Engine Cranes

About Engine Cranes

Engine cranes, also known as engine hoists or cherry pickers, are essential hydraulic lifting devices designed to safely remove, manoeuvre, and install heavy engines and automotive components. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of engine cranes from leading manufacturers including Sealey and Draper, with lifting capacities from 500kg up to 2 tonnes. Our selection includes folding engine cranes ideal for workshops with limited space, fixed frame models for heavy-duty professional use, low profile designs for vehicles with reduced ground clearance, and portable adjustable gantry cranes for versatile lifting applications.

Whether you're a professional mechanic working in a busy garage or a DIY enthusiast tackling your first engine swap at home, choosing the right engine crane ensures safe and efficient handling of heavy powertrains. MyToolShed.co.uk also supplies genuine replacement hydraulic rams for all major Sealey engine crane models, ensuring your equipment maintains peak performance and safety standards throughout its working life.

Applications

• Motor mechanics and automotive technicians performing engine removals and replacements in garages and workshops
• Classic car restorers undertaking complete engine rebuilds and restoration projects
• Plant and agricultural engineers servicing heavy machinery, tractors, and commercial vehicles
• MOT testing stations requiring equipment for detailed engine and gearbox inspections
• Marine engineers handling boat engines and heavy marine equipment
• Industrial maintenance teams in factories lifting machinery components and heavy assemblies
• HGV and commercial vehicle workshops dealing with larger diesel engines and transmissions
• Serious DIY enthusiasts with home workshops tackling engine swaps and major repairs
• Agricultural contractors maintaining and repairing farm equipment on-site

Choosing The Right Engine Cranes

Lifting Capacity: Determine the maximum weight you'll need to lift, including engine, gearbox, and attached components. Add a safety margin of at least 20% above your heaviest anticipated load. Most domestic engines require 500kg to 1-tonne capacity, whilst commercial vehicle engines may need 2-tonne models.

Workshop Space: Consider your available storage area. Folding engine cranes collapse to approximately 400-600mm wide, ideal for smaller workshops or mobile mechanics. Fixed frame models offer increased stability and suit busy workshops with dedicated storage space.

Vehicle Ground Clearance: If you regularly work on lowered vehicles or sports cars, a low profile engine crane is essential. Standard models may not fit beneath vehicles with modified suspension or limited ground clearance.

Boom Range: Look for models with multiple boom positions and adequate reach. Remember that lifting capacity reduces as the boom extends, so check the manufacturer's load chart to ensure sufficient capacity at your required working distance.

Build Quality: Examine frame construction, wheel quality, and overall build. Premium models feature reinforced frames, heavy-duty castors with locks, and superior powder coating for longevity in demanding workshop environments.

Safety Information

Engine cranes handle extremely heavy loads and must be operated with strict attention to safety. Always inspect the crane before each use for damaged welds, hydraulic leaks, and worn components. Never exceed the stated weight capacity, and always refer to the load chart when extending the boom. Ensure the crane is positioned on level, solid ground with all castors locked before lifting.

The load must be balanced and securely attached using appropriate lifting equipment rated for the weight. Never work beneath a suspended load, and always use properly rated engine stands to support engines once positioned. Under PUWER regulations, commercial workshops must maintain lifting equipment according to a regular inspection schedule. Replace hydraulic rams immediately if they show signs of leakage or failure, using only genuine manufacturer parts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What weight capacity engine crane do I need for a typical car engine?
Most standard car engines with gearbox attached weigh between 150kg and 300kg, so a 500kg or 1-tonne capacity crane provides adequate safety margin. Larger engines such as V8s, diesel engines, or commercial vehicle powerplants may require a 2-tonne capacity model. Always verify your specific engine weight before lifting.

Can I use an engine crane for other lifting tasks?
Yes, engine cranes are versatile tools suitable for lifting gearboxes, differentials, industrial machinery, and heavy building materials. However, always ensure the load is within the crane's capacity at your required boom extension, and use appropriate lifting attachments for non-engine loads.

What's the difference between a fixed frame and folding engine crane?
Fixed frame engine cranes have a permanently rigid structure offering maximum stability, ideal for high-volume workshops with dedicated storage. Folding models feature hinged legs that collapse for compact storage, perfect for smaller workshops or mobile use. Both types are equally safe when used within their rated capacity on level ground.