Engine hoist
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 396
Likes: 3
From: Buffalo New York
Engine hoist
I'm looking to buy an engine hoist for my '76. Do I need a 2-ton hoist, or will a 1-ton hoist work? None of the vendors list the clear reach from their hoist, they only seem to care about the total lift. I know I need at least 36" reach to clear the fender with the jack cylinder.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 348
Likes: 12
From: Ocala, Florida
I bought my engine hoist from Harbor Freight it is a 1 ton it folds for storage. I have pulled many engines with mine it works great. The lasest flyer from Harbor Freight has it for $139.99 spend extra for their motor leveler JAY
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,883
Likes: 124
From: Lubbock TX
I snagged a pair from Harbor Freight (China Trading Co.) that have swivels on the hooks. I love 'em, the straight chain and hook setup wants to straighten itself out to whatever angle it wants which is rarely what I want. The swivels allow me to position the engine exactly where I want it and let go without unwinding the chain.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 596
Likes: 6
From: Irving Texas
I fully agree and own both 1 ton and a 2 ton:
A one ton works..........but please note on this picture, when you extend the length of the boom outward, the weight limit decreases.
Note the silver pin that can be inserted at different lengths along the boom.
Also, chances are that you are only going to lift and insert the motor only instead of the motor/tranny combo........which is definately less than 1 ton.
A one ton works..........but please note on this picture, when you extend the length of the boom outward, the weight limit decreases.
Note the silver pin that can be inserted at different lengths along the boom.
Also, chances are that you are only going to lift and insert the motor only instead of the motor/tranny combo........which is definately less than 1 ton.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 38
From: Fremont CA
I have used a 1ton for many projects but, I just went to Harbor Freight and bought a 1ton chain hoist for my recent install. When my buddy who has my engine hoist called and said I run it back over to you, I said, no it's like the game of tag and your "IT!" I'll call you when I have room in my garage to store it again until then KEEP IT!
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
Well, the engine weighs less than 1/2 ton....BUT, each of those portable hoists has an extendable boom on it. Depending on how far you extend it, the boom capacity changes. With a 1 ton hoist, it will lift up to 1 ton on the inner-most boom position. That amount of extension will not allow you to reach the center of the engine compartment.
So, you will need a 2 ton capacity hoist to get the job cone SAFELY. Will a 1 ton hoist do the job...maybe, maybe not.
So, you will need a 2 ton capacity hoist to get the job cone SAFELY. Will a 1 ton hoist do the job...maybe, maybe not.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 487
Likes: 160
From: Two Lane Black Top
As long as your working with small block chevy, LS1 engines or similar the 1 ton should be fine.
We've used 1 ton's fully extended to the 1/2 ton mark to move a 455 Pontiac all cast iron w/accessories attached. The hoist did ok. However, a 750 pound rated engine stand started bending when most of the 455's weight was on it. I think it would have broke the 750 pound stand. If I was working a lot with the big motors I'd probably want the 2 ton hoist.
We've used 1 ton's fully extended to the 1/2 ton mark to move a 455 Pontiac all cast iron w/accessories attached. The hoist did ok. However, a 750 pound rated engine stand started bending when most of the 455's weight was on it. I think it would have broke the 750 pound stand. If I was working a lot with the big motors I'd probably want the 2 ton hoist.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,883
Likes: 124
From: Lubbock TX
You may be amazed at what you can do with a shop crane/engine hoist. I helped a buddy lift the rear of a K-5 Blazer to sling a new rearend under it this weekend. The 2-ton China Trading Co. piece worked great! Get the big one, you never know what you might find to use it for.
