29 May 2026

WHAT IS AN ENGINE CRANE & DO YOU NEED ONE?

If you are in an industry that deals with lifting heavy loads, then it's likely you’ll be familiar with an engine crane. However, if you're new to the industry or are starting to work with heavier items in the workplace, you might be questioning which solution is right for you.

At Lifting Equipment Store (LES), we always aim to give you the most up-to-date information to be able to make an informed decision on what the most practical piece of equipment is, to solve your business challenge.

In this guide, we’ll give you an overview of what engine cranes are, how you use them, the different types available and some of the things you might want to consider when deciding if to purchase one.

What Is An Engine Crane?

An engine crane is a piece of lifting equipment designed specifically to lift, lower, hold, and move heavy-duty items, like vehicle engines. You might have seen one in a mechanic’s workshop, car garage or vehicle repair shop as they’re one of the most commonly used tools for safely removing and reinstalling engines.

They are often referred to as engine hoists and are built to raise heavy components in and out of tight spaces with accuracy and control. It allows mechanics to move engines short distances through the air and position them safely, giving clear access to areas that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to reach by hand.

It’s important to understand that engine cranes and lifting hoists are not always the same thing, even though the terms are often used interchangeably. Engine cranes are purpose-built for lifting and positioning vehicle engines, while electric chain hoists and manual chain hoists are more general overhead lifting devices used in workshops and industrial environments. Depending on the application, both can be used to support safe engine lifting and handling tasks.

While they are most commonly used for vehicle repairs, they aren’t just designed for that. They can also be useful just about anywhere that heavy and awkward loads need to be lifted and moved. They are available in a wide range of sizes and capacities to suit the type of load you’re planning on moving and some can lift up to 2,000kg.

How Do Engine Cranes Work?

Engine cranes use hydraulic power to lift, hold, and lower heavy loads safely with control. They are a lot like construction cranes in that each model has a specific lifting capacity and uses a boom arm and hook to raise heavy items and move them through tight or awkward spaces with less effort than manual handling.

Without going into too much detail, let’s look at some of the mechanics behind it. The lifting action is powered by a hydraulic cylinder filled with hydraulic oil. When the operator pumps the handle, pressure builds inside and creates the force needed to raise the boom arm and the load attached. It’s a simple pumping action but works to convert small manual effort into powerful lifting force so that it’s possible to lift engines and other heavy components smoothly and steadily.

To lower the load, the operator carefully opens the bleed valve on the hydraulic unit. This releases pressure from the cylinder in a controlled way, allowing the boom to descend slowly and safely until the load is back on the ground or positioned where needed.

Using An Engine Crane Safely

Working with heavy loads always comes with some safety risks, so correctly setting up and operating an engine crane is essential. 

Keep the area clear and stay aware of surroundings

When lifting an engine or heavy component, always make sure the working area has plenty of room. Never allow anyone to stand or work directly underneath a suspended load, as there is always a risk of movement or failure during lifting. Keeping team members at a safe distance helps reduce the chance of accidents.

Check the chain and lifting components before use

Before every lift, do a proper inspection of the chain, hook, and connection points. Chains can become twisted, worn, or damaged over time, especially with frequent use. If anything looks compromised, the equipment should be taken out of use and checked by a competent person before continuing.

Make sure the crane moves freely and smoothly

The engine crane should move in a controlled, unrestricted way. If the wheels, boom, or lifting mechanism feel stiff or uneven, this can indicate a fault. The crane should always travel in a straight, stable path when repositioning loads.

Balance and secure the load properly

Positioning the load safely is critical so always ensure the engine or component is evenly supported and securely attached before lifting begins. An unbalanced load increases the risk of shifting or tipping, so if anything looks unstable, stop the lift and reset before continuing.

Follow safety instructions and manufacturer guidance

Most engine cranes include safety labels or instructions on the unit itself and these should always be followed. If you're unsure how a particular model works, check the manual or speak to someone experienced before use. No lift should ever be rushed without proper understanding of the equipment.

Ensure operators are trained and confident

Even though engine cranes are relatively straightforward to use, they still require proper knowledge and training. Each model may be slightly different in operation, so users should always be familiar with the specific crane they are working with before attempting any lift.

Different Types of Engine Crane

Not all engine cranes are designed the same and the one you need will depend on the weight you’re lifting, how often it’s being used and the space available in your workshop.

While hydraulic engine cranes are the most common solution for vehicle repairs, other lifting setups such as electric and manual chain hoists are also used for engine lifting applications where controlled overhead lifting is required.

Hydraulic Engine Cranes

You’ll find hydraulic engine cranes usually in garages and vehicle repair workshops as the hydraulic jack system does all the work for you, meaning operators can lift and lower engines easily with minimal effort.

They are reliable and easy to use, and available in a range of different capacities making them ideal for general repair and maintenance work.

Folding Engine Cranes

For environments where space is limited, folding engine cranes are the ideal option as they do exactly what they say on the tin - fold down when they’re not in use to save space.

Even though they’re compact in design, they still offer impressive lifting performance and are suitable for a range of vehicle repair tasks. This Sealey Folding Engine Crane for example, has a capacity of 2 tonnes.

Electric Engine Hoists

Electric hoists use powered motors to lift and lower heavy loads, taking away the need for manual handling to speed up any lifting operation. Workshops and industrial settings rely on electric hoists because they require reliable lifting of heavy components and engines regularly.

Chain Hoists for Engine Lifting

Manual chain hoists are another option for lifting engines or heavy components, and these use a combination of a chain and gear mechanism to provide slow, controlled lifting. You’ll usually find them used in applications where precision and stability are most important.

Does Your Business Need An Engine Crane?

An easy way to determine if you need an engine crane is to think about whether your business regularly handles heavy moving like engine removals, vehicle components or awkward machinery parts. Engine cranes can save a huge amount of time and effort by reducing the amount of manual labour needed.

Choosing the right engine crane can help to improve productivity while also creating a safer working environment for you and your employees. We understand that there are a few different types to choose from, so if you’re not sure which you need or where to start, get in touch with LES. We’ve got a team of experts on hand to guide you in the right direction, and they’re more than familiar with an engine crane.