Automotive Workshop Lifting

An engine crane that cannot reach the lifting point is no use, regardless of its advertised capacity. Before removing an engine, you need to understand the assembly's weight, the distance the boom must extend & the space available around the vehicle.

Engine hoists, also known as engine cranes or shop cranes, are designed for controlled lifting of suitable engine assemblies using approved lifting points & attachments. Their selection involves more than choosing a tonne rating: boom geometry, lifting height, floor conditions & load balance all influence the result.

This guide explains the equipment specifications worth comparing when planning engine removal, installation or major drivetrain maintenance.

Plan the Lift From Engine Bay to Engine Stand

Start by picturing the entire removal process, not just the moment the engine leaves its mounts.

The crane must approach the vehicle, reach the approved lifting points, raise the engine clear of surrounding components & move it to an appropriate support location.

A typical planning sequence includes:

Identify the Engine Assembly: Establish the weight of the engine & any attached gearbox or accessories.

Check the Lifting Points: Use attachment locations approved by the vehicle or engine manufacturer.

Measure Boom Reach: Determine how far the crane must extend to reach the load.

Confirm Lifting Height: Allow for the engine's dimensions, rigging & required clearance.

Assess Workshop Access: Check floor space, crane leg clearance, doorways & overhead obstructions.

Prepare a Landing Position: Have a suitable engine stand or other approved support ready.

A successful lift depends on the complete sequence working safely.

Why Boom Extension Changes Engine Crane Capacity

A folding hydraulic engine crane may have several boom positions, each with a different permitted load.

Extending the boom increases reach but commonly reduces lifting capacity.

For example, a crane advertised by its maximum tonne rating may only achieve that rating at a shorter boom setting.

Always use the capacity specified for the actual boom position required by the vehicle.

If the engine can only be reached at an extension with insufficient capacity, the crane is unsuitable for that lift.

Folding Engine Cranes: Storage vs Working Space

A folding crane can be convenient in a busy automotive workshop, but compact storage dimensions do not tell you how much room it needs during operation.

Check the spread of its legs, the space needed for its hydraulic handle & the clearance required to manoeuvre the suspended assembly.

Vehicle ride height can also affect whether the crane's legs fit beneath the chassis.

In a small garage, measure the entire operating footprint before considering a folding model.

For broader automotive servicing equipment, explore Workshop Equipment.

Engine Hoist vs Engine Support Bar

Not every engine-related repair requires complete engine removal.

An engine crane is intended to raise & move a suitable engine assembly during an approved lifting procedure.

An engine support bar may be used for specified repairs where the engine remains in the vehicle but requires temporary support.

For example, some engine-mount or drivetrain maintenance procedures call for controlled support rather than full removal.

Follow the vehicle manufacturer's procedure to determine the correct equipment. A support bar should not be treated as a substitute for a crane when the engine must leave the vehicle.

When an Engine Leveller Makes a Difference

An engine rarely travels through an engine bay in a perfectly level orientation.

An approved engine leveller may help adjust the suspended assembly's angle as it clears the firewall, radiator support or transmission tunnel.

The leveller must be compatible with the engine's lifting points & the rated lifting arrangement.

Its presence does not increase the engine crane's capacity or permit an otherwise unsuitable lift.

Don't Confuse Engine Hoists With Transmission Jacks

A transmission jack is designed for suitable gearbox & drivetrain handling tasks, often beneath a raised vehicle.

An engine crane works from above or around the vehicle to lift a suspended assembly.

These tools have different support methods, operating geometries & intended uses.

If your repair also requires vehicle lifting, review Hydraulic Floor Jacks alongside an appropriate vehicle-support arrangement.

A hydraulic floor jack should never be improvised into an engine crane.

Select Rated Lifting Attachments

Engine lifting points, chains, shackles, hooks & other attachments must form a compatible rated arrangement.

The weakest component can limit the entire system's permitted load.

Inspect lifting eyes, fasteners & attachments before use. Never rely on an unverified bolt, improvised bracket or general-purpose chain.

For related lifting hardware, browse Lifting Chain, Wire Rope & Fittings.

For other material-handling applications, explore Material Handling Equipment.

Safety & Care for Engine Hoists

• Confirm the load weight, centre of gravity & approved lifting points.

• Check capacity at the required boom extension.

• Inspect hydraulic components, hooks, pins, chains & connections.

• Use a suitable firm, level floor with adequate working clearance.

• Keep personnel clear of suspended loads & potential pinch points.

• Never work beneath an engine supported only by lifting equipment.

• Lower the assembly onto an approved stand or support as soon as practicable.

Engine Hoists FAQs

Can a 2-Tonne Engine Crane Lift Any Engine Weighing Less Than 2 Tonnes?

No. The rated capacity may decrease as the boom extends. The crane must be suitable for the actual load, reach, lifting geometry & complete attachment arrangement.

How Do I Know if an Engine Crane Will Reach Into My Engine Bay?

Measure the horizontal distance from the crane's practical operating position to the approved engine lifting point. Compare that distance with the manufacturer's boom-reach dimensions & rated capacity at the required extension.

Should I Remove the Gearbox With the Engine?

That depends on the vehicle's service procedure, available clearance & the rated lifting arrangement. Removing both together changes the assembly weight, balance & required lifting geometry.

Where Should I Put an Engine After Removing It?

Use a properly rated engine stand or another support specifically approved for the assembly. Never leave the engine suspended from the crane as a storage method.

Industrial Shed Support

Planning engine removal? Check the engine's weight, lifting points, required boom reach & workshop access before selecting equipment. Product availability should be confirmed before ordering, as the Engine Hoists collection may not currently display purchasable models.

For delivery information, see Shipping & Delivery. For equipment enquiries, visit Warranty & Parts Support.