14 Jul 2025
CHOOSING THE BEST ENGINE HOIST FOR CAR REPAIRS
An engine hoist is a lifting device used in garages to safely remove or install a vehicle’s engine during repair work. It’s designed to lift and hold heavy engines in a fully controlled way, making complex jobs that would normally require many hands much more manageable.
For many DIYers and professional mechanics, common pain points include limited garage space, the heavy weight of the engines themselves and the risk of injury when trying to lift or manoeuvre them manually. An engine hoist offers a secure, space-efficient and ergonomic solution to mechanical manual handling. Here at the Lifting Equipment Store®, we have a wide range of the best engine hoists to choose from.
WHAT IS AN ENGINE HOIST?
An engine hoist, sometimes referred to as an engine crane or even a floor crane, is a specialised tool that is essential for lifting, moving and lowering heavy car engines into position. They are either hydraulic or chain-driven and feature an extendable jib with an attached hook for enhanced leverage and mechanical advantages. Gaining access to a clutch, performing major repairs or restorations or carrying out a full engine swap are the situations that are best for engine hoists.
TYPES OF ENGINE HOISTS FOR CAR REPAIRS
MANUAL CHAIN ENGINE HOISTS
The most common engine hoist that can be found anywhere from home garages to small, independent workshops to larger businesses is also by far the simplest. Manual chain options are arguably the best engine hoists out there, as they are simple, easy to use and, depending on the model, can lift weights up to 30 tonnes with ease. This impressive feat is thanks to the chain itself, as exerting a smaller force over a long distance of the hoist chain transforms it into a far larger amount of force.
A manual chain engine hoist is a slightly more contemporary approach to rope hoists that have been used for hundreds of years. This system has been so popular for so long because it’s great value for money and only comprises three simple parts, and it can let you lift some of the heaviest engine blocks that have ever been put into production, all by yourself. This engine crane does require fitting above ground, which is a space saver, meaning it can be used in the smallest of workshops. Sure, some other hoists have specialised features, but a manual chain engine hoist has remained popular for so long with good reason.
HYDRAULIC ENGINE HOISTS
The next step in the best engine hoist advancements is a hydraulic engine hoist. This system makes use of a hydraulic jack to raise car engines and other heavy components, offering a powerful and user-friendly lifting solution. Unlike chain hoists, they operate from the ground and are built around a stable, mobile frame. A typical model features two heavy-duty steel legs with four to six swivel casters for smooth movement, even under loads of up to two tonnes. The upright steel post supports the hydraulic system, which consists of dual cylinders, a pump, an oil reservoir, a ram and a bleeder valve to provide a precisely controlled lifting force.
At the front, a telescopic boom with a chain and hook allows secure attachment of the load. Although hydraulic hoists are generally more expensive and take up more floor space than manual alternatives, they are engineered to handle extremely heavy loads with minimal effort. They don’t need to be suspended from a structure, so they can be used outdoors or moved easily around large workshops. Many models can also be folded into smaller units, making them easier to store or transport. Hydraulic engine hoists are best for small garages that need regular use of a hoist.
ELECTRIC CHAIN HOISTS
Electric chain hoists are best suited to static garage setups where a permanent or semi-permanent heavy-lifting solution can be installed. They operate from an overhead beam or gantry, allowing the workshop floor to remain clear and reducing the clutter associated with wheeled hoists. Their electric drive provides smooth, consistent lifting with minimal manual effort, making them ideal for garages that regularly handle engines but don’t need the flexibility of a mobile crane.
These lifting options also tend to lift vertically from a fixed point, which creates heightened stability and load control. The only downside to this option is that the installation demands a structurally sound support and highly accurate load ratings to ensure continuous, reliable and safe operation.
ELECTRIC ENGINE HOISTS
Electric engine hoists are designed for heavy or repetitive lifting where speed, convenience and reduced physical strain are the key priorities. They use a powered lifting mechanism to raise and lower engines quickly and consistently, which saves time during frequent engine swaps or heavy commercial repair work.
Many models will also feature adjustable booms, high lift heights and strong load capacities, making them well-suited to larger engines and more awkward engine bays. The powered operation of an electric engine hoist is that it reduces fatigue and improves precision when positioning an engine during removal or installation. While more expensive than a manual hydraulic option, this method offers superior efficiency, durability and productivity for busy workshops and garages.
CHOOSING THE BEST ENGINE HOIST FOR YOUR GARAGE
CONSIDER ENGINE WEIGHT
When choosing the best engine hoist for a garage, the first priority is matching lifting capacity to the engine’s weight, with a comfortable safety margin to account for accessories and movement. Small hatchback engines usually weigh under 200kg, so a compact 500kg hoist is more than sufficient for light, occasional use. Estate cars, SUV’s and 4x4 engines typically fall between 200 and 350kg, making a 1-tonne hoist a safe and versatile option that balances strength and practicality. Certain performance level engines can reach 500kg or more, so a 2-tonne hoist is the best option that offers safer handling and future-proof flexibility.
CHECK YOUR GARAGE SPACE
Choosing the best engine hoist for your garage needs to involve a full understanding of how much space you have to work with before you make your purchase. If you have limited floor space, a folding hydraulic hoist is a practical choice. If the garage layout is more permanent and height is available, a chain hoist mounted to a beam or gantry can be ideal for a static layout, providing reliable lifting without occupying any floor space. Each solution suits different setups and requirements, so match the hoist type to your workspace and workload.
FREQUENCY OF USE
For occasional DIY work, a basic hydraulic hoist is usually the most sensible option because it is affordable, easy to operate and capable of lifting a wide range of engines without any form of permanent installation. But, if you are carrying out frequent professional repairs, an electric or chain hoist becomes more suitable, offering faster, smoother lifting. Matching the hoist to your workload will help to ensure efficiency, reliability, future-proofing and value for money.
LIFTING HEIGHT AND REACH
You could have an engine hoist that can lift a 20-tonne engine, but it will be no good if it can’t reach where it needs to go. Manoeuvrability and choosing the correct height are equally important when purchasing the best engine crane or hoist for your garage. Particularly if you service vans, 4x4’s and other large vehicles, you will need to ensure your hoist can manage the extra height for removal and installation, while remaining sturdy and safe during use.
FAQS
WHAT SIZE ENGINE HOIST DO I NEED FOR MY CAR?
Each type of engine hoist should be strong enough to lift an engine out of a car, whether it is a small hatchback or a van. After determining the weight of your engine and choosing a hoist that can comfortably lift it with some leeway, you will need to watch out for its spacing and manoeuvrability, so ensure the hoist you choose fits with ample space in your garage/workshop alongside your car.
WHAT’S THE BEST ENGINE HOIST FOR ENGINE SWAPS?
The ideal hoist for engine swaps should combine sufficient lift height with an adjustable boom level to reach and clear the engine bay, so the engine can be removed without any kind of obstruction. Adjustable boom positioning helps accommodate different engine sizes and vehicle layouts. For most DIY swaps, a heavy-duty hydraulic hoist with a rated capacity well above the engine weight gives a good balance of safety, cost and flexibility. For frequent or heavier work, consider an electric or chain-drive hoist; these reduce physical strain, provide smoother lifting and often lift more weight, making them well-suited as the best engine hoists for garages.
CAN I USE A CHAIN HOIST TO REMOVE A CAR ENGINE?
Yes, a chain hoist can be used to remove a car engine, but it will require a secure overhead beam or some kind of gantry that is rated to safely handle the proposed load. The beam must be strong, rigid and firmly anchored into place. This is because in this system, all lifting forces are concentrated on one fixed point, rather than being evenly distributed across a frame, as you see with a hydraulic crane. When set up correctly, a chain hoist provides smooth, controlled lifting and is ideal for static workshop environments.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ENGINE LIFT AND A CRANE?
When looking into the best engine hoists for car repair, you may also come across engine cranes and lifts, but what is the difference between these options? In general practice, there really isn’t too much difference, and all can be completely interchangeable with each other. A lift or a hoist tends to be a mobile option that can be moved around a workspace, while a crane tends to be larger and fitted overhead, but this too is interchangeable. It is always best to consult with an expert before making your choice, to determine which is the best engine hoist, lift or crane for you.
HOW HEAVY CAN AN ENGINE CRANE LIFT?
Typical hydraulic models have lifting capacities between 1 and 2 tonnes (1,000–2,000 kg / 2,200–4,400 lb), which covers the majority of car engines and small commercial vehicle engines.
When selecting a hoist, it’s essential to choose a model rated above your engine’s weight. This ensures safe operation, prevents overloading the crane and provides extra stability when handling the engine. For example, if your engine weighs 400 kg, a 1-tonne hoist provides a comfortable safety margin, while a 1.5-tonne hoist is ideal for heavier engines or combined loads like an engine plus transmission.
