Heavy duty engine hoist *aka, cherry picker*

[Firebrick43]

So, my buddy that I have always borrow tools from has retired and moved to Tennessee. I am need of an engine hoist and I would actually one a heavy duty one to lift machine tool assemblies and such. (I really need to build a jib but I have not yet).

I definitely want one that folds for storage, and would prefer on made out of non chinesium metal but ?????

6k capacity would be nice as well and Vestil has one but doesn't fold. I would love to find an OTC but new are 5000 dollars plus and I am not spending that.

Any one have the sunex 5222? Seems a step above all the other china lifts? Only 4k capacity but what do a do.

Any other heavy duty hoist that are under a 1000 dollars?

 

[blazemaster83]

I used to have a carolina shop hand 6000, it was rated to lift 3 tons but was def not foldable and was quite a bit larger than your standard engine hoist. It took up a ton of space, was always in the way and lifting 3 tons was sketchy with it. My advice is if you really need to lift 3 tons get a forklift, or a gantry crane. I found a 3 ton gantry for $500 and a non-running 5k cat forklift for free, that took 2 hrs to get running. Stuff is out there, just gotta go find it.

 

[Firebrick43]

I would love a forklift but storage space is even worse. I have a jd 2020 and can put forks on the loader but it’s not good in the shop or garage to pull and engine or load big stuff on the welding table or working on a tractor.

I was actually ready to pull the trigger on a used Wallace gantry with aluminum beam, and would love a gantry but again space and getting it close to the wall to load a bench, lathe, or mill.

I highly doubt I would ever actually lift 6k with an engine hoist. Most of them feel sketchy loaded more than 3/4 of capacity. Seen a few cheapies that have folded.

 

[NC Fabricator25]

I have the Vestil model being talked about, EHN-60T, 6,000lb capacity and it really is in a different league than the 1 and 2 ton models. It’s a very stout set up, heavily built, but of course doesn’t fold up and it does have a larger footprint. If you need the lift capacity or height, it’s the ticket.

Like so many folks with engine hoists, I find mine rarely used, and my little Mitsubishi 3k forklift gets the call when there’s lifting to be done. Not sure where the OP is located, but I’d be willing to part with mine….I’m in NC if you’re anywhere within driving distance and interested let me know.
I’ll try to get a picture uploaded later today, I think it’s in the back corner of the shop with a couple of 6-ton (read too heavy for me to lift) chain come alongs hanging from it, aka in storage.

 

[rsanter]

If you have room to store a rolling/movable A frame outside, that's what I would do.
And then just bring the chain hoist in when not in use

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

It will be hard to find one not Chinese made for a decent price. At every shop I’ve ever worked at we have only had the Harbor Freight ones and never had one fail. I know the thought of using one of those maybe scary but they are actually very well made. Just saying what I have experience with.

 

[Firebrick43]

I have the Vestil model being talked about, EHN-60T, 6,000lb capacity and it really is in a different league than the 1 and 2 ton models. It’s a very stout set up, heavily built, but of course doesn’t fold up and it does have a larger footprint. If you need the lift capacity or height, it’s the ticket.

Like so many folks with engine hoists, I find mine rarely used, and my little Mitsubishi 3k forklift gets the call when there’s lifting to be done. Not sure where the OP is located, but I’d be willing to part with mine….I’m in NC if you’re anywhere within driving distance and interested let me know.
I’ll try to get a picture uploaded later today, I think it’s in the back corner of the shop with a couple of 6-ton (read too heavy for me to lift) chain come alongs hanging from it, aka in storage.

Thanks for the offer but North Carolina is to far to drive.

I may just get the sunnex. I have thought about getting the HF and replacing the casters, but that may be nearly as much as the sunex

 

[vssjim]

I know they are hard to find but a used Blue Bird would fit your needs as they are fantastic and tough.

 

[VolvoRyan]

I wound up with another 3-ton from Tractor Supply while moving this summer. Harbor Freight was sold out of everything cool for months. I did a number of engine swaps with my first one from tractor Supply.... and it worked as well as anything else in the price range. The old one just didn't fit in the trailer after lifting one more engine into it.

-Ryan

 

[ex-x-fire]

Cherry pickers are all over my area on market place, from older USA model to import stuff. On a used one the most you'd need is a new ram. Prices range from $450 on down, most are $150.

 

[xjfish]

Cherry pickers are all over my area on market place, from older USA model to import stuff. On a used one the most you'd need is a new ram. Prices range from $450 on down, most are $150.

x2 bare minimum for your needs?

 

[ex-x-fire]

I'm not sure I follow your question.

 

[2oolhound]

He's looking for a 6K cherry picker, foldable, under $1000.