The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Tool Chest Engine Stand, Cherry Picker, and Air Compressor

I am currently looking to purchase a Engine Stand, Cherry Picker, and an Air Compressor.

Any suggestions on what would be good brands for each?

Thanks
Brad

I bought my engine stand at Harbor Freight and am satisfied with it. The Cherry picker came from Costco some seven years ago and does it's job well but if I had to do it over again, I'd buy the ones that fold up/down so I can store it in the corner. Mine takes alot of storage space but I guess I can dissassemble them when in not in use.
I see Summit sell each that folds up. Cherry picker at $200 and the engine stand at $120.

As for compressor, I'd suggest the biggest you can get. I've used a Sears 5 hp 20 gal vertical tank for years but when using a grinder or the chisel, it seem to overwork the motor. I just bought a Cambell Hausfeld 6.5 HP 60 gal. 220v ertical. A middle of the road brand but affordable.

I too purchased my engine hoist from Costco. It is the folding type (GREAT space saver) and has an extendable boom. The capacity is two tons. Plus, it came with a leveler. I think that I paid $180 two years ago.

I have an engine dolly that I purchased from Northern Tool. It is sturdy, but I will likely build my own stands in the future.

I bought this stand at a yard sale but I wouldn't even dream of using it for a 1000 pound load (seems pretty unstable without a load). In the future I will get a four wheel stand similar to this one.

I bought the same engine dolly, but torched the top of the angle irons so they had a 45 degree relief to prevent damage to outer flange of the oil pan when you set the motor on them. Works ok for a 292 - also works for rearends. I have 3 of them and for the life of me I can't remember what is on the 3rd :confused:

The 6.5 x 60 2 stage compressor is marginal for body work using a DA or grinder but other than that is a great all around compressor that will run on household 220V. I have a 5HP 3-phase compressor at work that will out perform the 6.5x60 any day of the week in pressure and volume - I don't believe the motors / compressors are rated the same. Look at air delivery in cfm at various pressures and AVOID the oiless compressors. Mine died with less than 25 hours of run time - will only go to 40 psi now.

My engine hoist came from Harbor freight and has the fold up legs . . . seems like it was on sale for around $179 when I bought it. Not very good quality, but gets the job done and stores out of the way.

If you'r going to be using a small sand blasting cabinet, air sanders or painting your truck, look at units that provide 14+ cfm @ 90 psi minimum or your work speed will be compromised. I think 2 stage pumps recover faster than single stage. A true 5 hp motor will draw at least 23 amps @ 220 volts. An advertised 6.5 hp motor that draws 15 amps @ 220v is really a 3 hp. Opt for a cast iron pump rather than aluminum. 60 gallon air tank minimum. Vertical tank saves room. cost <>$1000

Yep! 4 wheel stands, then not the heaviest for long sixes, Folding pickers, mine don't, had folding before, lighter, would buy another folding one now if doing again. The non-folder is a US made one, always in way, the cylinder is still import, same as most. Compressors...I prefer Campbell-Hausfeld, cast iron. My 6.5 horse still runs most time when I'm blasting in my cabinet. Get biggest you can afford. Oilless are junk as noted above, won't last long. Tractor Supply stores have CH brand and good prices. Lowes used to have a nice big two stage one for a little more money, was my second choice. Has huge 80 gal tank, but aluminum compressor with sleeves. Seems it was 7.5 hp. Not sure where they get the hp ratings, think the "LIE" a little!!

as far as the air compressor, DONT buy that crap from Campbell Hausfeld or those other "oilless" ones. theyre junk. if you want to throw your money away,send it to me.

I have the 2-ton folding cherry picker from Harbor Freight and I like it, I have used it for pulling and replacing my engine and moving blocks around and installing my 4 speed transmission. It folds up nicely and is pretty stable. The only thing I wish it had were better casters which are easy to replace. It does need a leg lock in the up position to keep them from whacking you in the knee when you are moving it. I use a bungie cord to keep them up. You are going to want a load leveller with your cherry picker, going without one makes pulling and installing engines kind of tough. 235's don't balance well on a chain.

I have a cheap 4- wheel 1000 lb engine stand I got at Wheeler Dealer which is very similar to HF's stand. It is ok with my 235 on it but it seems a bit marginal so I don't stand with my feet under it when I am using it. I'm not worried about it tipping over but I don't like the way the bolts interface with the mounting plate. I used grade 8's but the adaptors that go from the plate to the engine aren't very well made. I think I will make my own. In the future I will fabricate my own stand if I need another.

I have an inexpensive upright air compressor that needs a ring job soon, but it was cheap and it works. The next compressor I buy will be a monster, but I don't have enough floor space in my shop right now to justify a big compressor. I'm tempted to find a V6 engine and make a compressor out of it, with one side running and the other side compressing.

I have a 220V Husky vertical that seems to keep up with almost anything that I do. I just wish I could put it in the shed instead of the garage so I wouldn't have to listen to it run all the time when I'm using the DA!
I don't have an engine stand or picker yet so, thanks for the advise guys!

i may be to late to add my 10 cents but i checked all the stores,brands etc and ended up with a Craftsman 80 gal upright 2 stage 175psi with 19 cfm with no shipping charges for 850 including tax.

how about a 2 ton folding cherry picker for $119.99 plus tax. a new store in tulsa opened up
about a year ago & they just started carrying tools about 2 months ago and the prices of tools i looked at, beats harbor frt. name of store is
discount depot.

I think I got the tops on the compressor end. Tractor Supply Store has an Ingersol Rand 80 Gallon, 5hp, 220v, 23 amp monster. 18 cfm at 90, Cast compressor (not just a sleve, but the whole motor. MUCH, MUCH quieter than the Sears oilless 5 hp I have, with way more power. No need to put it out in a seperate shed.

The base price was $699, with a 10% discount for applying for their store card, we're talkin' $629!

Saw the same compressor on a 60 gallon tank somewhere else in the area for $839.

Word to the wise, spend more than you wanted the first time and avoid the second time. When's the last time someone was trying to get rid of a big boy? Many of us have smaller ones to sell, but few part with a good one.