Engine Stands and cherry pickers

[rp23g7]

General questions here,

Thinking about finally picking up a cherry picker and a engine stand.  Just wondering how many of you guys have them.

If you do have them, do ever get a wild hair, or a leak in something, and decide just to yank the engine, trans out and seal it up and put it back in over a Saturday or weekend?   If so, depending on the fix, does it take you to yank it out and put it back in. 

So much easier to get off you butt and just do it if you have the stuff already.  Be nice to yank both engines out to do the main seals and the shift shafts on the transmissions.

[bobs66440]

I have an engine hoist (cherry picker). I got it figuring I wouldn't use it much, but when I need it, I need it. I used it to pull the engine from my '39 Pontiac hot rod & re-install it and to lift the engine up in my '28 Ford hot rod to make clearance for working on the chassis. Fortunately, I haven't had the need for it recently. Though, I used it to lift a compressor into the back of my pickup truck. I guess if you can get one cheap enough and forsee using it eventually, then it's a good investment.
Like I said it's one of those things that you won't need often, but when you do you can't work without it. 

[lisiecki1]

i worked out the rental cost on mine, and around here for 2 days worth of rental you can buy one, so i bought one.  it's a pain when it takes up space, but it's gold when you need it - as stated above.

[rp23g7]

i worked out the rental cost on mine, and around here for 2 days worth of rental you can buy one, so i bought one.  it's a pain when it takes up space, but it's gold when you need it - as stated above.

Yeah, thats another thing too, for the cost of renting one for a few days, its paid for.  At least you hav eit when you need it.

[Tilar]

Cherry Picker, 1 ton engine stand, Transmission Jack, enough jackstands to hold up two cars... Only thing I want that I don't have (yet) is a car lift.... and a bigger shop.

[69*F5*SE]

Yeah, I have both.  The cherry picker is a nice AC Delco    that breaks down and can be stored in a 2'x2' area. Sort of like a foldable one but better.  I could probably use a more heavy duty engine stand though. 

[rp23g7]

Cherry Picker, 1 ton engine stand, Transmission Jack, enough jackstands to hold up two cars... Only thing I want that I don't have (yet) is a car lift.... and a bigger shop.

Yeah, i want a car lift too, may need to dig a hole, i dont think my garage is tall enough.

[b5blue]

Do not go cheap on the stand! Big blocks are much heavier than most of today's cheaper stands can hold! (I "donated" mine to my buddy's shop after my last build as if mine comes out again, it will be there anyway!) 

[RD]

engine stand, get a 4 wheel stand, not a three wheel.  you will thank me later

[Sublime/Sixpack]

My engine hoist is the Allied brand 2 ton, with a 8 ton long ram. Bought it back in 1992 from Costco and it's still going strong. The engine stands I use are the Blackhawk 1250 Lbs capacity (four caster). No worry with a fully dressed big block. Use Grade 8 bolts.

[Musicman]

I paid a guy $30 for my hoist... It's not one of those nice folding jobs, but the price was right (used) and it gets the job done... good sturdy unit.
I have a couple of engine stands (also used)... none of which I would trust with a fully dressed 440. I always place a block of wood and a bottle jack underneath just in case. Problem is not the stands themselves, it's the cheap ass mounting plates and supports they put on them. If I was smart I'd just make my own... just never seem to get around to it however.
All handy stuff to have just the same...

[bobs66440]

I have a couple of engine stands (also used)... none of which I would trust with a fully dressed 440.

Isn't it sad when you can't trust your engine stand to hold your ENGINE!!

[ZSmithersCharges]

Good thread I'm going to be trying out Harbor Frieghts 2 ton hoist and 1 ton stand within the week unless there are any objections?  I checked them out in the store here they seem pretty sturdy.  Of course I don't weigh two tons so I couldn't really check them out 

[Old Moparz]

No matter which stand or hoist you get, make sure you get an engine leveler for a few bucks more. A friend of mine borrowed a hoist from where he worked, but didn't have the leveler when I helped him set his motor & trans back in his Road Runner. What a nightmare trying to get it under the firewall. He ended up calling several parts stores trying to rent one, but finally had his neighbor & a couple of friends help press down to tilt it in.

I have the Harbor Freight, 2000 pound, 4 wheel stand I found used for $50. It's very sturdy & has held several different engines without bending & rolls nicely. I have a 2 ton overhead chain hoist on a 3 ton trolley, but only because I installed 2 steel I-beams when I built the garage. The cherry picker is convenient at times, but I love not having it in my way. The engine stand is partially disassembled & under a car so it never under my feet.

[ih8gmandford]

 I have one of the Harbor Freight cherry pickers. My only complaint is that the wheels SUCK! The tiny iron wheels like to get stuck in the smallest of cracks, then it's impossible to move without a lever to pry it. I want to mod mine with better wheels (sold at Harbor Freight!). Same quality on their engine stands - strong, but they have cheap wheels. I also have their load-leveler, and it made a world of difference when pulling the 360 out of my 84 Fury AHB, but grease/anti-sieze the threaded rod or it's a little tough to turn.
I have the large Summit Racing engine stand. Great wheels! Bulletproof! My complete 400 sits on it now, and is easily mobile. It was on sale when I was there a few years ago, but I think they're pricey.
I also have 3 chain falls. A 2 ton, 3 ton, and 5 ton monster. Chain falls are a good investment if you buy/haul parts cars. I've used them to pull cars onto trailers and to set cars on the motor/k-member assy.
You can never have too many tools! -Jason

[bobs66440]

You can never have too many tools! -Jason

OH YEAH!!!

[Troy]

Good thread I'm going to be trying out Harbor Frieghts 2 ton hoist and 1 ton stand within the week unless there are any objections?  I checked them out in the store here they seem pretty sturdy.  Of course I don't weigh two tons so I couldn't really check them out 

I have their foldable hoist (2 ton?) and I just picked up the 1,000 pound engine stand (4 wheels) yesterday. The hoist has held up well and I've been pretty rough with it. I saw the stand in action when I picked up my most recent 440 and it didn't bend or look scary and it rolled along just fine so I decided to get my own. I also have a cheap load leveler (I think it's from Harbor Freight) and it bent the rod the first time I used it. It still works but it's tough to turn in one spot. Still better than trying to maneuver an engine by hand.

Troy

[lisiecki1]

for the record, my recommendation on an engine stand is always a 4 wheel over a 3 wheel.....they're just that much more stable, and easier to move. 

[ZSmithersCharges]

Good thread I'm going to be trying out Harbor Frieghts 2 ton hoist and 1 ton stand within the week unless there are any objections?  I checked them out in the store here they seem pretty sturdy.  Of course I don't weigh two tons so I couldn't really check them out  

I have their foldable hoist (2 ton?) and I just picked up the 1,000 pound engine stand (4 wheels) yesterday. The hoist has held up well and I've been pretty rough with it. I saw the stand in action when I picked up my most recent 440 and it didn't bend or look scary and it rolled along just fine so I decided to get my own. I also have a cheap load leveler (I think it's from Harbor Freight) and it bent the rod the first time I used it. It still works but it's tough to turn in one spot. Still better than trying to maneuver an engine by hand.

Troy

I have one of the Harbor Freight cherry pickers. My only complaint is that the wheels SUCK! The tiny iron wheels like to get stuck in the smallest of cracks, then it's impossible to move without a lever to pry it. I want to mod mine with better wheels (sold at Harbor Freight!). Same quality on their engine stands - strong, but they have cheap wheels. I also have their load-leveler, and it made a world of difference when pulling the 360 out of my 84 Fury AHB, but grease/anti-sieze the threaded rod or it's a little tough to turn.
I have the large Summit Racing engine stand. Great wheels! Bulletproof! My complete 400 sits on it now, and is easily mobile. It was on sale when I was there a few years ago, but I think they're pricey.
I also have 3 chain falls. A 2 ton, 3 ton, and 5 ton monster. Chain falls are a good investment if you buy/haul parts cars. I've used them to pull cars onto trailers and to set cars on the motor/k-member assy.
You can never have too many tools! -Jason

Thank you for the feedback With that, I'm off to the store.

[GPULLER]

Yeah, I have both.  The cherry picker is a nice AC Delco    that breaks down and can be stored in a 2'x2' area. Sort of like a foldable one but better. 

1. Of course its gonna break down its A/C Delco!!!
2. Nice and A/C Delco shouldn't be used in the same sentence

[rp23g7]

Yeah, I have both.  The cherry picker is a nice AC Delco    that breaks down and can be stored in a 2'x2' area. Sort of like a foldable one but better. 

1. Of course its gonna break down its A/C Delco!!!
2. Nice and A/C Delco shouldn't be used in the same sentence

HAHA, thats funny