engine hoist suggestions

[bsmith80]

So I'm thinking of picking up an engine hoist/cherry picker for some work I need to get done, v8 swap in an S10 crew, ****** swap in FWD, etc. Looks like most people are happy with the HF 2 ton but are there any other semi-cheap options to consider ? If you were in the market for an engine hoist what would you get today ?

 

[GRX]

The HF 2-ton folding hoist has served me well for several years now. Would buy another. However, a problem I had when purchasing was finding one where the parts were welded together square. They would not let me assemble them in the store so I did it on the sidewalk out front. Got lots of weird looks. But it took three before I found a decent one. Probably why they were on sale.

If you plan to do the engine swap with a ****** attached consider a load leveler to help angle it in there.

 

[bsmith80]

Thanks man that is probably what I'll go with then I appreciate the response.

Planned jobs for now is:

- Pull the 4.3 from an 02 sonoma crew (leaving the ****** in) and putting a 5.7 vortec back in its place.
- Use the hoist to hold engine in place while i drop the subframe/****** out on an 03 taurus. Possible use here might be to ****** up the front of the taurus while I crib it up to get enough clearance to get the ****** out the bottom instead of numerous cycles with floor jacks.

 

[Wizzard]

I like my 2 ton foldable, Central Hydraulics item# 46766 (Harbor Freight I believe). I bought mine ~8 years ago, red color. The folding option allows it to be stored neatly in a corner of the garage.

 

[Ilikeike]

If I didn't get mine for free,I would have tried to find a used one.
Some people buy them for one or two jobs,then they just take up space in the garage or side yard. You might find one cheap if you look.
I did use mine hoist to help a neighbor load a tree stump in his truck Friday,so I guess the do come in handy for other things.

 

[SGKent]

the only issue with ours is that the engine stand will not slide over it, under it, or into it because the legs are at a V. The length of the legs are too long to stagger the two. The only solution I can think of is to weld another box under each caster support to raise it. It would have been better if the legs were a little further apart or higher off the ground. My engine stand is a nice wide one for stability.

 

[Tim37]

I have the smaller HF hoist (1.5 ton?) Its served well done much more than I ever intended its picked a Pontiac straight 8 and did a swap on a international 7.3. If I where to buy again it would be the 2ton no doubt, but it was originally baught to do a swap on a small car.

 

[Mccool]

I have a torin big red 2 ton hoist. I don't do much automotive work but I use it to lift heavy objects in my shop all the time. I've been very pleased with it.

I agree with finding a used one, I see them for <$100 frequently.

 

[GRX]

You had me at - "Pontiac straight 8"

 

[Tim37]

I wanted to use it in a rat rod but I was afraid I wouldn't be able to find a front spring that would hold it.

 

[c-hawk19]

I have a torin big red 2 ton hoist. I don't do much automotive work but I use it to lift heavy objects in my shop all the time. I've been very pleased with it.

I agree with finding a used one, I see them for <$100 frequently.

I have the same and it worked fine for pulling a 454 and a th400 out of an old pickup.

 

[strutaeng]

I just bought the HF 2 ton one to lift an engine/****** for a 6.0 swap. The problem was that the pair of flat bars coming down the handle did not align with the holes for bolts at the bottom. These holes are like 3/4" diameter, so redrilling was not an option for me, so I welded them in place.

I'm usually not a big fan of HF stuff, but for crude applications like this, it suffices.

I would buy a used one.

Good luck

 

[machine_punk]

I have the older, non-folding, 2-ton HF hoist. I would definitely prefer the folding unit...this one is a bear to store, but I got a great deal on it used.

Kev

 

[Shadowdog500]

pep boys has a decent big red 2 ton cherry picker that goes on sale occasionally. It sells for around $250 but I picked mine up for around $150 on sale a year or so ago based on a tip obtained here.

I really like it.

Chris

 

[lat905]

I have the HF one and it has been fine. Swapped 2 small block Chevy's with it and have used it a few time to lift heavy **** into a truck. I did get a piece of square tube so I could extend its reach a bit for lighter loads when needed. Local place had some stock that slid right inside the tube, and I just drilled it for a few lengths and the hook.

 

[countryroad82]

I have a 2 ton folding hoist that was purchased at one of those 1 day tool sales that used to come around here. It's done more work than I ever would have imagined it would. Countless motors, helped pull car bodies, helped me flip frames over, work on tractors, heck it helped build a log cabin! I normally keep it loaned out so I don't have to store it lol. Somebody will borrow it and ask how long they have to bring it back I just say I'll call when I need it!!