An engine hoist is a vital piece of equipment for any auto shop. Of course, it is essential for lifting motors, but that’s not it’s only use. It can be used anytime you need to move any heavy item in your shop, or in your parking lot even.

Choosing an engine hoist can be complex. There are many considerations. The most important consideration is capacity. How much weight do you want it to raise? Most auto shop owners choose one with a lifting capacity of 2 tons. When a manufacturer rates the capacity of their shop crane, the capacity usually is rated when the boom is fully retracted. The capacity diminishes the further out the boom is extended.

Most engine hoists have swivel casters that allow you to roll them around, making them completely portable. A popular accessory for this product would be an engine tilter, which makes positioning of the engine easier.

Most shop owners purchase an engine lift that can be folded up. This allows them to store it away in the corner of the shop so it’s out of the way when it’s not being used. Typically, these folding cranes will not have quite as much reach as one that does not fold up, so there is still a strong following for non-folding models for this reason.