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Need better engine hoist suggestions?

vandelay industries

vandelay industries

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i've always used this type standard entry level hoist, and yes they work ok, but i want something better. (note: i only "mess" with SBCs and "little" 4.3 v-6's, but still)


i'm actually more concerned with rolling ability/ease. So maybe there's a way to change casters?

Also, please discuss tilters. The one i have is ok too, but could stand for improvement.
 
UPDATE:

i AM doing my own research as well (i just figured there was probably vast experience with engine cranes here, so i though i might as well ask) and it appears that ALL engine hoists are made in the same factory in China and just painted different colors depending on which "brand."

This means:
1) All engine hoists are shit.

2) This, in itself, is a problem; i think same applies to microwave ovens?

3) This could be a good business opportunity for someone. Make an engine stand that is actually good quality and is easier to roll. Granted, on a completely flat, smooth concrete floor it's not so bad. But often times we don't have that luxury.

However, i did see some hoists can plug into a receiver hitch; This could be my solution for the rolling situation. But would have to be carefull as hell when positioning the engine back in the car.
 
You pay for it. But I have seen one work. Rolls really easy. No height issues.

www.uline.com

Aluminum Gantry Cranes in Stock - Uline

Uline stocks a wide selection of Aluminum Gantry Cranes. Order by 6 p.m. for same day shipping. Huge Catalog! Over 45,000 products in stock. 14 locations across USA, Canada and Mexico for fast delivery of Aluminum Gantry Cranes.
www.uline.com www.uline.com
 
If you are working on taller hehicles, you can go to bigger casters. The standard is so they will roll under a passenger car on low stands.
 
ktmoutfront said:
You pay for it. But I have seen one work. Rolls really easy. No height issues.

www.uline.com

Aluminum Gantry Cranes in Stock - Uline

Uline stocks a wide selection of Aluminum Gantry Cranes. Order by 6 p.m. for same day shipping. Huge Catalog! Over 45,000 products in stock. 14 locations across USA, Canada and Mexico for fast delivery of Aluminum Gantry Cranes.
www.uline.com www.uline.com
Click to expand...

At first i meant to say that gantry, while ideal, was not an option because i didn't think i had the space for it. But looking at the specs, it appears it can just barely fit, height wise, into the garage. But these aren't really easy to take apart/put back together?
 
I used regular hoist and amazon or HF tlter, was good enough for my purposes, like you first linked. I've read here, on ck5, For lifted vehicles you can take your front tires off to lower your vehicle and use a regular hoist.
 
I have a homemade one that I picked up from a dude that was moving.
Similar in design to all the other engine cranes out there but roughly twice the size.
Stands over 6 ft tall and has wide 6" casters on it.
Its really fantastic, if you have some fab skills building one may be the way to go.
IMG_20191108_193651614.jpg
 
vandelay industries said:
i've always used this type standard entry level hoist, and yes they work ok, but i want something better. (note: i only "mess" with SBCs and "little" 4.3 v-6's, but still)


i'm actually more concerned with rolling ability/ease. So maybe there's a way to change casters?

Also, please discuss tilters. The one i have is ok too, but could stand for improvement.
Click to expand...
I changed casters on mine from solid steel to steel with rubber coating and roller bearings, it rolls much easier.
I also set mine on top of a car dolly to move it more than a few inches and it put it higher so I was able to pull the engine from a truck on 35" tires and 4" lift.
 
imiceman44 said:
I changed casters on mine from solid steel to steel with rubber coating and roller bearings, it rolls much easier.
I also set mine on top of a car dolly to move it more than a few inches and it put it higher so I was able to pull the engine from a truck on 35" tires and 4" lift.
Click to expand...

Would you happen to have a part # or general direction i could go towards? i agree----wheels and bearings are EVERYTHING.
 
UPDATE:

The "generic" engine hoist actually does a good job; i think if you put wood underneath the wheels (should probably at least 3/4") then the wheels roll easy.

i think the problem is i was doing my latest engine changes on the driveway and the wheels would actually sink into the asphalt even on days when it's not that hot. Also, the driveway angle wasn't flat either. When the wheels sink in, you're not moving. These generic-type engine hoists actually roll ok on flat, concrete floors.

But wood underneath the wheels basically solved the problem.
 
jake 03 said:
I have a homemade one that I picked up from a dude that was moving.
Similar in design to all the other engine cranes out there but roughly twice the size.
Stands over 6 ft tall and has wide 6" casters on it.
Its really fantastic, if you have some fab skills building one may be the way to go.
View attachment 387393
Click to expand...
You doing a ppv project?
 
On my hoist, which I was using yesterday, I want lockable straight front leg wheels. So when is all lined up can stay straight as engine and trans are rolled in. Thinking a solid rubber 6 or 8" tire that can be attached or move to raise the swivel casters. My hoist is the generic style, I bought at Price Club, 30+ years ago.
Make sure to move the adjustable legs out to markings, so you don't end up on Youtube like @Cheavyk10 post.
 
Wes Harden said:
On my hoist, which I was using yesterday, I want lockable straight front leg wheels. So when is all lined up can stay straight as engine and trans are rolled in. Thinking a solid rubber 6 or 8" tire that can be attached or move to raise the swivel casters. My hoist is the generic style, I bought at Price Club, 30+ years ago.
Make sure to move the adjustable legs out to markings, so you don't end up on Youtube like @Cheavyk10 post.
Click to expand...
Mine don't swivel on the front wheels.
I have more control
 
Yeah I believe that. If mine did not swivel i would have had rough time yesterday. I had the two Chevelles nose to nose, pulled rotated 180° stuffed. By myself for added difficulty.
 
So, in doing research, i may have discovered the best engine tilter:
www.macscustomtiedowns.com

PiVOT Articulated Engine Lift Plate | Mac's Custom Tie-Downs

PiVOT Articulated Engine Lift Plate
www.macscustomtiedowns.com www.macscustomtiedowns.com

As far as this type of attachment-----on the carb mounting pad. i use this style of engine lift plate and have had no problems with it. i do have a factory iron manifold though and the engine, a 4.3 v-6 "only" weighs about 425lbs.

But back to engine hoists:
It appears that all engine hoists:

1) Are shit. (although, admittedly, they do well on flat/superflat, smooth concrete floors)

2) Are made in the same factory in our favorite country, guess which one, begins with "C"........ and merely painted and decaled differently depending on which store brand they are going to ship it to.


So, here's another great business idea:
If you can make a better hoist, in terms of quality, and most importantly improvements in the casters, then i think you'll "get all the marbles." i don't have my crap together, but you never know.....

This is no different from the car dollies-----the casters/bearings are the key.
 
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