Hydraulic Ram/Jack for engine hoist questions

[Razorhunter]

-Is it pretty standard to order an 8 ton replacement jack for a 2 ton engine hoist?

-With regards to double acting cylinders, (which raise the jack via both the down stroke AND the downstroke of handle)…Is there any downside to these? I have read that while they are initially faster, once they encounter resistance, or a load, they are much slower. Is there any truth to this, or any other downside to a double acting jack?

If anyone has any recommendations for a specific Ram jack to order for my HF 2 ton engine hoist, I’d appreciate it. I just want the best double acting cylinder for the price. I would actually like to know if there is an air over hydraulic unit available, that also has the double acting pump for when you don’t have air or wish to drag out the air hose. Does such an animal exist?
Attached are a couple pics of my setup, as I honestly don’t know if these hydraulic cylinders are all standard height and mount type or not? I mean, do all the 1-2 ton hoists use the same cylinder size/length/foot mount etc?
Thanks for any help guys.

 

[The Cobbler]

why the 8 ton cylinder? will your 2 ton hoist stand up to extra lift weight like that?

 

[Daveyclimber]

Math. Need 8 ton capacity at the fulcrum point to lift 2 tons at end of the lever.

 

[Razorhunter]

No, my 2 ton hoist will only stand 2 tons, and to be honest, it would be sketchy to lift 4000lbs on these typical Chinese engine hoists. I’ve never attempted that much weight and I’d be more worried about the frame holding up to a full 4000, than the hyd cylinder. But yes, most of these 2 ton hoists call for an 8 ton ram.

 

[Radio Flyer]

Dont know if it helps, but I bought an air operated eight ton replacement cylinder for the same hoist. It is what I call single acting because it is power up, but not down. It can be used with, or without air.

Not sure if you would find an affordable cylinder that pumps with both strokes.

If I recall it was $89 ish from harbor freight. I think I have the original cylinder in that box. I can look for the number if you need it.

 

[LXCam]

Best thing I ever did was change mine out to air over hydraulic, I’ll never go back.

 

[isb cornbinder]

Is there any downside to these?

Sure is. Just turn the valve CCW and guess what happens?
I do not see an issue with a two ton ram replacement. My rotisserie set has two rams. It was left outside and the two rams seized. Do not lend your tools.

 

[BukitCase]

The earlier anwer is correct - the geometry of the 2 ton lift is such that it takes an 8 ton ram to accomplish 2 ton lift at end of the crane.

Not sure about double pumping, but the air/hydraulic replacements also work as a normal hand operated jack if there's no air involved - another advantage of the air/hydraulic is being able to do a rapid lift til you need "slow and sneaky" - then you just use the hand pump.

Same thing with the 20 ton air/hydraulic mod to the 20 ton press - air for fast approach, then handle for slow/careful. Here's a couple threads on mods by members for the press -

Harbor Freight 20 Ton Hydraulic Press Upgrades | The Garage Journal

Modifications to the HF 12 ton and 20 ton Shop Press - The Garage Journal Board

HTH... Steve

 

[PhantomEB]

My last hoist the ram was seized dead solid and an air over hydraulic ram for similar hoists was purchased on sale. Then when I bent the old hoist from side loading it, I replaced the hoist and swapped the ram over. 2 ton is more than enough to put one ton diffs into the back of my truck with.