Harbor Freight 2 Ton Shop Crane?

[Tejaas]

I'd like to start off by saying i DID search, and as usual the results seemed to be a random assortment of unrelated topics.

I'm wanting a mobile crane to move short model Vidmar cabinets, armory lockers, my anvil, etc around in my shop (I'm planning on trying a new shop layout this winter.)

It also would be utilized to load/unload things from the bed of my trucks... future Vidmar purchases, my welders, plate steel, etc...

I can't forsee anything over about 1500 pounds being moved in this manner, but I feel I can find a million other situations that a small shop crane would prove useful... especially getting projects up onto my smaller welding tables, loading hog traps on the truck/trailer, etc.

Is the current HF 2 Ton model a good all around pick for this type of work?

In the past here on GJ I seem to recall seeing red, gray, orange, and black shop cranes that seem to be identical... are these all just HF models with different paint jobs?

I have only been in a Harbor Freight once before for the 44" Box... I am trying to figure out the overall opinion on these cranes before I make the trip to purchase one.

Thanks for any guidance yall may provide.






~Tejaas~

 

[AA/FC]

For $99 bucks the 1 ton model might be worth a try. I'm probably going to pick one up this week. I don't really need one but for that kind of money it can't hurt to have one laying around.

 

[LEVE]

I have the 2 ton folding model. I just used it yesterday to move a pellet stove into place in the garage. I used it when I moved to lift my LCD TV high onto it's wall mount. I've used it for all the normal stuff, removing engines, transmissions, axles, etc.. I find it's useful to move stuff out of the pickup, not perfect, but useful. For the money, it's been a very useful tool.

 

[owenst7]

I use mine a ton (so do my friends). Pulled several SBCs without issue. Uses the same ram that's on my tube bender.

I would spring for the 2 ton. I think its made better.

 

[HotFry]

I've used mine to pick up and set a 302 w/ AOD trans into the frame of my old bronco , lifting axles out of the pickup and moving around the garage and all sorts of other stuff. It's been a very useful item to have around and when I'm done I fold the legs up and it sits in the corner not taking up to much room or being a trip hazard. My dad bought one 15 years ago and it was orange but I have no idea what other colors they've sold it in.

Remember the further you extend the arm the less it's rated for. If memory serves fully extended they rate it for 1000 ponds.

 

[brianh]

I use mine all the time loading equipment and logs into my truck I welded axles and put pneumatic tires on it to roll outside. It lifted my 1500lb south bend lathe fine.

 

[MRunabout]

I have the 2 ton model and just used it to pull the engine with transmission connected with no problems (~500lbs).

 

[sberry]

If I was getting one,,, think it should be on most diy short list but would get the HF 2T. Its heavy, designed and built well.

 

[Jagmandave]

I currently have a 2T model on loan from a friend so I could pull an engine, all I can say is it works as well as any I've used over a long career. Just don't overload it. I think I'd be happier with the smaller 1T model for what I do, since none of the engines I pull weigh much over 3-400lbs all in.

If I had a flat, smooth shop floor I could see using it to do a lot!

 

[pipsters]

The 2-ton has a much longer reach than the 1-ton. Also at full extension, which is where I use it 100% of the time, it's rated for 1000 lbs. More than plenty for most of what anyone would do in their home. I have the folding version to same on space.

Definitely worth the 2-ton price, I think I paid $144 including taxes a couple years ago. Not sure what it's up to now. I did see the color is now a silver/black combo, I've considered selling my orange one to pick up a silver one because it goes with my paint scheme in my garage.

 

[rockfordmarv]

I've been looking at the 2ton, anybody know what the footprint of it is folded up?

 

[owenst7]

I've been looking at the 2ton, anybody know what the footprint of it is folded up?

About 18"x18", give or take

 

[aquinob]

I've got a 2 ton model, don't know if its HF or not. Could be Northern or any one of the other places that sells them, they seem to be all similar if not identical except for paint. I would look on the local CL, I picked up mine for 65 bucks along with an attachment to balance off center loads. Most of the stuff that HF sells usually shows up on CL one time or another.

 

[Ign]

For loading trucks the bed-mount one with cable winch is badass. Problem is it'll only help you with that one truck and its arguably ugly, plus they can rattle. But they at least used to be just pipe sleeved over pipe for the bearing, so you could take it apart there and just have upright in the bed.

For a lot of what you're proposing a pallet jack would be nice, for the remainder a hydraulic cart, min of 34" height tho (or measure your tailgate). With material handling there's no easy answer short of a bridge crane, but I haven't unfolded my engine hoist in a LONG time compared to how often I use my hydraulic cart & pallet jack.

 

[crerus75]

We had a Northern Tool version in a shop where I used to work. It worked very well because:
1. We had a smooth, epoxy coated floor in the shop
2. My boss replaced the mediocre casters with a very nice set from, I think, Grainger's. No, I don't know what casters he used (blue plastic wheels is all I remember), but it used to roll across the floor effortlessly even with an engine hanging on it. Pulling engines out of a car was a breeze.

If the casters are at all difficult to swivel, like they are on the Harbor Freight one-ton I have at home, spend the money on some high-end casters. You'll still be money ahead. I plan to upgrade mine before I pull another engine.

 

[sberry]

They are probably larger on the 2T. This is rigging equipment, aint no way the 2 isn't substantially better than the 1

 

[sac02]

I put in another vote for the 2-ton over the 1-ton. I don't remember exactly, but I got my HF 2-ton for under $150 with coupons and such.

I've been looking at the 2ton, anybody know what the footprint of it is folded up?

About 18"x18", give or take

Maybe 18"x18" for the 1-ton? I actually measured mine a couple days ago while rearranging floor space in my garage. The HF 2-ton crane is 34"x20" at the floor, though the beam on the crane sticks out a few more inches (making it more like 34x24).

I use mine all the time loading equipment and logs into my truck I welded axles and put pneumatic tires on it to roll outside. It lifted my 1500lb south bend lathe fine.

That is a cool idea!

 

[Tejaas]

Great info here, guys.
I'm gonna go with the folding 2 Ton, and have a stockpile of Colson 5 casters already on hand to do an upgrade with.

Now I just need to find a coupon!

Thanks again, everyone.



~Tejaas~

 

[CoopVA]

2-ton for sure. I love mine.


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[sz0k30]

To AA/FC:
Don't waste your money on the 1 ton. It may help you with a lot of stuff, but it will never pull a V8 engine/trans combo. It doesn't have the strength and it doesn't have the reach.

 

[Farmall450]

I've heard nothing but praise for the 2T...gonna get one myself eventually...granted, the skidsteer will left everything it will.

 

[AA/FC]

To AA/FC:
Don't waste your money on the 1 ton. It may help you with a lot of stuff, but it will never pull a V8 engine/trans combo. It doesn't have the strength and it doesn't have the reach.

Thanks for the heads up....

I haven't looked at them in the store yet but after reading your post (and others) I'm sue I wont be satisfied with the 1 ton. I'll be buying the 2 ton...

 

[ZRX61]

Don't forget the rating changes with the reach. They are 2ton at minimum reach. If you hang a 460 & C6 off one at full reach you'll be paying real close attention to how close you get to the business end...

 

[BDT/NWMN]

There are at least five popular versions of two ton engine hoists.. I have two of the versions; both fold or have removable legs.. Arcan builds one with heavier non swivel casters on the legs.. I like this unit because the casters are always lined up to go forward or back... It is easier to roll than my other one, which is a Harbor Freight clone sold under a half dozen paint schemes.. Of course; IF you want to roll the hoist sideways no cigar.. The Harbor Freight clone has the swivels, so if you can push the hoist in an extra six inches, then pull back in the direction you will be moving it loaded, the swivels will then be headed in the right direction.. Same goes for side movements.. Just makes using the loaded hoist a bit easier.. One version I don't care for are the units with bolts used as a set screw to pinch the telescopic legs and boom to hold them in place.. While these can be adjusted to fit in a more restricted space, I don't care for all the pinch marks and dimples left from the bolts being over tightened. The Harbor Freight type is easy to fold and set up for use, and is a good buy.

 

[BD1]

The two ton is worth the $$$. Mine was around $150 a couple years ago as others mentioned. I used mine to remove the tractor tires on my John Deere 750 tractor. Much safer then fighting them by hand for sure. Just ran a sling through the wheel and a few pumps and it's done. A toy with many uses for sure.

 

[Emmo213]

I got one a few weeks ago. It went together smoothly and has done everything I've asked so far. I may replace the castors with something a little more beefy for moving it while loaded but otherwise I'm quite happy. It tucks up next to my John Deere A so it's out of the way too.

 

[Toyota mechanic]

I picked up the 1 ton this evening. I have a 3 ton, MAC, engine crane; that is big and cumbersome to deal with but................. Necessary when pulling very large engines, or lifting a body off a chassis. I bought the 1 ton; because it folds up, and will be quick access for smaller jobs, Subaru engines... etc...

I have a split garage, meaning the floor is a foot lower in half the shop.... I hate lifting the huge engine crane through!

For 100 bucks with the coupon, the 1 ton was well worth it. Will assemble tomorrow, looks good.

 

[evintho]

I've been looking at the 2ton, anybody know what the footprint of it is folded up?

Just measured my HF 2-ton. 33-1/2"W x 21"D x 65"H