Where to buy a cheap engine crane?

[RobertoX]

As the title states, I want a cheap engine crane.
It's only for lifting a 4age so I don't need a huge capacity one or very good quality.
Anybody seen any cheapies around?

[driftism]

when i did my conversion i looked all over for a cheap one. the best i foind was a $300 one from repco in ringwood.

After putting it together i found it had a massive lean in it... if it lifted the engine any higher it would have fallen over. i took pics so after the engine was in i got a refund.

So free is a pretty good price :)

[RobertoX]

ha ok... I'll look for the absolute dodgiest one I can find :P

[skit]

I bought a supercheap one. I can't recall if it was 200 or 300bucks.

Its not perfectly level, but I have had it at near full reach with the engine hoisted up high & it wasn't threatening to tip over. Well, it was when I had to drag it up a 5" step into my garage, but on flat ground it's fine.

Not sure about the consistency of product quality though, you get what you pay for in the end. But seriously, I could hardly justify spending $300 let alone consider getting a "name" brand one - although it has been invaluable since & I don't regret buying it one bit.

[richo]

mines from supercheap aswel and has done the job. if you dont need it right now wait for a sale cos ive seen them at supercheap for like 180 which is pretty cheap

[KE70]

$200 from a tool importer place (mainly chinese stuff). I personally have used it for 3 engines and my mates for much more. Picked up an engine stand(560kg) for $65 as well.
Top quality and they seem a little better then those cheap supercheap ones as these seem to be bigger and hold more(kgs).

Find a mate or 2 and all chip in.

[KE70]

Or if you want to be really cheap get yourself a block and tackle, lol

[Sam-Q]

$250 from Hare and forbes

[ae86rally]

Gasweld. cheaper than supercheap, better quality and bigger lifting capacity. Also find an extra$65 for a load leveller. well worth it, lets you change the angle the motors on. tilt it it to put motor in/out and level it out as you go in/out, so easy.

[ae71]

block and tackle's are cheap yeah??

you can always hire one!

edit, what about an engine stand.. ?

wouldnt ever be holding anything more than a 3L 6cyl if ever..

[RobertoX]

Thanks guys, I ended up buying a chain block for about $100, it's just a bit difficult to put it up in a rental property.
I rang Hare and Forbes and they quoted $365, the prices must have gone up with the AUD going down or something.

I also picked up an engine stand. It makes it so much easier to work on the engine! I've always just used an old tyre on the ground to sit the motor in :P

[Nikkojoe]

I got one from supercheap, 199 on special with a lifting capacity of 1250kg. Done 10+ engines now :P

[Dom86]

Get one second hand from the paper.

[Skremn]

maybe im dodgy.. I used Old HQ seat belts as a chain when i got my Engine crane from An Auto place in blacktown NSW cost me $250.

[RobertoX]

Yeah, the seatbelts are great, I've always used them when lifting engines :)

[Sam-Q]

I think I will get rid of mine, I will send you a PM