Need advice on a cherry picker and an engine stand

[Inked_Ghandi]

So in order to start my resto I need to buy a cherry picker and an engine stand. But I do not know what is good and what is worth my money. So if you guys/girls have any advice, could you please let me know.

[41husk]

I bought a cheepo from Harbor frieght close to 8 years ago.  It still works fine!  If I had it to do over again I would have checked craigs list and bought a used one.  As far as stands I would suggest you go with a four wheel model.  I have personaly seen the three wheel models fall over with a block on them kinda scary and dangerous.

[Inked_Ghandi]

About what weight capacity should i get?

[Troy]

The 1000 pound (and smaller) stands are all pretty rickety if you ask me so go for a 2,000 pound one (a fully built 440 is around 670 pounds). The heavier ones also have 4 wheels and the heaviest duty has them set wider apart. Here are some Harbor Freight models for comparison:
http://www.harborfreight.com/750-lb-capacity-engine-stand-32915.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/1000-lb-capacity-engine-stand-32916.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/2000-lb-foldable-engine-stand-67015.html

My hoist is 2,000 pounds as well - but that's totally dependent on the "reach" you have it set at. Longer reach = less weight. It folds up so I can save a little space in the shop.
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-ton-capacity-foldable-shop-crane-93840.html

Troy

[Inked_Ghandi]

Thanks Troy. This helps a lot. I like the fold up idea. I don't have a garage where I am currently at. Just a little indoor shed that currently has a 454 in it. So I need to utilize as much space as possible

[Old Moparz]

http://www.harborfreight.com/2000-lb-foldable-engine-stand-67015.html

Troy

I have an older version (in a light orange) of the 2000 pound stand from HF that Troy posted, it's a very good one for the money. I got lucky when I found mine used for $50 locally about 15 years ago. I've had 2 engines on it & lent it to a friend who had a tractor engine on it, & it was fine with no signs of stress. Very stable when you roll it.   

[paironines]

Get a hoist that folds up. I got one new from work maybe 15 years ago that doesn't fold up but since it was basically free ive just learned to live with the space it takes up.

[FLG]

Got this jegs one,

6 casters, very well built, and when mine came missing a bracket and i was in a rush to get the engine on they over-nighted it to me no questions asked..folds up too!



http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS+Performance+Products/555/80042/10002/-1

[nvrbdn]

i got the picker that folds up. much easier to deal with when not in use. and by all means, listen to these guys and go with the 2000 lb 4 wheel stand. they are much more stable. and your box is on the way. let me know when you get it.

[FLG]

i got the picker that folds up. much easier to deal with when not in use. and by all means, listen to these guys and go with the 2000 lb 4 wheel stand. they are much more stable. and your box is on the way. let me know when you get it.

4 wheel is for chebby guys, Jegs 6 wheel FTW! LOL

I agree, folding pickers and stands is nice...ive got a picker ive never used folded up....sure makes the garage look nice. And i use one of the bars on it to hold my bounty.

[Inked_Ghandi]

and your box is on the way. let me know when you get it.

thanks bud. And I think I will go with the jegs one. now i just need to find a hoist equally as awesome.

[elacruze]

The 1000 pound (and smaller) stands are all pretty rickety if you ask me so go for a 2,000 pound one (a fully built 440 is around 670 pounds). The heavier ones also have 4 wheels and the heaviest duty has them set wider apart. Here are some Harbor Freight models for comparison:
http://www.harborfreight.com/750-lb-capacity-engine-stand-32915.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/1000-lb-capacity-engine-stand-32916.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/2000-lb-foldable-engine-stand-67015.html

My hoist is 2,000 pounds as well - but that's totally dependent on the "reach" you have it set at. Longer reach = less weight. It folds up so I can save a little space in the shop.
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-ton-capacity-foldable-shop-crane-93840.html

Troy

Agreed, the heaviest duty Harbor Freight stuff is very solid and 1/2 the price of NAPA or anybody else.

<edit>
That Jeg's stand looks like the same one as HF, and at the same price lol. Prolly came in the same container from China.

[Inked_Ghandi]

I was reading the reviews on the hoist and someone says it doesnt extend long enough to get an engine out of the car. I was wondering if this was true or not.

[1969chargerrtse]

Here's a huge tip on any engine stand. Make sure as you go to turn the engine from right side up to up side down you do it real slow and cautious. Mine swung upside down so fast it almost tipped over and fell on the floor. It would of smashed the heads big time. Also I have a Harbor Freight type lift. I just un bolt the main pieces and stack it against my wall. But when together it is very sturdy. Don't pay much they are common and cheap.
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,34954.675.html

Reply # 224 you can see the lift in action.

[BigBlockSam]

i bought a 1000 lb stand off of ebay and the 440 motor killed it . i had to put a peice of wood  from the ground to the front of the engine.

you get what you pay for 

[bill440rt]

http://www.harborfreight.com/2000-lb-foldable-engine-stand-67015.html

Troy

I have an older version (in a light orange) of the 2000 pound stand from HF that Troy posted, it's a very good one for the money. I got lucky when I found mine used for $50 locally about 15 years ago. I've had 2 engines on it & lent it to a friend who had a tractor engine on it, & it was fine with no signs of stress. Very stable when you roll it.   

Looks exactly like the one I have. 2000 lb stand. VERY sturdy, folds up when not in use. I disassembled it when I was done with it & stashed it away.
I also bought one of those engine cradles on casters from Summit to roll an engine around or store it under a work bench.

[NHCharger]

I bought a 2 ton cherry picker at PEP Boys. Looks like to one in Troy's pic. It folds up when not in use. Pulled the SB engine and tranny out of my parts Charger with not problem. Also comes in handy for other applications. Was a third hand when cutting the roof off the parts car. When I had to change the fuel pump in my P/U truck I used it to pick up and remove the truck bed to access the top of the fuel tank.

[Inked_Ghandi]

Ok thanks guys. This has helped a lot. And 1969chargerrtse thank you for referring me to another part of the forum that shows a picker in use. Really makes me feel more confident in purchasing one now.

[Chatt69chgr]

I got my cherry picker from Sam's Club.  I think it says Goodyear on it.  Painted blue.  Is 2000# with the fold up legs.  Has served me well.  I got an engine stand from there too.   It also has the fold up legs.  I wish it had the gear crank mechanism to rotate the engine.  I think I saw that Northern
Tool had one of those but you had to order it.  They use one like that on the "Power Block" tv shows.

Someone could make some $$ if they would make a retrofit gear rotation assembly for installing on a engine stand that didn't come with one since almost all of the engine stands that are sold don't have one.

[Troy]

I was reading the reviews on the hoist and someone says it doesnt extend long enough to get an engine out of the car. I was wondering if this was true or not.

Uh, what the heck are they trying to work on? I use a load leveler so, even when pulling the engine/transmission as a unit, I can tilt things so they clear. I will sometimes also use a jack to raise and lower the front end of the car to give a better angle.

I doubt it would work very well for removing the engine from a lifted 4x4 (although many trucks have a completely removable front clip). I have used it to place engines in the bed of my lifted 4x4s though without any issues.

Troy

[Iceyone]

You may also want to get an engine dolley if you're limited on space. They aren't that great if you're working on the bottom end but they're nice, compact and make it easy to roll around and store an engine. I have a complete (exhaust manifolds, AC, etc) 383 sitting on one now.

[Troy]

You may also want to get an engine dolley if you're limited on space. They aren't that great if you're working on the bottom end but they're nice, compact and make it easy to roll around and store an engine. I have a complete (exhaust manifolds, AC, etc) 383 sitting on one now.

I made my own from some $15 Harbor Freight 1,000 pound mover's dollies and some spare 2x4 pieces:





Troy