The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Tool Chest Lookin to buy an engine hoist and need advice

Hey Bolters,

I'm in the market for an engine hoist. I'd prefer a 2-ton capacity, but 1-ton is alright.

I bought a HF 2 ton hoist today and it was missing pieces, the wheel bearing had small bits of what appeared to be slag stuck in them, bearings were missing from some wheels, and supporting arms were drilled in the wrong location and bent.

While I'm out returning it, I hoped that some of you would give me your two cents on hoists, brands, places to buy from, etc. I'm all about affordability, but I'll put out more cash for USA made if I can afford it. I've been looking at Northern Tool, but their shipping is devastating.

Thanks again guys and gals.

- Daniel

check on craigslist, almost always you can find top quality for cheap prices there.

Stay away from the Northern tool "big red" stuff it is poorly made Chinese poo. Bought one took it back, all of the hoists in the store had the same problems with the support braces being able to mount properly. Their geometry is poor. Like T'mater said, check craigslist or any local sales papers, get a used one for much cheaper with no problem.

Hank

So my question is ARE there any decent American made tools of this type that are also affordable?
I'd rather buy some good used tools that were made to last than new under engineered cheap garbage. Wether it's made in the US, China, Taiwan, or my moms house, if it's crap it's crap at any price.

Not sure where mine was made but it is heavy tube steel no doubt about it. I purchased it from a guy who was moving. Gave him $75 or maybe it was $90 for it.....
I do recommend one that will fold up and sit close to the wall. Even though mine is heavy steel it folds up and I love it.

I bought mine from Manny, Moe, and Jack - at Pep Boys - many years ago. I use it all the time and have had no problems. Except it lost some plug in the middle of the cylinder and squirted oil. But that has not hurt its operation.

And, it was cheap in price and made in China

Mine is a used one from craigslist....snapon/bluepoint made it. Got it some years back for $50 or so.

Many years ago when I had an equipment company and did fabrications we hit a slow period and I felt we could build those things. Well, yes we certainly could but we could not compete with the Carolina boys who sold them out of the back of a pickup truck. Ours were heavier built and had the excellent fitting and welding we were known for but I was lucky to get my money back. So nothing much has changed really except now they are built in Eggfooyung. I even have one myself now and you know what...it does the job.

Dave, it's behind the trailer park down here

"Dave, it's behind the trailer park down here"

...and here all I thought you had was hurricanes and old politicians! Glad to know the "manufacturers" are still hanging on HA!