possible to hang a chain fall from the ceiling joists, Or rent a gantry that would roll over the four post lift.

The difference in the operation is you will be moving the car rather than the gantry. although your four post lift Guarantee may be voided.

Were planning to a similar job soon, to an old small sports car. Trying to find a solution that is easier than a cherry picker as well. So far I think the gantry would work the best.