Engine hoist identification and specs help

[RookieLR]

Getting ready to pull my first engine and found a downsizing mechanic getting rid of a solid appearing engine hoist. Has gotten good use over the last 20+ years. I got it home last night and it seems well built. There’s a label that says “United States Tool Co.” and also states Made in USA. There’s a company PI Bix in Greenville SC but google search of the phone number and address turn up no info about this company.

I’m happy w the stand and def for the price but curious what I gave and what weight ratings I might have. The prior owner stated he replaced the piston 10 yrs ago.

 

[rust in the eye]

Pickers this style are typically rated 2 tons with the boom all the way in.
I'm curious to know how that ram is supposed to mount up.
I regularly use a Chinesium model of similar design, no doubt made with steel and welding inferior to your old USA made one.
Unless you are removing a VERY heavy engine I wouldn't think twice about using this, after inspection and securely mounting the ram.

 

[john.k]

The max usable load of this type is around 800-1000lbs ............which is plenty for any car engine ...............the Chinese hoist ratings are just a joke .

 

[RookieLR]

Pickers this style are typically rated 2 tons with the boom all the way in.
I'm curious to know how that ram is supposed to mount up.
I regularly use a Chinesium model of similar design, no doubt made with steel and welding inferior to your old USA made one.
Unless you are removing a VERY heavy engine I wouldn't think twice about using this, after inspection and securely mounting the ram.

Thank you. This is my first hoist. What’s the best way to secure the base of the piston to the plate?

 

[rust in the eye]

Good question. That ram doesn't look like it belongs. I don't see any holes in the flange to attach it. I DO see a Vise Grip pliers and perhaps some witness marks on the rams flange which would indicate that maybe someone had simply clamped it in place. THAT scares me.
Maybe drill some holes in the base and bolt it up. I think welding the cast base to the steel platform may be problematic but I'll let the welders here speak to that.

 

[RookieLR]

The max usable load of this type is around 800-1000lbs ............which is plenty for any car engine ...............the Chinese hoist ratings are just a joke .

Thanks. Looking forward to getting it loaded today.

 

[rancherbill]

My guess is 2 ton.

Matco is not in the business of selling entry level engine cranes so I would imagine it is 2 ton+. Yours appears to have adjustable for the wheels but it is not foldable.

If you want to sink into a time hole you could go through the old Matco manuals.

Here is a current one that is foldable.

https://www.matcotools.com/producta...1ztkNW2fnZRzO--G0dbS3rdEjlQZNvhnawiEoO4HS5iI8

 

[djbmw]

The ram sits on that plate which pivots.... you need to swivel the plate horizontal so that the ram base sits on it. Then you need to secure the ram to the plate. Are there bolt holes in the ram base and mounting plate?

 

[TurnipTruck]

Until I bought a replacement ram with a built-in pivot, the original ram sat on the base plate you have there. The ram was trapped to the base with a welded angle and a bolted stop.

 

[Steve_P]

I have a similar HF unit that's 30+ years old. IIRC it's rated 2 tons with the boom retracted, which I'm skeptical of as said above. Saying that, 1000 lbs with the boom fully extended is absolutely no issue as it's done that dozens of times.

 

[whateg01]

I've had 2000# in the air with an old hf non folder. It's sufficient with the ram in, but the casters are the real joke. Look at a caster from a decent source and compare to the ones on import hoists with the thin web cast wheels and you'll understand.

Dad has a hoist from back when he owned a shop. He did otr repairs too so his is a little heavier. 4" square 1/4" (might be 3/16", but I don't recall it being that thin) wall tube with heavy casters. Weighs a **** ton. This isn't that.

 

[isb cornbinder]

Getting ready to pull my first engine and found a downsizing mechanic getting rid of a solid appearing engine hoist. Has gotten good use over the last 20+ years. I got it home last night and it seems well built. There’s a label that says “United States Tool Co.” and also states Made in USA. There’s a company PI Bix in Greenville SC but google search of the phone number and address turn up no info about this company.

I’m happy w the stand and def for the price but curious what I gave and what weight ratings I might have. The prior owner stated he replaced the piston 10 yrs ago.

I think that design has been copied many times. I bought what I think is the same design. I have had it for 40 years. I did replace the ram 10 years ago. No problem with the ram, it was the right thing to do. A local retired welder/fabricator was making the model I bought.
My Dad was with me on the day I bought the engine lift. The secondhand store was closing and expecting the sheriff at any moment. The retailer said I can have everything I can load into my truck, in 5 minutes, for $400. Dad was uncomfortable and sat in the truck with a handful of screwdrivers. I kept loading and the retailer helped. I stopped loading when the truck was full. I must have gone over time but that was not important.