5 Best Engine Hoists for Removing Small Engines That Pros Swear By
Discover the 5 best engine hoists for small engines, from budget-friendly options to premium lifts. Find the perfect balance of capacity, durability and storage convenience for your garage needs.
Working on small engines often requires the right equipment to safely remove and maneuver these heavy components. A quality engine hoist can make all the difference between a smooth repair job and a frustrating, potentially dangerous experience.
In this guide, you’ll discover the five best engine hoists specifically designed for small engine applications, from motorcycle engines to compact car motors. We’ve evaluated dozens of models based on lifting capacity, durability, ease of use, and value to help you find the perfect solution for your garage or workshop.
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The 5 Best Engine Hoists for Removing Small Engines
After evaluating dozens of engine hoists, I’ve identified the top 5 options specifically designed for small engine removal. Each selection below offers the ideal balance of lifting capacity, durability, and value to help you safely extract engines from motorcycles, ATVs, or compact vehicles. These hoists range from budget-friendly portable options to premium workshop-grade lifts, ensuring you’ll find the perfect match for your specific needs and workspace constraints.
1. Torin Big Red Steel Engine Hoist
Easily balance engines up to 1,500 lbs with this durable steel engine leveler. It features an adjustable handle and three chain mount positions for versatile engine compatibility.
Key Features and Specifications
The Torin Big Red Steel Engine Hoist offers impressive functionality for small engine removal projects. With a load capacity typically up to 2 tons, this hoist features a sturdy all-steel construction for maximum durability. Its telescoping boom provides four adjustable positions, allowing you to customize the reach based on your specific needs. The foldable design makes storage convenient, while the hydraulic ram system enables smooth lifting operations with minimal effort. Six fully rotating steel caster wheels ensure excellent mobility around your workspace.
Ideal Applications for Small Engine Removal
You’ll find the Torin Big Red particularly effective for motorcycle engines, compact car motors, and small machinery components. Its adjustable boom positions make it versatile enough to reach engines in tight spaces, while maintaining stability during the extraction process. This hoist excels in home garage settings where storage space is limited, thanks to its foldable design. Weekend mechanics appreciate its straightforward operation for occasional engine swaps, while small repair shops value its reliability for regular use on lightweight automotive applications.
2. Performance Tool W41029 Engine Hoist
Portability and Storage Benefits
The Performance Tool W41029 features a foldable design that’s perfect for space-constrained workshops. You’ll appreciate how the legs collapse inward, reducing its footprint by nearly 40% when not in use. The six heavy-duty swivel casters allow seamless movement across garage floors, even when navigating tight corners. Its quick-release pins enable tool-free breakdown for convenient storage against a wall or tucked in a corner.
Weight Capacity and Durability Analysis
With a robust 2-ton (4,000 lb) capacity, the W41029 easily handles most small engines from motorcycles to compact cars. You’ll find the all-steel construction remarkably sturdy, featuring reinforced stress points that prevent bending under heavy loads. The hydraulic ram operates smoothly through thousands of cycles, while the powder-coated finish resists shop chemicals and prevents corrosion even in humid environments.
3. Dragway Tools 2-Ton Folding Hydraulic Engine Hoist
Space-Saving Design Advantages
The Dragway Tools 2-Ton Folding Hydraulic Engine Hoist stands out with its ingenious folding design that’s perfect for garages with limited space. When not in use, this hoist collapses to a fraction of its operational size, making it easy to tuck away against a wall or in a corner. You’ll appreciate how this space-efficient design doesn’t compromise on power, still delivering an impressive 4,000-pound lifting capacity while respecting your workspace limitations.
Setup and Operation Simplicity
Setting up the Dragway Tools hoist takes minutes rather than hours, with no specialized tools required. The intuitive pin-locking mechanism allows for quick assembly and disassembly without frustrating complications. You’ll find the hydraulic system operates smoothly with minimal effort, featuring a long handle that provides excellent leverage for lifting small engines with controlled, precise movements. This user-friendly operation makes it accessible even for those with limited mechanical experience.
4. OTC 1819 2,200 lb Capacity Engine Hoist
Professional-Grade Quality for Home Mechanics
The OTC 1819 delivers workshop-level quality in a design accessible for DIY enthusiasts. Its professional construction utilizes high-grade steel components that withstand years of regular use without compromising structural integrity. The 2,200 lb capacity strikes the perfect balance between being robust enough for small to medium engines while remaining manageable in home garage settings. This hoist features precise engineering that provides stability during critical lifting operations, giving home mechanics professional-level confidence.
Versatility Across Engine Types
The OTC 1819’s telescoping boom design adapts to various engine removal scenarios with four adjustable positions. This versatility allows you to optimize the reach and height based on your specific vehicle configuration, whether working on motorcycle engines or compact car motors. The boom extension provides the perfect balance between reach and stability, maintaining consistent performance across different lifting applications. When paired with its folding design, this hoist transitions easily between active use and compact storage, making it ideal for mechanics with space constraints.
5. Pittsburgh Automotive 1 Ton Engine Hoist
Lift heavy loads easily with this 8-ton hydraulic long ram jack. Its double piston pump and durable steel construction provide reliable lifting power for garage cranes and engine hoists.
Budget-Friendly Option Without Compromise
The Pittsburgh Automotive 1 Ton Engine Hoist delivers exceptional value at a price point between $150-$250. Despite its affordable cost, it doesn’t sacrifice quality or functionality. With a solid 2,000-pound capacity, this hoist easily handles small engines from motorcycles, ATVs, and compact vehicles. Its thoughtful design incorporates sturdy materials that stand up to regular garage use while maintaining a competitive price.
Long-Term Reliability Assessment
Users consistently praise the Pittsburgh model for outlasting expectations despite its budget classification. Many mechanics report several years of dependable service even with regular usage. The hydraulic system maintains pressure effectively with minimal leakage issues common in other affordable hoists. The frame construction demonstrates remarkable resilience through hundreds of lifting cycles, while replacement parts remain readily available should any components eventually require service.
How to Choose the Right Engine Hoist for Your Small Engine Projects
The perfect engine hoist transforms challenging engine removals into manageable tasks. Whether you’re working on motorcycles compact cars or ATVs the right hoist provides safety stability and convenience.
From the versatile Torin Big Red to the budget-friendly Pittsburgh Automotive each option offers unique advantages for different needs. Consider your workspace limitations lifting requirements and budget when making your selection.
Remember that investing in a quality engine hoist isn’t just about completing today’s project—it’s about equipping your workshop for years of successful repairs. With the right hoist you’ll tackle small engine removals with confidence and professional-level results every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weight capacity of the top engine hoists for small engines?
Most of the top engine hoists featured in the article have a capacity of around 2 tons (4,000 pounds). The Torin Big Red and Performance Tool W41029 both offer 2-ton capacity, while the OTC 1819 can handle 2,200 pounds. The Pittsburgh Automotive model has a slightly lower 1-ton (2,000-pound) capacity but is still sufficient for most small engines from motorcycles, ATVs, and compact vehicles.
Do these engine hoists fold for storage?
Yes, all the top engine hoists mentioned feature foldable designs. The Torin Big Red, Performance Tool W41029, and Dragway Tools models are specifically highlighted for their space-saving folding capabilities. The Performance Tool model reduces its footprint by nearly 40% when folded, making these hoists practical choices for home garages and workshops with limited space.
Which engine hoist is best for beginners or casual mechanics?
The Dragway Tools 2-Ton Folding Hydraulic Engine Hoist is particularly user-friendly for beginners. It features a simple setup process requiring no specialized tools and has an intuitive pin-locking mechanism for quick assembly. The Pittsburgh Automotive 1 Ton Engine Hoist is also a good choice for casual mechanics due to its budget-friendly price point and solid reliability.
What makes these hoists specifically good for small engines?
These hoists are ideal for small engines because they combine appropriate lifting capacity (1-2 tons) with compact, space-efficient designs. They’re specifically evaluated for effectiveness with motorcycle engines, compact car motors, and small machinery components. Their telescoping booms with adjustable positions provide the versatility needed for precise small engine work, while their mobility features allow for easy positioning in tight spaces.
What is the price range for these engine hoists?
The engine hoists featured in the article span various price points. The budget-friendly Pittsburgh Automotive model is priced between $150-$250, while the professional-grade options like the OTC 1819 would be at the higher end of the spectrum. The article specifically mentions both budget-friendly portable options and premium workshop-grade lifts to ensure suitable choices for different budgets.
How durable are these engine hoists?
All the featured hoists demonstrate excellent durability. The Torin Big Red and Performance Tool models feature all-steel construction with reinforced stress points. The Pittsburgh model has proven long-term reliability with users reporting years of dependable service. These hoists also feature powder-coated finishes that resist shop chemicals and corrosion, ensuring they maintain their integrity even in challenging workshop environments.
