27 Jan 2026

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT ENGINE CRANE FOR YOUR WORKSHOP

Lifting an engine is one of the most demanding tasks in any automotive or industrial workshop. Whether you’re removing a small petrol engine from a passenger car or installing a heavy diesel unit into a commercial vehicle, choosing the correct engine crane is critical for safety, efficiency, and long-term value.

With a wide range of workshop engine cranes available, understanding the key differences will help you avoid under-specifying equipment or overspending on unnecessary capacity.

What Is an Engine Crane?

An engine crane (also known as an engine hoist) is a mobile lifting device designed specifically for raising and lowering engines and heavy mechanical components. Unlike fixed lifting solutions, engine cranes are portable, adjustable, and ideal for workshops where flexibility matters.

They are commonly used in:

• Automotive workshops
• Fleet maintenance facilities
• Agricultural machinery servicing
• Industrial repair environments

Key Factors When Choosing an Engine Crane

1. Lifting Capacity (Weight Rating)

The most important factor is safe working load (SWL).

Common capacities include:

• 1-ton engine cranes: Suitable for small petrol engines and light-duty applications
• 2-ton engine cranes: Ideal for most automotive workshops; capable of lifting car and light commercial engines
• 3-ton engine cranes: Designed for heavy-duty engines, including commercial and industrial units

Real-world example: A typical 4-cylinder petrol engine weighs around 120–180kg, while a diesel van engine can exceed 350kg. Adding gearboxes or accessories increases this further.

For most workshops, a 2-ton workshop engine crane offers the best balance of capacity and versatility. You can view a full range of workshop-rated engine cranes here: 👉 Workshop Engine Cranes

2. Boom Reach and Adjustable Positions

Engine cranes use telescopic booms with multiple positions. As reach increases, lifting capacity decreases.

For example:

• Short reach = maximum lifting capacity
• Extended reach = reduced capacity

Always check:

• Minimum and maximum hook height
• Load rating at each boom position

This is especially important when lifting engines over deep bays or into engine compartments.

3. Folding vs Fixed Engine Cranes

Folding engine cranes:

• Ideal for workshops with limited storage
• Can be folded and stored when not in use
• Slightly heavier due to hinge mechanisms

Fixed-frame engine cranes:

• Maximum rigidity
• Often preferred in high-use environments
• Require dedicated floor space

Most modern automotive workshops prefer folding engine cranes for flexibility without sacrificing strength.

4. Workshop Floor Space and Manoeuvrability

Engine cranes rely on stable, smooth surfaces.

Consider:

• Leg width and clearance
• Castor wheel quality
• Turning radius

Poor-quality castors or narrow bases can make positioning difficult and unsafe, especially under load.

5. Compliance and Build Quality

Always choose engine cranes that meet relevant workshop safety standards. Look for:

• Clearly marked SWL
• Reinforced welds
• Heavy-gauge steel construction
• High-quality hydraulic rams

Cutting corners on lifting equipment is never worth the risk.

Final Recommendation

If you’re unsure where to start, a 2-ton folding engine crane is the most versatile choice for the majority of workshops. It offers ample lifting capacity, manageable storage, and compatibility with most vehicle types.

Browse the full selection of professional-grade engine cranes here: 👉 View Workshop Engine Cranes