Engine Hoist???

[Coursey]

I have done a little research on the Harbor Frieght 2 ton engine hoist. Most people seem to like it. So i went to buy one last night and the guy working there said he would not recommend using it. So that has me worried.

Has anyone bought this hoist? How well does it work and hold up over time?

http://www.harborfreight.com/2-ton-f...ane-35915.html (http://www.harborfreight.com/2-ton-foldable-shop-crane-35915.html)

This one is only $209 plus i have a 20% off coupon. So its hard not to go this route.



I went to Napa and theres was $575.

I went to Car Quest and they had a Stinger for $475.
http://www.google.com/products/catal...d=0CHMQ8wIwAQ# (http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=stinger+engine+hoist&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&oe=UTF-8&rlz=1I7TSHB_en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=9418329992331675513&sa=X&ei=Ji-_ToXTO4-DtgeX2qHaBg&ved=0CHMQ8wIwAQ#)



Is there really a difference in these?

[Kamikaze Sy]

I don't know why someone working at Harbor Frieght would not reccommend their own product?
even though HF has a somewhat questionable reputation, I have seen many people use them without incident. In fact, the only problem is the hydraulic cylinder ram which, if it goes bad, HF carries them for as low as $35.00!!

Now I would only use their lift to pull and engine and trans but not keep things suspended in the air....
But of course you have an engine stand to work with....

[evostilo]

I have that same one and i used it for eveything from pulling out my stock inline6 and for i bought a 327 that i unloaded off my truck and then sold the 327 and then i bought a LS1 with 4L60E attached loaded unloaded and instaled it.

I even used it to load my fully assembled subframe (No Eng & trans) on my truck for sand blasting.

I even loaded a large table saw and jointer and other large machines its an all around hoist at my house HAHA but iv only had it for about 2yr I dont know how it will do long tearm

[67TXStang]

I considered buying a lift from HF but rented one instead from Redtail for only $20. You only need it to pull the motor and then the motor ends up on a stand. I just returned the rental later the same day.

I'll rent it again to put the motor back in and I'm out only $40. Their hoist is better than what I would be willing to buy for how little I'll use it. Just my thoughts...

[rsk68]

I borrowed one we had at work to pull the engine from my 68 Camaro, it would not work! The extension arm would not reach to the center of the engine when fully extended, I did use it to put the LS3 on the engine stand and it was fine for that.

[Coursey]

Went with the HF 2 ton. It worked fine.
And I like that it folds up and can be stored in a smaller area.

[grenade inspector]

I have one that ive used for all kinds of stuff it wasnt meant for and its worked great, it even lived outside for a couple months

[ATOMonkey]

Personally, I prefer the chain fall hoist. You need to re-inforce your ceiling, but that's not a big deal.

I have used that chain fall hoise for pulling engines/transmissions, lifting the car, winching things, etc.

It's also easier for one guy to use a chain fall hoist than a cherry picker, IMO. I also have my car on a dolly which makes moving it around much easier.

It is a very versitile tool, and is less expensive than a cherry picker too.

[TT302Z28]

I have one of these and have been using it to pick up everything from sbc's to fully dressed BBC's no issues.

HF knucklehead.

[camrat68]

That one is a little nicer than the four wheeled one that I bought from Harbor nine years ago. I've probably yanked engines ten or twelve times using my HF hoist with no problems as long as the temperature in the garage is over 20 degrees. We tried to pull an engine out of my Caprice once at -6deg and the hoist wouldn't hold pressure enough to raise the ram with it not connected to anything. Worked fine once we heated the garage up.

502 BBC-3x
5.7L LT1-9x
Dart SHP 400-2x

[KUSI]

Coursey,
I had borrowed this same hoist from a friend a few years ago when I started my restoration. I used it to pull the engine, lift the subframe, etc. quite a few times. Then I decided to buy the same one for myself last year when HF had one of the big sales. I think I picked mine up for just at $100. I looked at the other options like you did and came up with prices 3-5 times more. I try to buy American made products when I can and from sponsors on this forum but this was one of those situations when that price just couldn't be touched. Since then I have used the hoist at least another half a dozen times with no issues. As others had mentioned the only thing I could see going wrong would be the hydraulic jack and you can replace that. So even if that happens I would still be below $150. If I had a shop and needed a dependable hoist everyday then I would definitely look into a more reputable/reliable brand. But if you are just needing to pull an engine and get it on a stand then I don't see an issue with the HF hoist. Come on everyone...admit it...you have at least 10 of those free HF led flashlights scattered across the garage and in your house now. :)

[TT302Z28]

........it's not my fault, they are giving the flashlights away for free!