Tip: Engine Hoists Aren’t Just For Engines
By Chuck Cage
There’s another name for engine hoists that indicates their wider utility: shop cranes. TM reader Monty writes: “I have a bad back, so I use my engine hoist/shop crane in my woodworking shop to move equipment and projects.”
So do we, Monty! We’ve used ours to move heavy objects around the shop and even as a Hulk-sized “third hand.” Though we’re too cheap to give up our otherwise-perfectly-good model, many manufacturers now offer fold-up types that store easy in the shop. Some even offer air-hydraulic models. We wish we had one!
Folding Shop Cranes [Google Products]
Air-Hydraulic Via Amazon
June 27th, 2007 at 12:30 pm
I picked up a shop crane on Craigslist a while back and I love it. I’ve used it to work on my motorcycle, lift the entire rear end of a car (don’t ask), and of course pull the engine and transmission from the car i’m restoring. If you’ve got the space, get one!
June 27th, 2007 at 7:07 pm
used at the local electrical wholesaler to mount large reals on the wire rack
June 28th, 2007 at 5:39 am
It’s handy to have one if you’ve got a late model Pontiac. In order to change the serpentine belt, the right upper motor mount has to be removed. The engine’s got to be supported, (obviously). The easiest way is with an engine hoist thru the two removal loops on top of the engine.
June 28th, 2007 at 7:09 am
For the guys that work on old trucks and such… there is a contraption that you can have built that attaches on the end to lift the truck cab off by yourself. Very handy indeed.
June 28th, 2007 at 7:53 am
I’ve used mine to pull bushes out of my yard. Much easier than digging.
June 29th, 2007 at 1:12 pm
I’ve used mine to lift the entire front end of a car to make transmission removal easier. Also used it when I had a motorcycle project whose rear wheel wasn’t attached (rear was supported by a center stand.) Used the hoist to pick it up and move it elsewhere (recently sold it because I spent more time moving it out of the way than working on it.)
July 6th, 2007 at 6:25 pm
My father HATES working on cars, but after he saw me using to swap engines he decided that it’s real use is for moving shrubs and trees.