What recommendations do you have for an engine hoist? Last summer I rented a Bluebird Knockdown Hoist for $60.00 for the day to get a 340 engine off my garage floor. It worked, but sucked having to get a long enough vehicle from a friend, go to the rental shop, do the shenanigans at the garage, disassemble, return the hoist, and return the vehicle. I wouldn't mind getting my own, especially as the motor is on a stand in my garage (that I may or may not keep to rebuild). I could also use it for property maintenance tasks. I liked the knockdown hoist, as the rental came with a storage carrier cart and could see it not taking up much room in my garage. However, it's heavy and bulky and when not in use I'd keep it in the cart. According to the Internet a group called EDCO makes a version of the Bluebird, but wants just under USD 3.2K for it. Apparently U.S. Jack is bringing back the Bluebird, but there is no confirmation when it'll be available and at what price point. Finally there is the Harbor Freight 2 Ton Hoist (I would go 2 ton over 1 ton) for much cheaper, but it doesn't break down (rather it folds) and I think it'd take up more garage space than the knockdown hoist. Any advice? Thanks anons.https://edcostore.com/product/engine-hoist-w-carrier-cart/https://www.usjack.com/products/bluebird-engine-hoisthttps://www.harborfreight.com/2-ton-capacity-foldable-shop-crane-58755.html
I also saw this from a group called SuperHandy and it's marketed for a 550lb weight capacity. I doubt it could do the weight of a fully dressed big block, but I'm not in the business of swapping engines everyday. It'd be for residential home use, and could see it also helping with property maintenance tasks. >Pic related
>>28948665Hi there. I actually have experience in this particular field. I am an engine overhaul mechanic, though I do aircraft engines not cars. At my shop, we use two hoists. One of them is as old as dirt and probably (no joke) has been around since WW2. It is an absolute tank.The other one of them is our "pack-and-go" hoist.https://www.equipmentrentalsource.com/equipment.asp?action=category&category=62&key=Engine+HoistThis one from Pittsburg (I know China-freight but I get what the boss buys) has served us very well and folds up nice and tight. I am unsure if your local shop has one, but we got it for like, $180. It is handy for how small it folds up and how much it lifts - especially for the price. Now, the negatives. It never has all 4 wheels on the ground. Whatever chainsmoking chink welded it together did a shit job. Also, the hydraulic lift is 1 way, not two way, and it squeaks so loud I swear I should be wearing earpro. BUT It fuckin lifts shit and folds up small to fit in the back of a truck so that is really all we care about.
>>28948665>$3.2k for a cherry picker.You can get a 2 post lift for that price.Hell, you can buy a used forklift or tractor with a bucket for that price.
>>28948705Thank you anon. Is the "old as dirt" hoist built in a similar style as the knock down hoists? And your recommendation for the 1 ton hoist is something I looked at, but am not considering. Too many reviews stating it's not enough hoist and a lot of buyer regret for not going after the 2 ton. >>28948734Thank you anon. I would consider a 2 post lift or even a forklift/tractor with bucket but my problem is that the garage is full of stuff, especially on the floor. I'm trying to declutter and better organize (read: use wall space) but it's tough when not everything in it is mine. That's why I looking for a small footprint item.
Hold my Monster energy drink, son
>>28949054Thanks for the laugh, anon :^)Would be very cool only thing is I don’t know how to weld :^(
>>28949044The old girl is almost identical, but is FAR higher quality and does not come apart. All solid steel and welds. The difference is the older one has a second piece behind the hydraulic pump that is two square steel tubes (one inaide the other) with holes for a steel bar to sit inside for a locking system rather than relying entirely on the hydraulic lock. I feel SO much safer with the big engines having the locking bar. Yeah that makes sense. I wouldnt attempt to lift our larger engines with the cheap one. The lack of a mechanical lock and with how much it rocks because of the poor welding job makes it unreliable. Plus the wheels are kinda small, meaning cracks in concrete and rocks are far more detrimental to moving it around.
>>28948665Just to to harbor freight and get their 2 ton folding shop crane for $370. Even cheaper if you find a coupon or get it on sale. $3200 for one is insane. Hell look on craigslist, Facebook marketplace or local auction houses and you can probably score one for $150. I have 4 or 5 of them kicking around...
>>28949180That second piece behind the pump is a nice locking system, especially for the heavier engines. Are the wheels swap-able? Because if yes then I'd think putting on larger, more durable material wheels would roll over the cracks in concrete. >>28949225I looked at local ads and they're all the 1 ton hoists. Harbor Freight actually has an upcoming Parking Lot Sale and the 2 ton hoist is on sale for $300.00. You're right that the $3.2K breakdown hoist is too much; there are car lifts available for that much.
