Engine Cranes

About Engine Cranes

Engine cranes, also known as engine hoists or cherry pickers, are essential pieces of workshop equipment designed to safely lift and manoeuvre heavy engines and components. These hydraulic lifting devices are indispensable for anyone working on vehicle maintenance, engine rebuilds, or heavy component removal. Our range includes folding engine cranes for workshops with limited space, fixed frame models for heavy-duty applications, and low profile designs that can access engines in vehicles with reduced ground clearance.

At TooledUp.com, we stock a comprehensive selection of engine cranes from industry-leading manufacturers including Sealey and Draper. Whether you're a professional mechanic working in a busy garage or a DIY enthusiast tackling your first engine swap at home, you'll find models with lifting capacities ranging from 500kg to 2 tonnes. Our range includes both standard and premier folding designs, as well as portable adjustable gantry cranes for more versatile lifting requirements.

We also supply genuine replacement hydraulic rams for all major Sealey engine crane models, ensuring your equipment maintains its lifting performance and safety standards over years of service. Proper maintenance and using manufacturer-approved replacement parts is crucial for safe operation and longevity of your investment.

Jargon Buster

• Lifting Capacity: The maximum safe working load (SWL) an engine crane can lift, typically measured in kilograms or tonnes. Always check this matches or exceeds your engine weight, accounting for additional components.
• Boom Extension: The adjustable horizontal arm of the crane that extends to different positions. The lifting capacity decreases as the boom extends further from the crane's base, following a load chart specific to each model.
• Hydraulic Ram: The core lifting mechanism that uses hydraulic pressure to raise and lower the boom. This component requires periodic inspection and eventual replacement to maintain safe operation.
• Folding Frame: A design feature allowing the crane's legs to fold inward for compact storage, ideal for workshops with limited floor space or mobile mechanics who need to transport equipment.
• Low Profile: Engine cranes with a reduced height design that can slide underneath vehicles with minimal ground clearance, essential for working on lowered vehicles or sports cars.
• Gantry Crane: A portable overhead lifting system with two vertical supports and a horizontal beam, offering greater flexibility for positioning loads compared to traditional engine cranes.

Who Uses Engine Cranes?

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

How to Choose the Right Engine Cranes

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

Workshop Space: Consider your available storage and working area. Folding engine cranes are ideal for smaller workshops or mobile mechanics, collapsing to a fraction of their working size. Fixed frame models offer increased stability and are better suited to busy workshops with dedicated storage space.

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

Boom Range and Adjustment: 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 and Stability: Examine the frame construction, wheel quality, and overall build. Premium models from Sealey's range feature reinforced frames, heavy-duty castors with locks, and superior powder coating for longevity. A stable base with wide-set legs prevents tipping when handling offset loads.

Hydraulic Ram Quality: The hydraulic system is the heart of your engine crane. Ensure replacement rams are available, as these components will eventually require servicing. We stock genuine Sealey replacement hydraulic rams for all their current and legacy models.

Popular Accessories

• Engine lifting slings and chains with adjustable links for secure attachment to engine lifting points
• Load levellers to balance engines and prevent tilting during lifting and positioning
• Engine stands for safely supporting engines once removed from the vehicle
• Transmission jacks for handling gearboxes during engine and transmission work
• Workshop creepers for accessing under-vehicle attachment points
• Hydraulic fluid and maintenance kits to keep your crane operating smoothly
• Heavy-duty gloves and PPE for safe handling of oily components
• Load testing equipment to verify safe working loads and crane capacity

Safety Information

Engine cranes handle extremely heavy loads and must be operated with strict attention to safety. Always consult the HSE guidelines for lifting equipment in workplace environments. Before each use, inspect the crane 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 and that all castors are 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.

Hydraulic rams should be inspected regularly for leaks and damage. Replace rams immediately if they show signs of failure, using only genuine manufacturer parts. Under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), commercial workshops must maintain lifting equipment according to a regular inspection schedule. Keep a maintenance log and replace worn components promptly.

Operators should receive proper training in crane use and load handling. Wear appropriate PPE including safety boots with steel toecaps and close-fitting work gloves. Ensure adequate clearance around the working area and warn others before lifting heavy loads.

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. However, larger engines such as V8s, diesel engines, or commercial vehicle powerplants may require a 2-tonne capacity model. Always weigh your specific engine or consult manufacturer specifications before lifting.

Can I use an engine crane for other lifting tasks?

Yes, engine cranes are versatile lifting tools suitable for many heavy component handling tasks including gearboxes, differentials, industrial machinery, and even 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.

How much space do I need to store a folding engine crane?

Folding engine cranes typically collapse to approximately 400-600mm wide, making them suitable for storage against a workshop wall or in a corner. When folded, most models are narrow enough to fit through standard doorways, making them practical for home garages and mobile mechanics.

Do I need to maintain the hydraulic ram?

Yes, regular inspection and occasional maintenance of the hydraulic ram is essential for safe operation. Check for leaks, ensure smooth operation, and verify the ram fully retracts and extends without binding. Hydraulic fluid levels should be checked periodically. If you notice slow lifting, fluid leaks, or the ram fails to hold pressure, it requires professional servicing or replacement.

What's the difference between a fixed frame and folding engine crane?

Fixed frame engine cranes have a permanently rigid structure offering maximum stability and are ideal for high-volume workshops with dedicated storage space. Folding models feature hinged legs that collapse for compact storage, making them perfect for smaller workshops or mobile use. Folding cranes are slightly less rigid but still perfectly safe when used within their rated capacity on level ground.