Engine hoist suggestions?

[moronmountain]

So I need a hoist. I don't want to spend a gazzillion dollars on one, but I don't want a pot metal HF model either. (I had a bad experience with their engine stand recently........) What is out there that is not too friggin expensive, and can lift/hold big block V8's no problem? I would also prefer one that has the removable leg extensions for storage, or one that folds up. I've been looking on CL a ton, and most everything I find is either a POS or a new HF model.

 

[scott37300]

I believe mine is a larin brand, got it at fleet farm about five years ago. I would say it's pretty close to the HF one. It has worked good for me, probably about 6 pulls with it. One of them being a 5.4L ford. It folds up and sits in the corner until needed.

 

[JASTECH]

Try northerntools.com , they have some nice ones for the money.

Thanks, JASTECH

 

[Danglerb]

HF or not, there isn't much difference between any that I have seen regardless of brand, and I don't recall any bad review of the HF cherry picker.

"Better" ones I have seen have been HUGE, with storage a real PITA.

 

[spv]

Be careful otherwise you may end up with something like this: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1021548

 

[35mastr]

I have a HF cherry picker and it works just as designed. The welds are good. Have used it now since 2002 and never had any problems with it.

 

[bronc3buster842001]

I have one from Tractor Supply. No problems in the 3 years I've had it. It gets used outside in the dirt and mud since I dont have a fancy garage.

 

[fflintstone]

I had an old discount brand (china) non-folding engine stand. Bought an enormous lathe from a guy and we used his folding leg model to load it into my truck. I said “I HAVE TO HAVE A FOLDING LEG ENGINE HOIST” I went on CL for a while and bought a new one with folding legs and an air over oil ram. After putting it side by side with my old one, I said what a POS! So I cut up my old one and added about $30 worth of steel to make the legs fold. I also added larger casters but mounted them differently so it is actually has more clearance under a car. I put the new ram on it, put the old ram on the new hoist and sold it for what I paid for it.
Some of the new cheap models use 2.5” tubing where the older ones are 3” sq tubing. Try to find something with 3” tubing.
keep checking CL

 

[930dreamer]

I have a HF hoist, it's lifted tons of stuff, no problems.

 

[mrholeshot]

I have a PowerLift 2000. The only differance I see between it and the harbor Freight is the color. I have lots of friends who use the Harbor freight unit and it works great. Most of the engines I pull with mine are Big Block Chevys. I don't own the Habor freight version but I have used a bunch of them in midnight auto thrashes at friends houses. BTW they are not powdered metal. Just cold steel like any of them.

 

[KenS]

Does anyone have experience with the AC Delco cherry picker they sell at O'Reilly's? It seems to be one of the most compact 2-ton units, and my space is very tight.

 

[mrholeshot]

Does anyone have experience with the AC Delco cherry picker they sell at O'Reilly's? It seems to be one of the most compact 2-ton units, and my space is very tight.

It looks just like mine but with some grey paint, here is a photo of mine folded aganist the wall.

 

[emeraldcoupe]

It looks just like mine but with some grey paint, here is a photo of mine folded aganist the wall.

i have the same hoist as that only it's red. bought it off cl with a 4 leg stand for $150 5 years ago. i've had 302's,351's,and 460's hanging off it with no problems.

 

[ADaughen]

I got one of the small foot print storage ones from AutoZone way back in the day.

A few years ago I was doing a small lift and the rear weld (between boom and upright "saddle") tore, snapping the front weld and creating a large "judo chop" in to my lift subject. :/

The boom was set to 1500lbs (2000lb max).
Chain was rated 600lbs
Hooks were rated 800lbs

If anything I would have expected the chain to break or pull.

I guesstimate 500-600lbs I was trying to lift.

It was the fifth or so lift. Two 2.3T w/ 5spds, one 2.3 w/ 4spd, and 5.0 w/ AOD. I am just glad it didn't destroy my car.


After I picked up all the pieces I checked the welds, they didn't penetrate at all. I could have had better luck with JB Weld. I had a local guy TIG it all back together.

 

[Romanova]

If you want the HF one, I believe it's $100 right now with coupon from any magazine that HF advertises in. Pretty good deal...

 

[gtivr4]

I think all of the cheap folding chinese ones are the same, whether its HF, Princess Auto, Northern Tool or any other brand.

 

[moronmountain]

I'm trying to get something at least one step above the "cheap Chinese" ones. Something made in Mexico or ????????

 

[chad s]

Find a used blue bird if you can wait it out a bit. They are made in the USA, easily collapse for storage, can be moved in or out of a truck by one guy. They are $1000 new, but I got mine on CL for $100 and have seen 2 on CL since for $150.

 

[Jim Stabe]

I'm trying to get something at least one step above the "cheap Chinese" ones. Something made in Mexico or ????????

Don't equate "cheap" with "inexpensive". Sometimes it is true but not always. You can pay a lot more than what a HF foldable hoist will cost you and get the very same thing (or less). I have been using mine for over 10 years now picking up everything from bench mills to boulders in the yard and it performs exactly as advertised. If spending more makes you feel better - go for it.

 

[moronmountain]

Don't equate "cheap" with "inexpensive". Sometimes it is true but not always. You can pay a lot more than what a HF foldable hoist will cost you and get the very same thing (or less). I have been using mine for over 10 years now picking up everything from bench mills to boulders in the yard and it performs exactly as advertised. If spending more makes you feel better - go for it.

Seriously? I put that in quotes because someone else said that. Why do you care if I want a nicer hoist than what HF sells? I'm not so stupid that I'd pay more $$ for a different branded version of what HF sells. I'm not looking for something that is more expensive. I want something that is better quality. I come here for tool advice now and again, and most of the time I get good advice. However rude comments like yours makes me stay away for extended periods.

 

[moronmountain]

Find a used blue bird if you can wait it out a bit. They are made in the USA, easily collapse for storage, can be moved in or out of a truck by one guy. They are $1000 new, but I got mine on CL for $100 and have seen 2 on CL since for $150.

I can. I'm not in a huge hurry. I have one I can borrow in the mean time. I'm just researching for something to own long term.

 

[Hiball]

The main difference outside of the Hydraulics between the Blue birds/USA branded Lifts and The HF/Auto Part stores is the Thickness of the Steel used and Finished Welds. I actually own 2 Cherry Pickers, I have a Home-made one that has a Pump on it for quickly lifting Hydraulic Jacks from floor to work table, I also have a your typical Engine Lift that i picked up at Orielly. Its done everything ive ever asked of it, Although i did retrofit the OEM seals with Quality UCups for Extended Life and better sealing. If you have the Option of time, I would keep some cash in your Pocket for that special purchase that seems to pop up from time to time on Craigslist. I wont get into the Hydraulic Portion too much but theres no comparison between the Name Brand Units (Walker, Lincoln, Hw) and the 3 and 8 ton units that are used on the HF/Auto Part store brands.

 

[pipsters]

The higher end hoists have their casters at the end of the unit. This means they are 4"-6" lower and you don't have to (possibly) jack up the car in order to get it to fit under the subframe.

Note jack behind left front tire

Now, that being said, I bought my HF 2 ton unit for $144+tax out the door 5 months ago. It has pulled/replaced 6 or 7 engines in that time and still works great. I personally have had really good luck with it.

Also if you are going to get one, get at least a 2-ton as they have a much longer reach that the 1-ton units. The tonnage rating is at min extension and for example the 2 ton at max extension is only rated for 1/2 ton.

 

[Hiball]

Also if you are going to get one, get at least a 2-ton as they have a much longer reach that the 1-ton units. The tonnage rating is at min extension and for example the 2 ton at max extension is only rated for 1/2 ton.

Alot of people get confused about that rating, they fail to understand the importance of Quality Steel, Welds, bolts etc.. Your 2 ton max is being Powered by a 8 ton Long Jack but when you factor in the leverage it gets greatly reduced. That Picture has to be of you installing the motor, Ive never seen that clean of a floor on the removal portion. LOL Here is the one i bought a few years ago, I dont remember what it cost. I believe it was around $220 on sale, I used it to remove install some Chevy 350/Th350 combos when i was re-doing a few trucks.

 

[PCO6]

I have a "Dominion" that I bought in about 1975 for around $400. That was a LOT of money back then and seems insane compared to the cost of more mass produced engine cranes today. It is very strong, sturdy, etc. and generally a tougher unit than what you could get today from Harbor Freight, Princess Auto, etc. for a lot less than what I paid for it. I'm not sure it does a better job though.

About 25 years ago a freind of mine made a very close copy of it. He was a certified welder and scrounged around for the parts and materials. He said he had about $200 into it. We both should have waited ... the prices have really come down over the years! Considering the number of engines, bodies and "junk" I have lifted over the years I guess it has more than paid for itself though ... even at that price.