inexpensive engine hoist

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Nov 19, 2003 | 10:10 AM

BBBTruck

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Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 98

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From: Connecticut

inexpensive engine hoist

Purchased one of those "brand x" engine hoists from a local swap meet a few weeks ago. The plusses are that they are foldable and a nice price of $100. True, the parts are made where the cost of labor is cheap and I question the quality of some of the smaller fasteners, however it works well for a person who needs the occasional 2 ton lifting capacity every now and then. It stores and assembles rather easily. It also comes with the balancing slide unit to properly position the engine when lowering into the car. I figure for the price and the fact that I don't lift more than 800lbs all that often, its a decent buy. Just thought id pass that along before the hobby engine builder might have the notion that it's necessary to run out and spend tons an OTC or Snap-on.

Nov 19, 2003 | 03:09 PM

FortyFords

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Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 5,859

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From: USA

Just be extremely careful with it !
don't trust it too much !
and never be under it as with any of them !

I've seen brandx floor jacks break with tranny 's
on them.

Rich

Nov 21, 2003 | 05:36 AM

wdsmithjr

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Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 117

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From: Chesapeake, Va

Here's my 2 cents on this. I own a cherry picker and several floor jacks that came from an auto store and have never had a problem with any of them. However, when I was 17 me and the guy I was helping was injured by one of those 6 ton floor jacks when the seals blew out and dropped. Since then I don't care who makes the jacks or cherry picker, neither me or anyone helping me is ever under anything (car/engine or whatever) in case one goes out on me again. I can fix any damaged done to a car, engine, engine hittting car, or whatever but I can't fix me or anyone else. 21 years later and I still hurt from that S.O.B. My equipment has lifted many cars/truck and yanked many motors without incident. I just don't trusted any of them to be under them. Sorry, don't mean to preach.

Nov 21, 2003 | 07:53 PM

924x2150

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Joined: Sep 2002

Posts: 2,420

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From: Langhorne, PA

I got one too... If you are talking about the one made in China and can be found in all the discount auto stores and comes in a crappy plain white/cardboard box. You are lucky, 100 bucks sounds like a good deal, I paid 189.00 for mine 4 mos. ago.

Checking the frame is easy enuf, inspect every bar for stress cracks, or bends. You can put your own chain on it for peace of mind, but beware of that hydraulic piston. That chinese stuff is made with the lowest grade parts, and I sure wouldn't trust the hoist to hold too much weight for long.
Be safe.

Nov 22, 2003 | 01:05 PM

flyboy2610

Posting Guru

Joined: Dec 2001

Posts: 1,668

Likes: 3

From: Lincoln USA

Cheap hoists, tools, jacks and stands, etc.
How much is your life worth?
Spend the bucks and buy the good stuff.
One bill from the ER will wipe out ALL your "savings".
I buy this stuff for my grandson. My son is now 4.
'Nuff said.

Nov 22, 2003 | 03:14 PM

BBBTruck

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Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 98

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From: Connecticut

While I appreciate all of your concern, I assure you I am not about to lie beneath any hydrualically lifted item. Even floor mounted car lifts have mechanical safety locks. As for my jackstands, they're 5 ton weavers and 7 ton Blackhawks. I just thought id pass my story along to anyone interested in a quick cheap light duty engine lift.

Nov 22, 2003 | 10:45 PM

Torque1st

Posting Legend

Joined: Sep 2001

Posts: 30,255

Likes: 37

I often buy that type of equipment if it looks OK on display and then I check it over very carefully. I also rebuild, modify, or repair the "deficiencies"