Anyone ever built a geared engine stand?

[fiftyv8]

Here are some pic's that I had stashed away for when I thought I may wish to improve my engine stand.

Just another idea that I forgot I had kept but re-looking at it, this is probably the way I'd go in the future.

Just utilising and old timing chain and sprocket set and a cheap hand winch.
The way this is installed, it satisfies my need to be able to disengage it easily for free spinning...

I wish I could say it was my idea, but it is not...

 

[BukitCase]

HF's "2000#" engine stand is basically just a scaled down version of their folder cherry picker

https://www.harborfreight.com/2000-lbs-capacity-foldable-engine-stand-69521.html

I have one of their so-called 1000# rated ones (the 4 wheel, not 3; and actually I think it's a Wilmar, same-same) - haven't used it in the last 35 years, been eyeing it (along with a roller chain drive gear motor I was given) and thinking about an articulated weld positioner - I'd probly use THAT at least a couple times in the NEXT 35 years ... Steve

Your winch stuff might not give you enough of a turn-down ratio; if that's a timing gear set, it's gonna (obviously) be 2:1, I would think 8:1 would give a LOT better control (especially for bigger blocks) without it being so slow it irritated instead of helping (unless I'm missing something like a worm gear on your winch frame)...

 

[Bad67300]

Being from the midwest, I used an irrigation pivot gearbox on a body rotisserie, which I think has a ratio of 52:1. You can get new/rebuilt ones for $250-300, or find a used one for much, much cheaper. Heavy duty enough to spin and hold a car body, so on an engine stand it would be no problem. I don't have a pic handy right now, but will post one later.

 

[katy]

The one at "https://youtu.be/YrYOcZmA6MU" looks like about 20 or 25 to one ratio.

 

[gearhead1]

If you make the mount plate such that the axis of rotation is through the center of gravity of the engine, the amount of force needed to turn the engine over is greatly reduced.