8 replies to this topic

[NikOett]

I’m considering getting an engine crane and am looking for any recommendations. My requirements are the it needs to be suitable for a Mini(!), can fold and is no bigger than it needs to be. I’m also happy to spend a little bit more for something that will last and work well.

In the shortlist so far are an SGS ECP1000, a Clarke CFC100 and a Sealey PH10.

At the moment I’m hedging towards the Sealey since it is the lowest entry at 80mm (my hydro Mk1 is sitting quite low) and potentially has a better hydraulic ram?

[nicklouse]

entry height has little to do with anything as most times you will need to have the car on axel stands.

Edited by nicklouse, 06 June 2020 - 07:34 PM.

[blacktulip]

I have a clarke one I bought in 2006 and still going strong Plus lived outside for a few years (covered). I have never changed an engine on axel stands. I have found the clarke feet do foul the tie rods though so I always jack the car and place a few feet of scaffold board wood under each front wheel.

[cal844]

Most engine cranes wont fit the wheelbase of a mini, we need our minis up on a set of ramps to get enough clearance as the wheel track is bang on the width of the crane

Edited by cal844, 06 June 2020 - 09:21 PM.

[slidehammer]

Unless you are going to be taking engines in and out all the time, it might be worth just hiring one as required. They are fairly big and bulky things to store if they are going to be used in very frequently. I hired first time, then bought one off here for £20.00 (luckily in my area) as there are loads of them unused out there. Also I was told by a tool shop (independent one) and most of Sealey stuff is the same as Clarks but more expensive and there are a lot of similarities when you look. Also I had to put the front wheels on blocks to stop the crane fowling the suspension.

[steeley]

I bought this sealed one it was £165 about a year ago, can’t really fault it for the money and it folds up quite small as well

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[cal844]

I bought this sealed one it was £165 about a year ago, can’t really fault it for the money and it folds up quite small as well

Same one I have, they're good units

[evansisgreat]

I bought the cheapest one I could find on fleabay 10 years ago and have used it half a dozen times or so and it's been loaned out more times that I can count. I didn't look too hard at specs as the only feature I was after was the ability to lift an engine.

 

If I was looking now I'd go on facebook market place and sort by cheapest, you'll probably find someone wanting rid of a crane as they get in the way unless you have the space.

[NikOett]

Thanks everyone for the recommendations, I think I'm going to go for the Sealey one