Best Engine Hoists of 2021 – Complete Guide

| Last Updated: January 4, 2022

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Swapping your vehicle engine for a better one? Well, you are going to need a lot of lift power to do that. There’s good news! You can do it easily using any of the products in our guide. These products are reliable and high-quality, and they efficiently get the job done.

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Able to adjust the center of gravity
  • Works well with shop cranes or hoists
  • Can easily handle up to 1500 pounds
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  • Comes with a heavy-duty remote control
  • Equipped with a very durable 39.4-foot wire cable
  • Has a double-line pulley included with purchase
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  • Best 1 Ton Engine Host
  • Has an 8 foot standard lift capacity
  • Able to effortlessly lift 2 000 pounds
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  • Best 2 Ton Engine Host
  • Equipped with heavy-duty steel hooks
  • Safety latch clasp can rotate 360-degrees and not twist
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  • Best 3 Ton Engine Host
  • Comes with premium brake for stability
  • Red oxide finish protects against rust
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  • Best Hydraulic Engine Hoist
  • The steel-caster wheels allows hoisting in any direction
  • Total capacity is 1 000 pounds
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When Would an Engine Hoist Come in Handy?

An engine hoist is a great addition to your workshop if you are dealing with heavy-duty lifting, especially vehicle engines. An engine hoist is a commonly used repair tool that is used to replace engines by lifting them. 

You can lift an engine out of your vehicle using an engine hoist or engine lifter. There are different types available in the market. These hoists ensure that you are able to lift engines efficiently and effectively.

Let’s have a look at some of the major uses of engine hoists.

Engine Lifting

That’s right. An engine hoist is fully capable of lifting heavy-duty objects, specifically vehicle engines. These engine hoists are typically used to remove the vehicle engines from their compartment for replacement or maintenance.

Multipurpose Lifting

An engine hoist can also be used for lifting other objects as well, rather than just lifting engines. These objects might include cargo boxes, truck beds, and much more. However, the objects that you intend to lift effectively greatly depend on the weight capacity and type of hoist.

Heavy-Duty Lifting

Anything that is extremely heavy and cannot be lifted with bare hands can be lifted using an engine hoist. However, it is necessary that the object is positioned properly before it can be lifted using one of these.

How to Choose an Engine Hoist

Choosing an item can be a difficult task, particularly when there are uncountable products and brands being advertised. To pick the right one, it is always advised that you carry out some sort of research. However, we are concerned about your precious time and money.

Therefore, we have listed some of the key aspects for you to consider while choosing an engine hoist.

Price

It's true! Price is probably the first thing you notice when purchasing a product. High-quality products feature a higher price tag than a low-quality one and are quite expensive. Assuming that you have a mediocre budget, you should look for a value for money product. You should look for an engine hoist that delivers the desired features and fits your budget.

Torin Big Red T32100 Engine Hoist

Weight Capacity

Numerous items offer different weight capacities. The weight capacity of an engine hoist determines the weight that it can lift. The higher the weight capacity, the more weight that can be lifted. However, increasing weight capacity also results in a higher price tag.

Type

There are different types of products that are available in the market. The type that will suit you best depends on your personal preferences and requirements. If you don’t have much space, a foldable design engine hoist can be a good option. Similarly, you might want to go with a hydraulic engine hoist if you want to lift heavy objects with ample space.

Review of the Best Engine Hoists

Engine hoists are the perfect choice if you plan on replacing your vehicle engine. They provide you a reliable way to lift engines properly, safely, and effectively. In this section, we will be discussing some of the best engine hoists you can get.

Best Overall:
Torin Big Red Engine Hoist

BIG RED T32100 Torin Engine Hoist Shop Crane Accessory: Steel 3 Position Engine Leveler with Adjustable Handle, 3/4 Ton (1,500 lb) Capacity, Red

PROS

  • Saves quite a bit of time and labor
  • Has an 1500 pounds weight capacity
  • Can be used with shop cranes or hoists
  • Center of gravity can be changed quite easily
  • Comes with support brackets for lifting the engine

CONS

  • Handle is not removable
  • Guide pin is slightly loose

What Recent Buyers Report

Most of the recent buyers regard this hoist as one of the best. They say that it is absolutely amazing at lifting weight. They also praised the superb performance and quality this product has to offer. A lot of people highly recommended purchasing this unit.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This hoist has a lot of positives it comes with. It features an easy shift of the center of gravity. In addition, it features support brackets that provide reliable support while lifting engines. Moreover, it can be used as shop cranes or hoists effectively. Also, it has 1500 pounds of weight capacity and saves a lot of time and labor.

Who Will Use This Most

Well, this model can be used as a shop crane or engine hoist. Consequently, it makes it a highly attractive engine hoist available for purchase in the market. Most importantly, it is highly reliable and durable with a number of features. If you are looking for a reliable model, you should consider this product.

Bottom Line

Overall, this is one of the best hoists that are available for purchase. Amazingly, it offers a multitude of useful operational mechanisms and reliable performance to lift heavy objects. It is a great addition to your tool arsenal if you seek to lift heavy objects quite effectively.

Runner-up:
Five Oceans 2200 LB. Overhead Electric Hoist

Five Oceans Electric Hoist, Hoist Pulley System, Pulley Hoist, 2200 Lb Lift Electric Winch with 6FT Remote Control 120 Volts, for Garage, Factory Lifting with Emergency Stop Button - FO3820

PROS

  • Offers a dual-line operation
  • Very powerful with 1500watt motor
  • Comes with a 1-year limited warranty
  • Features 1100/2200 pounds of weight capacity
  • Certified product for operations in USA and Canada

CONS

  • Cords are quite short
  • Several users reported a defected product

What Recent Buyers Report

Users regard this product as a highly reliable and quality hoist for your needs. They believe that it offers superb performance and quality. Moreover, they say that this product provides superior performance than most traditional engine hoists. People urge others to purchase this product.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This engine hoist offers a lot of incredible features. It has a powerful operational capability with its 1500-watt superb motor. In addition, it offers 1100/2200 pounds of weight capacity to lift heavy objects. Also, it has a dual-line operation and is certified for ideal use in the USA and Canada.

Who Will Use This Most

Well, this engine hoist is perfectly designed for your heavy-duty lifting operations. If you are seeking a reliable unit, you should consider buying this product. It ensures safeguarding your investment by providing a 1-year limited warranty as well. All in all, it’s a great engine hoist for the ultimate user experience.

Bottom Line

In short, if you are tired of using unreliable hoists that don’t deliver, you should try this one. It has amazing weight lifting capabilities while delivering outstanding performance paired with high quality. It’s a great engine hoist overall.

Best 1 Ton Engine Host:
Black Bull CHOI1 1 Ton Capacity 8' Chain Hoist

Black Bull CHOI1 1 Ton Capacity 8' Chain Hoist

PROS

  • Has 8 feet of lift capacity
  • 2000 pounds of weight capacity
  • Highly durable and offers ease of use
  • Heavy-duty construction ensures longevity
  • Can be used in shops or as an engine hoist

CONS

  • Binds and seizes up occasionally
  • Several users reported operational issues

What Recent Buyers Report

A high percentage of positive reviews suggest the remarkable quality of this great hoist. Users seem to be completely satisfied with the purchase. They believe that this product delivers all that it advertises. In addition, its operational capabilities are quite satisfactory, as well. It is highly recommended by recent buyers.

Why it Stands Out to Us

What strikes us about this engine hoist is the overall build quality it possesses. It has a brilliant 8 feet lift capacity with 2000 pounds of weight capacity. Moreover, it is extremely durable while being quite simple and easy to use. The heavy-duty construction ensures its longevity and can be used in shops or as an engine hoist.

Who Will Use This Most

If you are looking to purchase a product that delivers a handful of useful features, buy this one. It is amazing, considering the top-notch quality and operations it can deliver. It has various features that enhance your experience while being quite simple and easy to use.

Bottom Line

In a nutshell, this engine hoist is a must buy simply because it offers a lot more than you pay for. The operational capabilities are just amazing, and it has a durable construction that ensures long-lasting and smooth operation.

Best 2 Ton Engine Host:
Torin Big Red

BIG RED TR9020 Torin Manual Hand Lift Steel Chain Block Hoist with 2 Hooks, 2 Ton (4,000 lb) Capacity, Red

PROS

  • Perfect for industrial use
  • Comes with heavy-duty steel hooks
  • Features 4000 pounds of weight capacity
  • Features black oxide finish for increased resistance
  • Meets safety standards and offer a 1-year warranty

CONS

  • Construction is not great
  • Chain is covered in grease or oil

What Recent Buyers Report

We were able to receive a highly positive response from the users of this product. They believe that this engine hoist operates flawlessly while delivering smooth and reliable operations. In addition, it has numerous safety mechanisms and can be used for industrial-grade operations. An amazing engine hoist is what most users say.

Why it Stands Out to Us

What we like about this hoist is the multitude of features it offers. It is capable of delivering 4000 pounds of weight capacity. That’s not all. Amazingly, it has a black oxide finish, which promises additional resistance. Also, it comes with heavy-duty steel hooks for reliable connections and meets the safety standards. 

Who Will Use This Most

Looking for an industrial-grade hoist? Well, you are looking at one! This unit is ideally designed for industrial use. It can be used in factories, construction sites, garages, workshops, warehouses, and much more. Also, it comes with a 1-year warranty to protect your investment.

Bottom Line

To sum it up, this engine hoist is a great addition if you seek reliable weight lifting for industrial use. It has all the essential features and qualities of a high-end one while being available at an affordable price.

Best 3 Ton Engine Hoist:
3 Ton Capacity Chain Hoist by CtopoGo

3 Ton 6000Lbs Capacity Manual Hand Engine Lever Block Chain Hoist Pulley Tackle Hoist Winch Lift W/Hook, 10FT Lift, Heavy Duty Alloy Steel, Blue (3 Ton)

PROS

  • Free replacement for quality issues
  • Ideal for using in industrial settings
  • Made with highly durable alloy steel
  • Has built-in mechanical load brakes for safety
  • Features a whopping 6000 pounds of weight capacity

CONS

  • Several design issues reported
  • Lower hook rack is not capable of being reversed

What Recent Buyers Report

A superior product that delivers everything you can expect from a quality hoist is what most users have to say about this product. They are quite happy and satisfied with their purchase. They believe that this hoist has great potential for lifting heavy objects with ease and comfort.

Why it Stands Out to Us

What attracts us about this hoist is its quality and potential. It features a whopping 6000 pounds of weight capacity. It can lift almost anything. Additionally, it offers built-in mechanical load brakes that ensure your safety. That’s not all. It is made up of highly durable alloy steel for long-lasting operations.

Who Will Use This Most

Since this is a professional and industrial-grade hoist to deliver the optimum results with great efficiency, it is truly designed for industrial purposes. It can be used effectively in shipbuilding, power plants, transport, construction, warehouses, engine blocks, and lifting or dragging heavy goods.

Bottom Line

A final word on this hoist would be that it is a professional model designed perfectly for industrial settings for heavy-duty lifting. It encompasses all the requirements of quality and truly professional engine hoist. It is highly recommended!

Best Hydraulic Engine Hoist:
Dragway Tools 2 Ton Folding Hydraulic Engine Hoist

Dragway Tools 2 Ton Folding Hydraulic Engine Hoist Cherry Picker Shop Crane Hoist Lift

PROS

  • Simple and quite easy to operate
  • Durable construction made out of steel
  • Fully rotating caster wheels for mobility
  • Has 1000 pounds of extended boom capacity
  • Features 4000 pounds of closed boom capacity

CONS

  • Very heavy to move

What Recent Buyers Report

Well, the reviews say it all. Most of the recent buyers were amazed by the overall quality and performance it delivers. They are of the view that this hoist is a must-have. Most importantly, users believe that this assembly is quite simple and easy to use, even for beginners.

Why it Stands Out to Us

There are a number of features that we like about this hoist. Firstly, it has an immense weight capacity of 4000 pounds. In addition to that, it promises great maneuverability with its fully rotating caster wheels. Moreover, it has an extended boom capacity of 1000 pounds and offers durable steel construction.

Who Will Use This Most

You are looking for the best, right? Well, here is one. This hoist is remarkably quite easy and simple to use. While delivering superior performance, this product also delivers exceptional maneuverability with its various features. We highly recommend you invest in this product to enhance your lifting experience.

Bottom Line

All in all, a premium built hoist designed to fit your needs and requirements perfectly. It offers everything that you might expect from a quality engine hoist. Interestingly, it is very simple and easy to use while providing high user convenience.  

Best for the Money:
Stark 2 Ton Engine Hoist Stand Cherry Picker

Stark USA 2 Ton Engine Hoist Stand Cherry Picker Ship Crane Folding Lift Garage Workshop Auto Repair Foldable Stand, Red

PROS

  • Perfect choice for vertical weight lifting
  • Comes with 360-degree swiveling wheels
  • Very durable with heavy gauge structural steel
  • Offers 4 adjustable positions and foldable design 
  • Powder-coated finish ensures a corrosion-resistant body

CONS

  • Lowering controls are not ideal
  • Legs are not quite far apart for maneuverability 

What Recent Buyers Report

A highly positive response is what we get for this brilliant hoist. Users absolutely love it due to its amazing capabilities and superb quality. Most importantly, it is very reliable and highly durable with its strong metallic construction. Thus, it’s a great engine hoist to have in your back yard or shop.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This hoist is truly amazing. It has a highly durable construction that features a heavy-gauge steel construction that ensures longevity. Additionally, it has a powder-coated finish, which gives it a corrosion resistant touch. Also, it offers 4 various adjustable positions for flexibility while a folding design for convenient storage.

Who Will Use This Most

If you are looking for an engine hoist that provides remarkable vertical lifting capabilities, then look no further. This model is amazing, considering its weight lifting capabilities. It is ideally designed to lift any vehicle engine or other heavy objects effectively and efficiently. In short, it’s a great engine hoist for lifting heavy objects.

Bottom Line

All in all, it is by far one of the best hoists you could probably buy. Why? It is because of its extremely versatile nature and flawless operation that keep you satisfied. Moreover, it is highly durable and most likely to have a much longer lifespan. 

Pros and Cons of Engine Hoists

There are quite a numerous number of advantages and disadvantages of using hoists. However, they vary from type to type. In this section, we will be looking into some of the pros and cons of using them.

Pros

A hoist is a great tool for lifting heavy-duty objects. Here, we will be discussing some of the pros:

Weight Capacity

Different items offer a different weight capacity. However, it is enough to lift any heavy object or a car engine out of its compartment.

Structure

The assembly of a hoist is quite simple. Therefore, it can be operated easily without requiring prior knowledge.

Ease of Use

These items are quite easy to use. Most of the modern models just require an operation button and proper alignment to fulfill the task.

Storage

With the advent of modern technology, hoists offer reliable storage. Most of them feature a foldable design that allows them to contract while not in use. As a result, you can save a lot of space.

3 Ton 6000Lbs Capacity Manual Hand Engine Lever Block Chain Hoist Pulley Tackle Hoist Winch Lift W/Hook

Cons

Here are some negative aspects of using engine hoists.

Lifting Pace

Unfortunately, these hoists are quite slow while lifting heavy objects. You might have to wait a few minutes to complete the desired task.

Operation Area

Engine hoists require quite a bit of space for installation and operation. If you are cramped for space, you might want to look for a small-sized model.

How to Use an Engine Hoist?

Using this item is quite a simple task. However, if you are doing it for the first time, you might need some assistance. Don’t worry. We are here to help you. Given below is a simple and stepwise approach to using an engine hoist. 

These steps will make sure you operate your model efficiently and effectively.

  1. If you are looking to lift an engine, the first thing you need to identify is the lifting spot. Also, it can be anything you might want to hook up to. Accessory bolts or intake manifold bolts can be a good spot to start with.

  2. Now, move the engine hoist with its durable wheels and align it with the center of the engine. 

  3. Hook up the hoist’s hook with the chain on the engine.

  4. Start lifting up the hoist using a lever found at the base of the hoist. Lift slowly and make sure the connections you made are good enough.

  5. Lift the engine to the desired height, and you are good to go.

  6. In case of lowering the engine, slowly turn the T-bolt for a smooth decline.

However, if you are still uncertain of the process, refer to the video below for a complete demonstration.

Conclusion

Engine hoists are one of the most commonly used tools for lifting vehicle engines. It is due to their sheer weight-lifting capabilities, simplicity, and ease of use. However, it is essential that you pick the right one for your needs. This guide offers an all-inclusive stop if you seek a high-end engine hoist.

People Also Ask

Sometimes, there are numerous questions that come in the mind of customers. While purchasing a product, customers might have queries regarding it. Therefore, in order to address those queries, we have formulated some frequently asked questions. These might help you while picking an item for yourself.

How Much Can an Engine Hoist Lift?

Various engine hoists come with a different weight capacity. It means that every model has a certain limit to the weight that it can lift and hold on to. However, the most commonly used models can lift from 1 to 2 tons of weight. 

How Do You Pull an Engine Without a Hoist?

You cannot pull an engine out of your car without a hoist. Why? Well, of course, it is super heavy for our bare hands. However, you can use a jack and raise the car to the desired level. After removing all the connections, you can work on removing the engine beneath.

Where Do You Hook an Engine Hoist?

An engine can be lifted using the chain in the middle of it using an engine hoist. All you need to do is hook up the hoist’s hook and raise it slowly. You can do it by pumping the jack handle. Once the desired height is achieved, you can move the engine as desired.

How Heavy is an Engine Hoist?

An engine hoist is quite lightweight and can be lifted without much effort. That’s not all. The good news is that modern models feature wheels located at the base. These wheels allow you to move the hoist anywhere you desire. As a result, you can achieve more convenience and reliability.

I used to work in construction and landscaping, so I've seen my fair share of ratchet straps, winches, and similar rigging gear. I started Winch Central because I've seen some nasty accidents due to crappy rigging or poor practice. I wanted to be able to recommend good equipment that's SAFE and also provide resources for how its used. I handle the research side of things here as well as product selection for gear reviews.