When it comes to working on a car, few tasks are as exciting and intimidating. If you want your car to serve you well, regular engine maintenance is important.
However, getting the engine out of the car can be backbreaking work. If you invest in the best engine hoist, you’ll save more than just money.
You’ll also save yourself the hassle involved in hauling the engine in and out of your vehicle. Thus, in this article, we’ll be discussing the best engine hoists that are worth every penny in 2024.
So, let’s dive in!
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Best Engine Hoist
Here are the best engine hoists that are worth considering: OTC 4000lb Capacity Folding Floor Crane, Torin foldable engine hoist – 2 Ton., Partsam electric hoist crane., Vestil 2 Ton Shop Crane Engine Hoist with Dragway Hydraulic Engine Hoist, Strongway Hydraulic Engine Hoist, and SUNEX TOOLS 5222 2-Ton Folding Engine Crane.
OTC 4000lb Capacity Folding Floor Crane
With a load capacity of 4,000 pounds, a maximum lifting of 25 inches, and dimensions of 61 x 9 x 29.5 inches, the OTC 4000-pound folding floor crane is a fantastic value.
The crane has a pretty good height range and also has a telescoping boom, which gives you the versatility to remove engines from small cars such as a Honda S2000 or large cars such as a Jeep Cherokee.
One of the other more notable features of this hoist is that it can be folded to make it more compact for storage.
Torin Foldable Engine Hoist Ton
With a load capacity of 4,400 pounds, an item weight of 125.4 pounds, and dimensions of 56 x 11 x 10 inches, the Torin Foldable Engine Hoist – 2 Ton, is great for its value.
The biggest reason to consider buying this hoist is that it is capable of supporting two tons, so it’s easily good enough for anything but the largest cars around.
In addition, it’s foldable, which makes it easily portable and very easy to store if you have tight space constraints in your garage. It also features a telescoping boom, which means that you can extend this tool so that the lifting hook sits directly above your engine.
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Partsam Electric Hoist Crane
With a load capacity of 1320 pounds, an item weight of 42.2 pounds, and dimensions of 16.34 x 7.28 x 12.01 inches, the Partsam electric hoist crane is a great choice for an electric hoist.
The Partsam electric hoist crane is made to lift irregular objects up to 1320 lbs (0.66 tons) with the greatest ease. Its remote-control power system means that no elbow grease is required, and it has an emergency stop switch for safety.
Vestil 2 Ton Shop Crane Engine Hoist
With a load capacity of 4000 pounds, an item weight of 245 pounds, and dimensions of 62 x 35 x 57 inches, this is a great hoist for its value. Vestil is a purveyor of great-quality industrial equipment.
It has a telescoping boom, so you can extend the chain mount out further to make for easier access to your engine without being cramped for space.
It is made of all steel construction and is very sturdy. One cool feature is the ability to fold the legs in to keep it tight and compact when you store it.
Dragway Hydraulic Engine Hoist
With a load capacity of 4000 pounds, an item weight of 149 pounds, and dimensions of 65 x 41 x 37 inches, the Dragway Hydraulic Engine Hoist is not a bad choice.
It features fully rotating steel caster wheels that provide movement in any direction, a durable forged-steel chain and hook, and an extended boom capacity of up to 0.5 tons.
Strong way Hydraulic Engine Hoist
With a load capacity of 4000 pounds, an item weight of 184 pounds, and dimensions of 65 x 40 x 61 inches, the Strongway Hydraulic Engine Hoist is not a bad choice.
The price and quality of the Strongway hydraulic engine hoist, which comes complete with a 1.5-ton capacity load leveler accessory, are pretty hard to beat.
With its 2-ton capacity, high-grade steel construction, easy-to-clean lead-free paint finish, and large-diameter steel cylinder, this hoist was designed to lift heavy loads with minimal effort.
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SUNEX TOOLS 5222 2-Ton Folding Engine Crane
This crane has a capacity of 1.5 tons with the four-position adjustable boom retracted, a capacity of 750 pounds with the boom fully extended, and dimensions of 33 x 11.4 x 7.5 inches.
This is a fantastic hoist that will serve you well. Mechanics will benefit from the low-profile casters as well as the low minimum height. The next feature is the rapid rise.
The rapid rise is the result of a smart hydraulic setup that gives sufficient mechanical advantage to the user to allow them to raise this hoist a claimed 6 times faster than standard engine cranes.
Conclusion
Choosing the best engine hoist is essential for safe and efficient vehicle maintenance or engine swaps. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional mechanic, the right hoist can make a significant difference in ease of use, lifting capacity, portability, and durability.
From foldable hydraulic hoists to heavy-duty engine cranes with high weight capacities, there’s an option to suit every garage and budget. Before purchasing, always consider factors like the type of vehicles you work on, available workspace, and safety features. Investing in a quality engine hoist not only saves time but also enhances safety and precision during engine handling tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is an engine hoist used for?
An engine hoist (also known as an engine crane or cherry picker) is used to lift and remove engines from vehicles safely and efficiently, especially during repair, rebuild, or replacement work.
What types of engine hoists are available?
The main types include hydraulic hoists (manual or air-assisted), foldable hoists for space-saving storage, and electric hoists for effortless lifting. Some also come with load levelers for better control.
How much weight can an engine hoist lift?
Most engine hoists range from 1-ton (2,000 lbs) to 3-ton (6,000 lbs) lifting capacity. Always check the rated capacity and ensure it’s suitable for your vehicle’s engine weight.
Are foldable engine hoists durable?
Yes, foldable hoists are built for durability and convenience. They are ideal for limited garage space and typically do not compromise on strength or performance.
Can one person operate an engine hoist?
Yes, most engine hoists are designed for single-person operation. However, having a second person can help with guidance and safety during engine removal or installation.
Do I need a load leveler with my engine hoist?
A load leveler is highly recommended when removing or installing an engine, especially at an angle. It helps balance the engine and allows more controlled movement.
Are engine hoists safe to use?
When used correctly and with proper precautions, engine hoists are very safe. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, use on level ground, and avoid exceeding the weight limit.
What is the best engine hoist for home garages?
Foldable 2-ton hydraulic hoists are popular for home garages due to their versatility, storage-friendly design, and capacity to handle most car engines.