Workshop Engine Cranes

WHAT IS AN ENGINE CRANE?

This piece of lifting equipment has a very important role to play in the automotive workplace. Essentially, a type of crane system which is used to lift and lower heavy-duty items, such as engines, commonly found in mechanics workshops, car repair shops, and car garages .

They are also referred to as an engine hoist, as similar to the way it got its more commonly known name, they raise and lower heavy-duty items such as engines in and out of allotted space.

Also referred to as an engine hoist, they are not to be confused with car hoists which are used to lift the entire car, or an electric hoist which uses a motorised chain to lift and lower loads, but it is fixed and therefore doesn’t feature the mobility of an engine crane/hoist.

Perfect for major vehicle repairs, including accurately lifting heavy items out of a bonnet of a car, engine lifting cranes come in different sizes and models with various weight-lifting capabilities.

For example, the Steerman Standard Folding Portable Engine Crane comes with a 1,000kg weight capacity, which is prepared foR heavy-duty jobs. Compared to a version such as the Pfaff Silberblau 500kg V-Shaped HWK KLS Heavy Duty Folding Engine Crane is suitable for lower weight capacity of 500kg.

HOW DOES AN ENGINE CRANE WORK?

All engine crane variations work in the same way, regardless of what weight they carry, using hydraulic cylinders with a special oil called liquid fluid or otherwise known as a hydraulic liquid, to give it easy movement.

When lifting, a person will manually pump a winch attached to the frame and base of the cylinder which increases oil pressure into the cylinder and creates a force that is able to lift up the engine or heavy-duty item, that is then attached to the chains of the crane. When lowering, the operator uses a bleed valve (usually located on the engine hoist) to decrease the pressure into the cylinder, which gradually lowers the load.

DESIGN OF AN ENGINE CRANE

Most designs are the same or have slightly different variations due to size and weight allowance, with the frame and structure being relatively the same.

FRAME

The frame of an engine crane is made up of multiple metal plates that hold the hydraulic system in place, giving a frame for the hydraulic cylinder to be attached to.  Other elements of the frame are the main bar, support bars, and a space for the hydraulic cylinder to sit and operate. The main bar is thicker than the support bars, to withstand the highest force when loads are being lifted, whilst the support bars are what holds the load and supports the main bar carrying the bulk of the weight.

LEGS & WHEELS

Four wheels, or sometimes six, are commonly included; two under the main upward support frame and another two on each end of the legs allowing them to move forwards, backward, and to the sides with lift capacities usually going up to two tonnes. Legs either come as regular or adjustable. Regular are fixed legs that have a standard length, while adjustable legs can be adjusted for longer and shorter legs depending on the item(s) that need to be moved and their weight. The longer the legs, the more stable and bigger the weight the crane can handle.

BOOM, CHAIN, HOOK

Referred to as the overhanging parts that come off the main bar, allowing the engine crane to pick up items, move the items, and lower the items with ease. Adjustable booms are common, which will affect the engine hoist’s weight capacity, as the boom extends it decreases the allowed lift capacity.

HYDRAULIC JACK

The hydraulic jack, like the crane's other parts, has its own maximum lift capacity which is usually larger than what the frame can lift overall to make sure it does not fail, almost like a fail-safe. Operated through a lever, the bigger the weight it's lifting and carrying, the longer this can take as it's being required to lift and hold an increased weight. As previously mentioned, a bleed valve is used to release the pressure in the hydraulic pump, lowering the item at a safe rate and in line with the person operating it.  

HOW TO USE AN ENGINE CRANE SAFELY

Best practice is essential when using any engine crane, and recommend you make sure your equipment is in suitable condition and well looked after before using it to avoid any costly results. Other safety advice include:

• Ensure an adequate amount of room is allowed to effectively complete the task, such as lifting, moving, and lowering, and avoid health and safety hazards.

• Take time and care when erecting and folding, to reduce unnecessary damage and get maximum efficiency out of your engine crane.

• Ensure a strong understanding of how engine hoists operate and any guidelines specific for your crane are considered.

WHEN TO REPLACE AN ENGINE CRANE

Engine cranes are built with durability in mind, however after long periods of use, general wear and tear can become visible. It’s important to replace your crane to reduce health and safety hazards to yourself, colleagues, and the workplace in general. Aspects to inspect include: 

• Damage to wheels

• Instability to the frame

• Faulty hydraulic cylinder

• Stiffness of the shaft