Which engine crane?

[Timberwolf]

Need to hoik out the engine on my lotus elite, but much more importantly, next in line is the alfa/strat combo. Popped into machine mart today for a shuffty. As usual too much to choose from and too little budget. I'd love one that lifts 2000kgs at full extention, but why? I ain't got a big block chevy. What do you all use? What is needed? How much does the alfa 24v weigh and what extention on the boom do you need to get it in a hawk strat? Alternative is a chain hoist to just lift then put the car under the load.

Your comments much appreciated!

[strat6v]

I have the cfc 1000 crane. done me proud so far. Lift the engine on the 500 kg setting ;)

If you can stretch to it, buy a pair of the car dollies on the next page as well.
Certainly make things a lot easier. I've cut mine down in width too.

[igosling]

I have a 1000kg Sealy in the garage did a fine job for me in terms of reach and height.
Not sure where you are, but if you need to borrow it let me know

Iain

[mudhut]

Mine's an old Brown Brothers thing I bought for £60 on ebay a couple of years ago. It's quite small and does not have the splayed out legs that some do.

Was able to pull the engine and replace it without removing the rear cover although I did release the check strap and let the cover open quite a bit more than normal.

[CorseChris]

Got a 1.5T Machine Mart thingy with fold-out legs, which is ideal. Or would be if the darn thing didn't have an internal leak. Have to maintain a steady rate on the handle or it just sinks to the floor. Makes the whole process a bit of a challenge......

...and stop sniggering in the back!

[Swamprat33]

I have a Sealy SC10 1 ton folding crane/hoist. It flat packs against the garage wall when not in use.
Got it new from a dealer on ebay for just over £100.

Does the job.
I got a few 1 ton rated straps to go with it and had no problems with my V6 last year.

Will have to get it out again next week when i remove the engine again next weekend.

Need to get this burning oil issue sorted.
Think it is (hope) valve stem seals.

Cheers

Tim

[Timberwolf]

Looks like a 1 ton jobbie is the way to go then. God knows why but I hadn't thought of ebay, I'll have a trawl.

Many thanks igosling! :) But I'm about as far from you as you can get and stay in the same country.... deepest - and darkest - Cumbria! popping round might take a while, and I'd probably be able to buy one with the fuel bill!