engine hoist/ cherry picker

[wrigh003]

Who's got a good one, where'd you get it, and what did you pay? I am a little scared of the Horrible Freight one, just because it A) has moving parts, B) came from off a boat, and C), will be supporting something that would hurt badly if it fell off and landed on my foot/leg. The only thing it's got going for it is the price, which is attractive, to be certain.

Northern tool had a decent looking one, but they want as much for (truck) shipping as the thing cost.

Where else to look? I searched, and didn't find much as far as who makes a GOOD one, just scary threads about bad ones.

 

[bmwpower]

I originally had a Hf unit...big mistake.

I then bought a foldable unit from Advance Auto Parts (a little over $200 I think). Much, much better unit, even though it's clearly made offshore. Much better quality welds, hardware, etc. If I get a chance I will snap a picture later tonight.

You will be hard pressed to find one USA made that is not priced high, unless you can find a used OTC or AC Hydraulics (not USA made, but very high quality Denmark made).


...edit...

It pretty much looks like this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...&satitle=270074108510&fvi=1&item=270074108510

 

[SteveU]

Check your local auto parts or farm store, they should have them & save you shipping costs. I bought mine at the local farm supply when I was getting ready to pull up the pipe for my driven well. Lift worked allright but had some cheap chinese made chain that broke while doing this, not a pleasant experience. Think I paid right around 185 or so but the rental place was charging 20-25 per day so it made more sense to just buy one. Just make sure you get GOOD chain.

 

[wrigh003]

Yeah, I'm about to commit a Garage Journal felony, but:
I don't really care where something like this is made, so long as it's not ****.

I have heard and seen enough horror stories about the cheapo ones, so I just want to skip on over that, even if it costs a little more at the outset.

 

[neblinc]

I picked one up at the local Sam's Club, Has Goodyear branding on it, but not USA made. Seem's to be made pretty good, I know it is darn heavy!!

Randy

 

[AZAV8]

I bought mine off of the dreaded eBay. The dealer was Craig's Affordable Tools. I paid $130 for the hoist and $100 shipping to AZ from MI. Total was $231.18 in April 2006. I forget what is his eBay dealer name. Good guy to deal with, shipped promptly and arrived in about a week. It is made offshore, but is good quality, folds well, the welds are good and the quality of the finish paint is O.K.

When it arrived it had a bent mounting flange on one of the casters. I told him about the bent caster flange and he offered, on his own, to replace it for free. I told him not to bother, as I had already straightened it in my vise.

His own website is: http://www.craigsaffrordabletool.com

That's my experience.

Phil

 

[danski0224]

I picked up a used Blue Bird from a rental place. Very heavy duty, easily broken down for storage. Set me back $500 over 10 years ago.

 

[1320stang]

I had a buddy that got one from a rental place, but it didn't break down. It had wheels and a hitch on it, kinda cool. The one I have in my garage isn't even mine, it's a friends that was sitting outside his garage unbolted. I borrowed it and he said I could keep it at my place if I liked. It doesn't fold up, which sorta *****, but I didn't buy it so I don't have any place to gripe about it really. I plan on making a rack that I can stand it up against the wall when I tear it down. I guess one thing, it'll take up less room when I take it apart than the fold up kind.

 

[Blacknwhitepit]

While on the subject of hoists I found this online. Wish I was closer to Georgia so I could look at it.

http://cgi.govliquidation.com/auction/view?id=1085519&convertTo=USD

-BWP

 

[wrigh003]

While on the subject of hoists I found this online. Wish I was closer to Georgia so I could look at it.

http://cgi.govliquidation.com/auction/view?id=1085519&convertTo=USD

-BWP

that thing is hyooj

 

[burger]

mine came free with an old car that i purchased. the seller was an older gentleman who was getting out of the hobby and wanted to help out a young guy getting into the hobby.

it was free so i can't complain about it too much.

if i were to buy another one though, i'd make sure it folded up. while i could break mine down and lean it up against the wall, the reality is that it spends a lot of its time on the garage floor in the way.

my other bit of advice is to make sure that to put the boom down after use to prevent the shaft from rusting up.

 

[goodfellow]

Well, I'll probably get beat up for this, but I have the HF 2 ton foldable model -- and I love it. I've pulled several engines with it; including two 4.2 liter Jaguar straight sixes. These engines weigh more than a big block V8.

My buddy used it to lift a 9X42 Bridgeport Mill from his trailer. No problem with that hoist at all.

 

[rustluver]

I also have the 2 ton HF fold-up model. I've had it for a couple of years and it's given no problems at all. I did replace the bolts with higher quality ones prior to use.

 

[Luke73]

I also have the 2 ton HF one. Bought it about four years ago. Pulled a couple of 351 windsors with it as well as a 360 w/ a c4. No problems at all.

 

[MustangRick]

I have an Ex-cell from Sams that I bought about 15 years ago. The main beam is huge and it has never let me down.

 

[iiibdsiil]

I have a HF unit also. Works great!

 

[Ign]

I have the Homier unit which I think is VERY similar to Harbor Freight and don't be fooled by whatever Northern carries - it's likely identical. I really don't have any complaints with it, and it was only $130, looks to be more now:
http://www.homier.com/detail.asp?Se...DnutJYvMRkVn6Bq5mFWyyi1uy&dpt=&cat=&sku=60888

I got it when they came thru town w a truckload sale.

I know China is evil but as others have noted most of this stuff is gonna be made in China, unless you take a huge leap in price (and quality) to get USA made. Or look for used.

I can see the extendable boom on mine flex when heavily loaded 'cause it's thin wall, but that slider is easily replaced w a piece of thicker stock.

Like Luke I've pulled a 351W and a 460.

Bottom line take a close look at pictures, note the location of strapping and bracing and look at the casters. Most of these bottom end hoists all look identical and I think they are.

Your local Checker/Schucks/Kragen may sell a nicer Powerbuilt unit w lower legs that slide in rather than fold up, but it won't be as compact. Looks very heavy duty tho.

For the once or twice a year I use my hoist a cheap one is fine. Since I can weld I'm not worried about modifying or repairing it. As for safety I'm gonna be super cautious around ANY hoist - I don't care if it cost $5,000, I won't be putting myself under it 'cause a $0.05 o-ring is all that keeps any load up. And lately I just use the Kubota to move most stuff around!

See also:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2844