I tried the 2 ton engine hoist $199 made in China from my local Pep Boys.

Very heavy duty unit with telescopic boom from 1000 - 4000 lbs.  folding
legs . whole thing weighs in at over 200 lbs. hard to believe they can sell
them that cheap.

I used it for my last tow engine rebuilds and then sold it because its just
too heavy and I am now looking for a medical patient lift for doing my
vanagon engine pulls.

The medical patient lifts can be found on e/bay for 50 to 100 bucks and they
can lift 450 lbs.

They are much more easily moved and stored.

Certainly adequate for small home shop work.
just dont overload them.

Doug

----- Original Message -----
From: "John Runberg" <jrunberg@MAC.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, September 06, 2004 6:38 PM
Subject: Engine lift

> Getting started on my conversion and had to get the 'new' engine out of
the Carat to begin cleaning. In years past various complements of
jacks/cribbing have been used, but 'bout two years ago had a T4 engine shift
and tore a muscle in my back. Won't/can't try it again.
>
> Instead, dropped $149 on an engine lift w/ equalizer bar from Northern
Tool. Seems decently built enough and folds up for storage. Made moving the
motor SO simple it's rediculous! After just moving it once that tool has
paid for itself IMHO. I'm now actually looking forward to removing the old
engine from the Carat!
>
> john