Engine crane recommendation (USA)

[dpchamp87]

Anybody got any recommendations for a crane that works well for a baby Elan (removing engine and 'box) ?

Thanks

David
1970 S4

[twincamman]

I have 2 1/2 ton generic engine hoist foldable type for storage works just fine ---about 250 bucks --makes the job a treat ---ed

[Frank Howard]

David,

I didn't want to give up the space that even a folding hoist takes up when not in use which is probably 99% of the time so I purchased an I-beam from a scrap yard and screwed it to my garage ceiling. The I-beam touches one wall. I purchased a used truck (rides on the I-beam) and some tackle. Probably no more than $150 invested and when it's not in use, the tackle can be pushed out of the way up against the wall. The I-beam is mounted perpendicular to the car so I can adjust by either moving the tackle left and right or the car forward and backward. I've got an 8' ceiling and I've lifted a straight 6-cylinder Ford as well as both of my Lotus engines. Really pleased with it.

[twincamman]

I went that way for my 7 engine removal . Involved removing the front wheels and moving the chassis around the chain fall on the jack to get correct angle to accept the unit -very dangerous for the motor the chassis and me ----- akin to a dog F#$king a football ---I cant see it on an Elan --the hoist is just so easy and smooth Its worth the storage --its like a bath room ---you don't need or use it all the time but when you need it is there ---but if you have friends into restorations they always store it for you when they use it -the angle of attack to install the unit is very steep in an Elan --ed

[Frank Howard]

---but if you have friends into restorations they always store it for you when they use it...

That's another reason I like my hoist. My friends never even consider borrowing it because it's not portable.

[twincamman]

come on Frank its nice to share with your friends ---ed

[dpchamp87]

Thanks for the input gentlemen. For the few times I hope to take the motor out (always hopeful!) the portable crane is probably the way to go. Ed - could I trouble you for the make and model of yours as I have heard horror stories about cheap imported cranes.

David

[twincamman]

Valley Industries Paramount California ----1 1/2 ton ---and I just saw [ on a very small plate] it was made in china -- who's products I avoid buying ----ed

[dpchamp87]

Me too, but if it works well I will put tape over the manufacturers plate.

David

[freddy22112211]

Just a simple wood frame, on wheels, and a cheap chain hoist do the job nicely as well.
Gordon

[Esprit2]

Buy a larger crane, even if it's more than you need to pull the Elan's engine. I've found my crane to be a very useful tool for a variety of jobs other than pulling small engines or playing with cars.

Also get a load equalizer. It's very handy for leveling or tilting the load, especially if the engine has to be tilted nose-up as it's extracted from a tiny engine bay.

A folding crane is handy if you use it regularly but wish to minimize it's footprint when it's not in use. Mine doesn't fold, but it takes only minutes to knock it down. Then the sticks store in even less space than a folding crane. Better yet, when knocked-down the crane fits into the back of most cars that have a fold-down rear seat / trunk pass-through. I have a Subaru SVX (not a large car), and my crane fits in the back of it with plenty of room for tools and parts.

Which gets to the ultimate in minimizing storage space. Being transportable, my crane is out on loan all the time. I tell 'em, just hang onto it when you're done and I'll have the next guy pick it up from you. Everyone gets to use it, I know where it is when I need it, it's easy to haul and it takes up none of my shop's storage space. What's not to like?

Regards,
Tim Engel
Minnesota

[dpchamp87]

I like your approach Tim! I was kind of hoping I could lend it out for about 11 months of the year...

David

[Ross Robbins]

Even better idea: Become friends with someone like Tim or Ed and save the money

[stugilmour]

David, might be a vintage car club in your area that has one for loan? Guy who stores it for the club has plenty of space, but never in a hurry to get it back! One of the main reasons I joined out local club, but have been enjoying the monthly meetings, etc. Hoping to get the car going this summer for some club runs.

http://www.vsccc.ca/

[kmoist]

Harbor Freight Tools makes an inexpensive fold up model we've used with success. Folds up against the wall of the garage when not in use. Ken