The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Tool Chest Engine Hoist/Stand

I'm looking at engine stands and hoists for my shop and I'm hoping for some guidance from those members that already have them.

Here is what I'm asking about: What brand? Where from? Pros/Con? I'm hoping for a price point up to $750 (engine hoist) and up to $250 for engine stand.

Thanks,
Rob

I have to admit I have a Harbor Freight 2 ton engine hoist. It has a few flaws (won't sit level when the arms are folded up) but works well enough.

For a stovebolt engine, be SURE you get an engine stand with 4 casters as opposed to just one on the front and two at the back. The long engine can make things pretty tippy. You can buy 1000 lb engine stands for under $100. Unless you're using it on a 900 lb 7.3L Powerstroke engine, I wouldn't worry. I bought a NAPA 1500 lb stand and GINGERLY set the 7.3L on it. But the generic engine stands will work fine as long as you get the 4 wheel variety.

I have the same 2 ton harbor freight hoist. I only bought it for the space saving convenience. I have no complaints about it. I have a old off brand stand that I got for free. Holds every V8 I have thrown on it.

Thanks guys, I've been looking at Big Red brand and also what Harbor Freight has.

Big Red hoist and stand is what I use. Bought at Tractor Supply.🛠

Harbor Freight 1-ton engine crane
Harbor Freight 2-ton engine crane
(I think I have the 2-ton for the wider "spreads" - my old unit is non-foldable)

Harbor Freight engine load-leveler

Harbor Freight Engine Stand

I'd bet that Tractor Supply buys from the same Chinese manufacturer?

Tim,

Why is it everything is made in China now (rhetorical question)? I'd prefer to buy something manufactured and built in America, but that doesn't exist anymore.

I have both Tractor Supply and Harbor Freight nearby, plus Home Depot actually carries Big Red also.

Thanks,
Rob

I agree with Kevin on purchasing the 4 wheel stand, I had a BBC fall on me sometime back and haven't used a a 3 wheel stand since. The stand I use most now is a Jegs stand, the quality is good for the price (it was on sale) and it has a rotating head, really makes turning the engine over so much better. The rotating head make the stand cost a bit more but it was worth it to me after using it so many times. https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/80102/10002/-1

I bought a two-ton hoist (AC Delco brand) from O'Reilly Auto Parts. Pretty much the same price as the hoists from HF or Tractor Supply, and I'm supporting my local auto parts buying from them also.

Quality is okay, I would have liked cleaner welds and it doesn't appear that they used the higher quality hardened bolts. I can always get replacement bolts that are hardened if I see some issues.

Now to look some more at engine stands.

Thanks,
Rob

What grade did they give you? 5 or 2?

Mainly Grade 2 with a few Grade 5. They were metric marked at either 4.8 or 8.8.

Rob

Whatever bolts are supplied will be strong enough for the intended loads. The grade and material gives the strength PSI. The bolt thread Minor Dia. gives the strength. Only about 4 bolts are carrying a shear load. They will be the big boys. My bolts are 5/8. So grade 2 strength is 6+ tons and Gr 5 is 10+ tons.

Moderator: Did I get a post deleted?

I wouldn't worry about the supplied bolts. They'll be fine.
I once lifted the front of a Model A Ford off the ground with a single 3/8 bolt that I forgot to disconnect. It was in pure tension, as well which is likely the weakest position. There was absolutely no clamping force on it.
The reason everything comes from China now is they produce stuff with CHEAP labor.

Not that I'm aware of. I haven't deleted anything.

RobinCO, I believe my newest one is Big Red from Amazon, I will check and let you know. Way too hot to wander to the barn. Prime members get free shipping. It's called a Torin Big Red $99.90. Since March Kathryn and I only try to buy items not made in China, one will find items to be a little more money but it will ship faster and easier to send back. BUY U.S.A. Doc.

Guess what. That Torin Big Red stuff is made in China.

If you get the Harbor Freight 4 wheeled engine stand it won't work well with the Stovebolt engines. You have to modify it a bit and add some washers. You'll see when you get started. Not a big deal but you ought to know. Once modified, it works ok, but please keep in mind you're dealing with a lot of weight and length.

I ordered this one from Jegs. https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/80041/10002/-1

I made this out of a V8 stand that I bought at auction for $30 and an old cherry picker leg. I can't spin it but it is quite stable and a nice working height. I can remove the oil pan. It always scares me to hang the long six of my HF stand.

I have a harbor freight 4 leg stand, I took the front cross piece off and put on one the will make the Front stance at least as wide as the back for more stability.