Need Help in Selecting a 2 - 3 Ton Engine Hoist

[Maui]

I restore old machines and equipment, and am constantly lifting heavy machines and moving them around in my garage. This is why most of the machines that I buy end up on casters so that they are easier to move around. I recently purchased a Clausing 5419 lathe, and used my enclosed trailer to transport it home. It's a 12 inch lathe with flame hardened ways, and weighs between 1000 and 1200 lbs. In order for it to fit in the trailer I had to break the lathe down. This was relatively simple to do. The entire job of taking the lathe apart and loading it into the trailer took about 2 1/2 hours to complete. It went easy because the owner had a 3 ton engine hoist and we were able to put it to good use. It made me think that I should purchase one of these myself for my own use. It would certainly save my back from the stress and strain of doing all of this lifting myself.

My budget would be in the $500 range. I know that Harbor Freight does sell some decent quality equipment here and there, but I am hesitant to buy something this important from them. I wouldn't want it to fail in the middle of a lift and possibly hurt myself or someone else. Safety is paramount in my mind.

Based on the experiences of the members here, what engine hoist would you recommend and why?

Maui

 

[G-ManBart]

I got tired of lifting heavy stuff, and nearly hurt myself lifting something heavy a while back, so I bought the Harbor Freight 2T model. It was right at $140 out the door with a coupon.

I really wanted to buy something made in the USA, but I had done some previous research on them and everything I found made here was much more expensive than I was willing to pay.

I haven't lifted anything heavier than maybe 500lbs with it so far, but that doesn't even tax it a bit. Having used it a bit my only "complaint" is that it's pretty slow and you have to crank the lever quite a few times to get it up to tailgate height...but that's not really brand-specific. I might consider replacing the jack with a quality pneumatic jack to make it faster, and then the worry of a cheap jack failing is pretty much gone as well.

I will say the welds and powder coat look pretty decent for a mass-produced, inexpensive item.

 

[bluebolt]

I got tired of lifting heavy stuff, and nearly hurt myself lifting something heavy a while back, so I bought the Harbor Freight 2T model. It was right at $140 out the door with a coupon.

I really wanted to buy something made in the USA, but I had done some previous research on them and everything I found made here was much more expensive than I was willing to pay.

I haven't lifted anything heavier than maybe 500lbs with it so far, but that doesn't even tax it a bit. Having used it a bit my only "complaint" is that it's pretty slow and you have to crank the lever quite a few times to get it up to tailgate height...but that's not really brand-specific. I might consider replacing the jack with a quality pneumatic jack to make it faster, and then the worry of a cheap jack failing is pretty much gone as well.

I will say the welds and powder coat look pretty decent for a mass-produced, inexpensive item.

I put the Harbor Freight long ram 8 ton airjack on my engine hoist, SO much better!

 

[fordnut85]

I put the Harbor Freight long ram 8 ton airjack on my engine hoist, SO much better!

I did the same thing and swapped out all the caster for GOOD quality SWIVEL casters and it's been the best cherry picker I've ever used and it can all be done well under your $500 budget

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[American Locomotive]

I've pulled a lot of engines with a lot of different people, and honestly have not used a "brand name" engine hoist once. Always a cheap chinese lift (often the HF one) and have never had a problem. I just pulled a 1500 pound air compressor out of a truck with a HF engine lift the other day and it performed fine.

 

[SKaReCRoW]

I got tired of lifting heavy stuff, and nearly hurt myself lifting something heavy a while back, so I bought the Harbor Freight 2T model. It was right at $140 out the door with a coupon.

I really wanted to buy something made in the USA, but I had done some previous research on them and everything I found made here was much more expensive than I was willing to pay.

I haven't lifted anything heavier than maybe 500lbs with it so far, but that doesn't even tax it a bit. Having used it a bit my only "complaint" is that it's pretty slow and you have to crank the lever quite a few times to get it up to tailgate height...but that's not really brand-specific. I might consider replacing the jack with a quality pneumatic jack to make it faster, and then the worry of a cheap jack failing is pretty much gone as well.

I will say the welds and powder coat look pretty decent for a mass-produced, inexpensive item.

When did you get it for 140? I just bought the same one for $179 with coupon on Friday. Haven't even opened the boxes yet, so maybe I could get an extra $40 back.

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[junkyardwarrior]

I have been watching lifting cranes for a good while now. I bought a 1 ton HF crane a while back and the lifting arm is WAY too short to do any engine pulling. The ram hits the bumper, fender, wherever you put it, the thing is just entirely too short. Sold it for exactly what I paid for it (minus tax) and picked up a HF 2 ton. Better, did the job but still not exactly what I wanted. A year or so after buying the 2 ton, I found a used Ex-cell 2 ton crane here in town, lady was selling it because she didn't use it but once or twice in 10 years. It was in her way. I gave her $80 for it, and sold the 2 ton HF unit for $125 on CL an hour later. The ex-cell is MUCH sturdier. I would trust it to pull the engine out of my truck if that need ever arises. I have no complaints with it. As soon as I got it I ordered an air-over-hydraulic ram for it and that makes lifting an engine by yourself considerably easier, but it doesn't let the engine back down. Had to weld a piece of a longer bolt to the ram release so the vise grips could be put back into the tool box where they belong.

Point is, keep your eye on CL, FB, etc and the deals are out there if you look. Sometimes even when you're not looking.

For outdoors lifting, in the yard, out of the truck, etc, I use the tractor...again a CL bargain. Traded a Kawasaki Mule for it, had $450 ******* in the Mule. Guy needed a Mule and I needed a tractor with a loader. We were both happy.

 

[G-ManBart]

When did you get it for 140? I just bought the same one for $179 with coupon on Friday. Haven't even opened the boxes yet, so maybe I could get an extra $40 back.

It's been at least five or six months, but I just checked me receipts/manuals (yeah for organization!) and saw I had it confused with the 20T shop press I bought around the same time. I actually paid $174.99 with a coupon...sorry for the confusion.

Still, it was money well spent, and I can't believe I waited so long to get one!

 

[SKaReCRoW]

It's been at least five or six months, but I just checked me receipts/manuals (yeah for organization!) and saw I had it confused with the 20T shop press I bought around the same time. I actually paid $174.99 with a coupon...sorry for the confusion.

Still, it was money well spent, and I can't believe I waited so long to get one!

Ok, I don't feel so bad only paying $5 more lol. I mainly bought it to move around 2 Chevy 350 engines that are sitting in the dead center of my garage blocking everything, but over the weekend 3 of us moved everything BUT the engines, and I was still able to get one of my e30's inside. I still need to move them, but I guess I didn't NEED to buy it when I did. I'll also need it to remove the engine from the e30 when I get around to stripping it bare.

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[rsanter]

The problem with a cherry picker is that yes it is two ton but if you extend the legs and arm you get down to 1/2 ton really quick and it can also get a bit tipsy if you are not careful.

I would look for a used one, and the put some money to getting an A-fame with chain hoist.

My shop has an I beam in the shop over the bay and it's the best thing for lifting ever!!!
So great I not want an A-frame outside the shop

Bob

 

[Rubiman14]

Years ago I scored an AC Delco picker, leveler, and engine stand for $200ish at a local auto parts store. Has always worked when needed. These days, I also use an electric chain fall and I-beam

 

[Git]

I would take a look at what Costco has to offer:
https://www.costco.com/Torin-Jacks-2-Ton-Engine-Hoist-.product.100295240.html

The Harbor Freight version is $229
https://www.harborfreight.com/2-ton-capacity-foldable-shop-crane-69514.html

 

[Maui]

I found an Excaliber engine hoist on Craigslist not too far from me that I will look at tonight. It's either a 2 or 3 ton hoist, it is on casters and folds, and was manufactured in South Carolina. The guy apparently inherited it from his father. He says that he used it recently and it has no problems. He wants $50 for it. I will bring cash with me.

Maui

 

[WhiffySpark]

The otc one is nice. $700 I think you can probably find them cheaper

 

[bluebolt]

I found an Excaliber engine hoist on Craigslist not too far from me that I will look at tonight. It's either a 2 or 3 ton hoist, it is on casters and folds, and was manufactured in South Carolina. The guy apparently inherited it from his father. He says that he used it recently and it has no problems. He wants $50 for it. I will bring cash with me.

Maui

My hoist is a 2 ton Excalibur.