At first, choosing an engine hoist may seem like a simple task. Most people think they’re all pretty much the same. But as you’ll soon see, there are many more facts to consider than you might realize.
The first and most important factor to consider is what capacity you need. Most engine cranes run from 1 ton up to 2 ton capacity. But there are shop cranes that rate at even higher capacities, some above 5 tons for heavy equipment engine lifting. Assuming to are the typical auto shop, you would be most likely to acquire a 2 ton model.
The next most important consideration is wether you should get a folding engine hoist or a nonfolding one. Many users prefer a folding crane because it allows you to utilize your floor space better. When it’s not in use, you can free up vital floor space that many smaller shops don’t have to spare.
You do sacrifice some key features when you get a folding engine lift. Cranes that fold usually don’t have the reach that a non-folding one has. That is because the non folding design allows for more boom to extend out as well as the legs. They can typically telescope out a foot longer than a folding hoist can. This could mean the difference when it comes to reaching into a larger truck’s engine compartment.
Safety considerations also apply. Users need to take care not to extend the boom out farther than the legs. This can lead to potential imbalance causing the hoist to flip. Always make sure the boom does not extend out past the legs.
You may want to get an engine tilter as well. This allows you to make fine adjustments when re-mounting the engine.
Don’t skimp when it comes to quality either. Get a solid, commercial quality engine hoist. Even if that cheap engine hoist doesn’t fail to a catastrophic ending, you face years of leaking cylinders and other potential issues with an inferior, bargain cherry picker.
