Engine Hoist
A hydraulic crane used to lift heavy engines and transmissions out of or into a vehicle's engine bay.
An engine hoist (also known as an engine crane or cherry picker) is a heavy-duty hydraulic lifting device used to remove and install engines and transmissions from a vehicle's engine bay. It features a robust steel frame with wheeled legs, a telescoping boom arm, and a hydraulic ram cylinder controlled by a hand pump or pneumatic valve.
During major engine repairs or swaps, the hoist is rolled over the front of the vehicle, and the boom arm is extended over the engine bay. The engine is secured to the hoist using heavy-duty lifting chains or an engine load leveler attached to designated lift points on the engine block. The technician then pumps the jack to lift the engine clear of the engine mounts, allowing it to be safely rolled away from the vehicle.
Safety is critical when operating an engine hoist. The hoist must be rated for the weight of the engine being lifted, and the load must be balanced to prevent tipping. Once removed, the engine should be transferred to a dedicated engine stand as soon as possible, rather than being left suspended on the hoist.