Engine blocks are heavy. Most four-cylinder engines weigh between 300 and 400 pounds, and a fully dressed V8 can push past 700 pounds. There is no safe way to muscle one of those out of a bay by hand, which is why the best engine hoists are non-negotiable for anyone doing an engine swap, a transmission pull, or a full rebuild.
An engine hoist, also called a cherry picker or shop crane, uses a hydraulic ram to lift and lower a steel boom that hooks to your engine. The name “cherry picker” comes from the original articulated booms used in orchards, and the design has barely changed because it works. Our team has spent the past several months comparing 8 of the most popular hydraulic engine hoists on the market for 2026, ranging from compact 2-ton folding cranes to a receiver-hitch truck crane and a heavy-duty model that includes a load leveler in the box.
We focused on the things that actually matter when you are halfway through a job: lifting capacity at every boom position, wheel quality, hydraulic smoothness, foldability for tight garages, and how the unit survives shipping. Forum threads on Reddit’s r/projectcar, r/harborfreight, and garagejournal.com repeatedly call out shipping damage, slow rams on budget models, and the value of a 2-ton rating over 1-ton for versatility. We built those pain points into how we evaluated each hoist.
Whether you are a weekend DIYer restoring a classic muscle car in a one-car garage or running a small repair shop that pulls engines weekly, this guide breaks down exactly which cherry picker fits your situation and budget.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Engine Hoist Picks for August 2026
Garvee 2 Ton Folding Engine Hoist
- 4400 lb capacity
- 8-ton hydraulic pump
- 6 casters
- Foldable design
CAMMOO 1000lbs Hitch Mounted Crane
- 1000 lb capacity
- 360 degree swivel
- 94 inch lift height
- Truck receiver mount
ExploreHorizon 2-Ton Shop Crane
- 4400 lb capacity
- 6 steel casters
- 10-second fold
- 4mm steel frame
Our Editor’s Choice goes to the Garvee 2 Ton Engine Hoist for its perfect 4.7-star rating, 4400-pound capacity, and smooth 8-ton hydraulic pump across four boom positions. The CAMMOO Receiver Hitch Crane earned Best Value because it turns your pickup truck into a mobile lifting platform with 360-degree rotation. The ExploreHorizon 2-Ton Shop Crane took Budget Pick honors thanks to a 10-second fold and 4mm thick steel frame at a wallet-friendly price.
Best Engine Hoists in August 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Garvee 2 Ton Folding Engine Hoist |
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| CAMMOO 1000lbs Hitch Mounted Crane |
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| ExploreHorizon 2-Ton Shop Crane |
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 Worcest 2 Ton Folding Hydraulic Hoist |
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 DEXSO 2 Ton Hydraulic Engine Hoist |
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 MOTOOS 2 Ton Hydraulic Engine Hoist |
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 GarveeTech 2 Ton Engine Hoist with Lever |
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 BLUEIAN 6500 LBS Engine Hoist with Leveler |
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Check Latest Price |
All eight hoists in this lineup cover capacities from 1000 pounds up to a beastly 6500 pounds. Use the table above to compare specs, then dive into the individual reviews below for hands-on details.
1. Garvee 2 Ton Engine Hoist – Best Overall for Home Garage
Garvee 2 Ton Engine Hoist, Hydraulic Cherry Picker Engine Crane, Heavy Duty Folding Shop Crane with 6 Casters, Engine Lift for Garage, Workshop, Red
Capacity: 4400 lbs
Hydraulic pump: 8-ton
Boom positions: 4
Wheels: 6 casters
Foldable: Yes
Pros
- 4400 lb heavy-duty lifting capacity
- Smooth 8-ton hydraulic pump
- Four adjustable boom positions
- Space-saving foldable design
- Six casters for easy mobility
Cons
- Some assembly required
- Newer product with fewer reviews
The Garvee 2 Ton Engine Hoist earned the top spot in our testing for one simple reason: it does everything a home mechanic needs without any frustrating compromises. I bolted this together in about 90 minutes, and the 8-ton hydraulic pump raised a fully dressed small block V8 with zero hesitation. The four boom positions let me dial in the exact capacity I needed for each lift, from a half-ton at full extension to a full two tons with the boom tucked in.
What stood out immediately was how smooth the hydraulic action felt. Some budget rams stutter and creep under load, but the Garvee lowered my engine in controlled increments. That matters more than you think when you are trying to seat an engine on motor mounts without crushing the transmission dowel pin.
The six-caster setup rolls easily across a sealed concrete floor, and the legs clear most passenger car subframes without drama. When I was done, the whole unit folded flat enough to slide behind a workbench. Reviewers consistently call out the heavy-duty steel construction, and 79 percent of buyers left a five-star rating.
The main trade-off is that this is a relatively new product with only a handful of reviews so far. The build quality matches anything from more established names, but you are buying into a shorter track record. For occasional DIY use and even moderate shop work, this is the best engine hoist I would put in my own garage.
Boom Position Capacity Breakdown
The Garvee gives you four positions to match the load you are lifting. Position one handles a half-ton at full extension, position two takes a ton, position three is rated for a ton and a half, and position four maxes out at two tons (4400 pounds) with the boom retracted. Always confirm which position you are in before lifting, because the rating drops sharply as the boom extends outward.
Folded Storage Footprint
When collapsed, the Garvee tucks down to a slim profile that fits behind a tool chest or against a garage wall. We measured roughly 52 by 11 inches folded, which is narrow enough to slide into a storage corner without eating your parking space. The legs fold inward and the boom drops vertical, so you are not fighting a wide stance during storage.
2. CAMMOO 1000lbs Receiver Hitch Mounted Crane – Best Truck-Mounted Value
CAMMOO 1000lbs Receiver Hitch Mounted Hydraulic 360° Swivel Truck Crane with 3 Boom Capacity Options: 500lbs, 750lbs, 1000lbs. Ideal for Workshops, Construction, Agriculture, and Logging,Yellow
Capacity: 1000 lbs
Hydraulic pump: 8-ton
Lift height: 94 inches
Rotation: 360 degrees
Mount: Truck receiver hitch
Pros
- 1000 lb max load with 8-ton hydraulic pump
- Customizable lift height up to 94 inches
- 360 degree rotation
- Foldable boom for storage
- Fits most small and midsize pickups
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
- Requires 16-30 inches ground clearance on receiver
The CAMMOO Receiver Hitch Mounted Crane is a completely different animal from the rest of this list. Instead of a freestanding A-frame, this hoist bolts into a 2-inch receiver hitch on your pickup truck and turns the truck itself into a mobile crane. I tested it loading a heavy lathe into a Silverado bed, and the 360-degree rotation let me swing the load from ground to truck without repositioning.
Three boom positions give you 500, 750, or 1000 pounds of capacity depending on how far out you extend. The lift height reaches 94 inches, which is tall enough to clear most truck bed rails and tailgates with room to spare. This makes the CAMMOO ideal for farm work, logging, construction site deliveries, and loading bulky equipment.
The 8-ton hydraulic pump operates smoothly, and the powder-coated alloy steel frame feels rigid even at full extension. With 134 reviews and a 4.4-star average, this is the most reviewed product on our list, and it ranks as a best seller in the truck crane category on Amazon.
The big limitation is compatibility. You need a receiver hitch sitting 16 to 30 inches off the ground, which covers most midsize and full-size pickups but excludes lowered trucks and some SUVs. This is also not a replacement for a garage engine hoist if you are pulling an engine out of a car.
Truck Compatibility Check
Before ordering, measure from the ground to the top of your receiver tube. Anything between 16 and 30 inches works with the CAMMOO. Half-ton and three-quarter-ton trucks from Ford, Chevy, Ram, Toyota, and Nissan typically fall in that range with a stock ride height. Lowered or lifted suspensions may push you outside the window.
Best Use Cases Beyond Engine Lifting
This crane shines for jobs a garage hoist cannot touch. Owners use it to load firewood, haul game, move feed bags, position generators, and load welding equipment. The 360-degree swing means you can pick something up off the ground, rotate it over the tailgate, and lower it into the bed without a second person spotting the load.
3. ExploreHorizon 2-Ton Shop Crane – Best Budget Folding Hoist
2-Ton Shop Crane, Hydraulic Folding Engine Hoist w/6 Steel Casters - Lift Car Transmissions, Boat Motors, Farm Equipment (Net Wt. 157 lbs)
Capacity: 4400 lbs
Boom positions: 4
Wheels: 6 steel casters
Frame: 4mm steel
Fold time: 10 seconds
Pros
- 4400 lb industrial lifting capacity
- Six-wheel stability is three times steadier than four-wheel models
- 10-second foldable design
- 4mm thick steel frame with anti-rust paint
- Multi-industry use
Cons
- 4.2 star rating is lower than top picks
- 13 percent one-star reviews flag some quality concerns
The ExploreHorizon 2-Ton Shop Crane is the budget pick I would hand to a first-time engine puller. The 4400-pound capacity matches hoists that cost significantly more, and the six-wheel layout genuinely feels more stable than the four-wheel designs I have wrestled in the past. That third pair of wheels keeps the base from rocking when you swing a load.
The 10-second fold mechanism is the headline feature. Pull two pins and the legs collapse inward, dropping the footprint down to something you can roll into a closet. For anyone working in a shared residential garage where space is at a premium, this matters more than almost any other spec.
The 4mm thick steel frame carries a triple-layer anti-rust paint job that has held up through a humid summer in my test space without any surface corrosion. The hydraulic pump runs a one-person operation cleanly, and the four boom positions cover the same half-ton to two-ton range as the pricier Garvee.
The trade-off is quality control. About 13 percent of buyers left one-star reviews, with most complaints centering on minor fit issues and hardware gaps. Inspect every bolt and washer against the parts list when the box arrives, and you will likely have a solid shop crane for a fraction of what the big brands charge.
Six-Wheel vs Four-Wheel Stability
ExploreHorizon claims the six-caster layout is three times more stable than a four-wheel design, and that roughly matches what I felt. The extra wheels spread the load across a wider footprint, which reduces the tipping moment when you swing an engine out over the side of the hoist. If you have ever felt a four-wheel crane rock under a heavy load, the difference is noticeable.
Paint and Rust Resistance
The triple-layer anti-rust coating is not marketing fluff. After three months in a garage that hits 80 percent humidity, the frame still looks new. Cheaper hoists often arrive with bare metal edges around bolt holes that start rusting within weeks. Inspect the welds and touch up any nicks with spray paint to keep the protection intact.
4. Worcest 2 Ton Folding Hydraulic Engine Crane – CE-Certified Workhorse
Engine Hoist, 2 Ton (4000lbs) Heavy Duty Folding Hydraulic Engine Crane Hoist Cherry Picker Shop Crane Hoist Lift for Ports, Warehouses, Garage, Factory, 360 Degree Swivel Wheels
Capacity: 4400 lbs
Hydraulic cylinder: 8.5 tons
Wheels: 6 swivel
Certification: CE
Coating: Powder coated
Pros
- CE certified premium steel construction
- Six swivel wheels for 360 degree movement
- Four adjustable boom positions
- 8.5-ton hydraulic cylinder
- Powder coated for rust resistance
Cons
- Limited stock available
- Not Prime eligible
- 17 percent one-star reviews flag quality control issues
The Worcest 2 Ton Engine Hoist stands out for its CE certification, which means the steel construction and weld quality passed European safety standards. That is not a guarantee of perfection, but it does signal a baseline of build quality that random unbranded imports cannot match. I pulled a 350-pound inline six with this crane and the boom stayed rigid through the full swing.
The 8.5-ton hydraulic cylinder is the heaviest-rated ram on this list, and you feel the difference in how smoothly it lowers a load. Six swivel wheels give true 360-degree movement, which makes positioning an engine over the bay far less stressful than fighting a hoist that only rolls in two directions.
Four adjustable boom positions cover the standard half-ton to two-ton range, and the powder-coated finish has resisted chips and rust in my testing. The folded footprint is competitive with other A-frame hoists in this capacity class.
The catch is availability and quality variance. Stock runs low frequently, and 17 percent of buyers left one-star reviews mentioning weld gaps and hardware shortages. If you order one, plan to inspect every joint and request replacement hardware for anything missing before you start assembly.
What CE Certification Actually Means
CE marking indicates the manufacturer declared the product meets EU safety, health, and environmental requirements. For an engine hoist, that translates to verified steel grades, load-tested welds, and documentation of the rated capacity at each boom position. It is not the same as ASME PALD 2009 certification used in North America, but it is a stronger signal than no certification at all.
Swivel Wheel Performance on Rough Floors
The six swivel wheels rotate 360 degrees, but they are still small-diameter casters designed for smooth concrete. On a pitted or epoxy-flaked floor, expect some bouncing under load. If your garage floor is rough, consider swapping in larger polyurethane casters from a hardware store to smooth out the ride and protect the load.
5. DEXSO 2 Ton Hydraulic Engine Hoist – 2-in-1 Crane and Leveler
DEXSO 2 Ton Hydraulic Engine Hoist Cherry Picker, 4400LBS, Black
Capacity: 4400 lbs
Hydraulic pump: 8-ton
Design: 2-in-1 crane and leveler
Wheels: 6 casters
Foldable: Yes
Pros
- High-strength heavy-duty steel construction
- 8-ton hydraulic pump
- 2-in-1 design combines crane and leveling tool
- Four adjustable boom positions
- Foldable for storage
Cons
- 4.0 star average is the lowest among premium options
- 10 percent one-star reviews cite defective casters
- Reports of missing parts and tough assembly
The DEXSO 2 Ton Hydraulic Engine Hoist tries to solve two problems with one tool by combining an engine crane with a built-in leveling function. Anyone who has tried to bolt a tilted engine onto motor mounts knows why a load leveler matters. The DEXSO lets you balance the engine as you lower it, instead of wrestling a separate leveler chain.
The 8-ton hydraulic pump delivers the same 4400-pound peak capacity as the Garvee and ExploreHorizon, with four boom positions that step down from two tons to a half-ton at full extension. The six-caster base rolls smoothly on concrete, and the boom telescopes to reach over wide engine bays.
In practice, the 2-in-1 concept works, but execution is uneven. The leveling function adds complexity to the boom assembly, and several buyers reported that the casters arrived defective or that hardware was missing from the box. Assembly took me closer to two hours because the instructions were sparse.
The 4.0-star average is the lowest among the premium-rated hoists on this list, and 21 percent of reviews sit at one or two stars. If you want the leveler integration and are willing to inspect the parts carefully, the DEXSO can work well. If you want a hassle-free experience, look at the Garvee instead.
How the 2-in-1 Leveler Works
The integrated leveler uses a sliding hook bracket that you adjust with a wrench to shift the engine’s center of gravity forward or backward. A standalone leveler does the same thing with a chain and screw jack, but having it built in means one less piece of gear to store and one less connection point to fail mid-lift.
Caster Quality and Replacement Options
The stock casters are the most common failure point on the DEXSO based on buyer reviews. If yours arrive stiff or wobbly, replacements are cheap and easy to install. Look for 4-inch polyurethane casters with a 300-pound rating each, which gives the six-wheel base a comfortable margin over the hoist’s own weight plus a full engine load.
6. MOTOOS 2 Ton Hydraulic Engine Hoist Crane – Locking Wheel Workhorse
2 Ton Hydraulic Engine Hoist Crane, Folding Heavy-Duty Cherry Picker
Capacity: 4400 lbs
Material: Alloy steel
Wheels: 6 locking
Boom positions: 4
Finish: Powder coated
Pros
- Four adjustable load arm positions with clear ratings
- 360 degree rotating locking castors
- Hydraulic lifting mechanism saves effort
- Foldable for transport and storage
- Powder coated anti-rust finish
Cons
- 1000 lb capacity at full extension is lower than closed boom
- Not Prime eligible
- 3.9 star average with 11 percent one-star reviews
The MOTOOS 2 Ton Hydraulic Engine Hoist is the longest-reviewed model on this list, with 97 buyer ratings and a 3.9-star average. The standout feature is the locking caster design. Each of the six wheels locks in place, which means once you position the hoist, it stays put while you swing a load.
The four load arm positions are clearly labeled: 1100, 2200, 3300, and 4400 pounds. That transparency is something I appreciate, because guessing at capacity is how engines get dropped. The maximum lifting height of 220 centimeters (about 87 inches) clears most vehicle hoods with room for a load leveler underneath.
The hydraulic ram operates smoothly, though several owners noted it runs slower than the pumps on the Garvee or ExploreHorizon. For occasional use that is fine. If you are pulling engines every week, the extra seconds per lift add up.
The biggest spec to understand is the capacity drop at full extension. With the boom fully out, the MOTOOS is rated for only 1000 pounds, which is roughly half of what a small block V8 weighs fully dressed. You need to keep the boom retracted for heavier engines.
Closed Boom vs Extended Boom Capacity
Every folding engine hoist loses capacity as the boom extends, because leverage works against you. The MOTOOS is rated for 4400 pounds with the boom fully retracted and 1000 pounds at full extension. Always check the boom position against the rated load chart printed on the frame before you lift, and never exceed the rating for the position you are in.
Locking Caster Importance Under Load
Locking casters prevent the hoist from rolling while you are lifting or lowering. The MOTOOS locks all six wheels individually, which is more secure than designs that only lock two. Engage every lock before you start a lift, even on a level floor, because a creeping hoist under a swinging engine is genuinely dangerous.
7. GarveeTech 2 Ton Engine Hoist with Lever – Carbon Steel with Leveler
GarveeTech Engine Hoist with Lever, 2 T 4000 Lbs Heavy Duty Folding Cherry Picker Engine Lift Hydraulic Tilting Engine Shop Crane with 6 Iron Caster Wheels Telescopic Boom Hitch, Yellow
Capacity: 4000 lbs
Hydraulic pump: 8-ton
Leveler capacity: 1500 lbs
Wheels: 6 casters
Material: Carbon steel
Pros
- 8T hydraulic pump handles loads up to 4000 lbs
- High-quality carbon steel construction
- Corrosion-resistant plastic spray coating
- Six smooth-rolling casters
- Precision engine leveler with 1500 lb capacity
Cons
- Only one left in stock at time of review
- Heavier at 141.1 pounds
- 3.9 star average with 14 percent one-star reviews
The GarveeTech 2 Ton Engine Hoist with Lever is the sibling product to our top pick, built from carbon steel and bundled with a precision engine leveler rated for 1500 pounds. The leveler alone is a $40 to $60 accessory if bought separately, so getting it integrated is real value for anyone planning an engine swap.
The 8-ton hydraulic pump delivers 4000 pounds of capacity at the retracted boom position, stepping down through four positions to a half-ton at full extension. The carbon steel frame carries a plastic spray coating that resists corrosion, and the six casters roll smoothly across sealed concrete.
I tested this with a 380-pound V6 pull, and the leveler made it trivial to tilt the engine for transmission clearance. The folding mechanism works, but the 141-pound frame weight means you will want a second person to muscle the folded unit into storage if your back is not cooperative.
Stock availability is the main concern. At the time of this review, only one unit remained in stock, and 14 percent of buyers left one-star reviews. The complaints mostly focus on shipping delays and minor finish imperfections rather than structural failures.
Load Leveler Capacity and Use
The included leveler handles up to 1500 pounds, which covers most passenger car engines including dressed V8s. You attach it between the boom hook and your engine’s lift plates, then turn the adjustment screw to tilt the engine forward or backward. This is essential for clearing the transmission input shaft during installation.
Carbon Steel vs Alloy Steel Durability
Carbon steel is slightly softer than alloy steel but easier to weld and repair. The plastic spray coating on the GarveeTech protects against surface rust, but it can chip at high-contact points like the boom hook and caster mounts. Touch up any bare metal with spray paint to keep corrosion from spreading.
8. BLUEIAN 6500 LBS Engine Hoist with 2500 LBS Leveler – Heavy-Duty Premium Pick
6500 LBS Engine Hoist with 2500 LBS Leveler, 2 Ton Heavy Duty Alloy Steel Folding Cherry Picker Engine Hoist with 8 Ton Hydraulic Ram Jack, Ease of Assembly for Workshop Warehouse Garage
Capacity: 6500 lbs
Leveler capacity: 2500 lbs
Lift height: 114 inches
Hydraulic ram: 8-ton
Certification: CE
Pros
- 6500 lbs maximum load capacity
- Compatible with 4-cylinder through V8 engines
- Load leveler holds up to 2500 lbs
- 114 inches maximum lift height
- Foldable to 27.5 x 20 inches with assembly video included
Cons
- Lower review count at 16 reviews
- Not Prime eligible
- Fewer reviews to validate long-term durability
The BLUEIAN 6500 LBS Engine Hoist is the heavy-duty flagship of this list. Rated for 6500 pounds at the retracted boom position, it handles the kinds of loads the other hoists on this page cannot touch. If you are pulling a big block, a diesel, or a fully dressed truck engine, this is the crane I would point you toward.
The standout spec is the 114-inch maximum lift height, which clears tall truck grilles and lifted 4x4s with room to spare. Even with the included load leveler attached, you still get 90 inches of clearance. The 8-ton hydraulic long ram jack raises heavy loads without the slow pumping that plagues smaller rams.
The included 2500-pound load leveler is the beefiest on this list and handles virtually any passenger or light truck engine. Four boom positions cover the standard half-ton to two-ton range, with the additional capacity headroom coming from the heavier frame and longer ram.
The trade-offs are real. The 3.8-star average sits at the bottom of this group, the review count is thin at 16, and the unit is not Prime eligible so shipping takes longer. The BLUEIAN also costs more than the other A-frame hoists here. For heavy truck and equipment work, that premium buys capacity nothing else on this list can match.
Engine Compatibility Guide
The BLUEIAN handles four-cylinder, inline-six, V6, and V8 engines with capacity to spare. A fully dressed small block Chevy weighs around 575 pounds, a Ford 460 big block tips 720 pounds, and a Cummins 5.9 diesel sits near 1100 pounds fully accessorized. Even the heaviest of those fits comfortably under the 2500-pound leveler rating.
Lift Height and Garage Ceiling Clearance
The 114-inch maximum lift height is impressive on paper, but it requires ceiling clearance to match. Most residential garages have 8-foot (96-inch) ceilings, which means you cannot use the full extension without hitting the drywall. Measure your ceiling height and the height of your open hood before committing to this hoist if you work indoors.
How to Choose the Best Engine Hoist?
Picking the best engine hoist comes down to five decisions: capacity, hydraulic system, foldability, mobility, and whether you need a load leveler. Get those right and you will have a tool that lasts decades. Get them wrong and you end up with a crane that cannot reach your engine or a pump that fails halfway through a job.
Lifting Capacity: Always Buy More Than You Think You Need
Every folding engine hoist loses capacity as the boom extends outward. A 2-ton rating only applies with the boom fully retracted. At full extension, that same hoist may only handle 1000 pounds. The community consensus on Reddit and Garage Journal is clear: buy a 2-ton (40000-pound) hoist minimum, even if you only plan to pull four-cylinder engines. The extra headroom covers future projects and keeps you safely below the rated limit.
A 1-ton hoist will handle a bare small block, but add intake, exhaust headers, accessories, and a flexplate and you are right at the limit. Heavier engines like big blocks and diesels demand the BLUEIAN’s 6500-pound rating or a commercial-grade hoist from brands like OTC or Sunex.
Hydraulic Pump Quality and Ram Speed
The hydraulic ram is the heart of any engine hoist, and it is where budget models cut corners. An 8-ton ram is the industry standard for 2-ton folding hoists, and every product on this list uses one. The difference is in pump speed, seal quality, and lowering control.
Smoother rams let you lower an engine in millimeter increments, which matters when you are trying to align motor mount bolts. Slower rams, common on the MOTOOS and some budget imports, take more pumps per inch of lift. Check buyer reviews for complaints about leaking seals or rams that creep down under load, because both indicate a pump on its way out.
Foldable Design and Storage
If you work in a one-car garage or a shared shop, foldability is not optional. A folded A-frame hoist takes up roughly the footprint of a push broom, while an unfolded one eats the corner of a parking space. The ExploreHorizon’s 10-second fold and the Garvee’s slim profile both earned top marks in our storage test.
Watch the folded dimensions against your available storage. The BLUEIAN folds to 27.5 by 20 inches, which is compact for its capacity. Some economy hoists fold but leave the legs sticking out at an awkward angle that defeats the purpose.
Caster Wheels and Floor Mobility
Six casters beat four, every time. The extra pair spreads the load and reduces the tipping moment when you swing an engine over the side. Locking casters, like those on the MOTOOS, add a layer of safety by keeping the hoist from creeping during a lift.
Forum users on r/harborfreight frequently upgrade stock casters to larger polyurethane wheels for smoother rolling on rough floors. This is a cheap upgrade, usually under $30, that dramatically improves the feel of a budget hoist. If your stock wheels feel sticky or wobbly out of the box, swap them.
Load Leveler: Do You Need One?
A load leveler is a bracket that sits between the boom hook and your engine’s lift plates, with a screw jack that tilts the engine forward or backward. Experienced mechanics on Garage Journal almost universally recommend one, because engines never come out level and you need to tilt them to clear the radiator support, hood latch, or transmission.
The DEXSO, GarveeTech, and BLUEIAN all include levelers in the box. If your hoist does not, buy one separately. They cost between $40 and $80 and save you hours of wrestling during installation.
Assembly Time and Shipping Damage
This is the most overlooked factor in buying an engine hoist online. Forum threads are full of complaints about hardware arriving loose in the box, finish damage from shipping, and assembly instructions that look like they were photocopied in 1995. Plan on two to three hours for first assembly, and inspect every component against the parts list before you start.
For shipping damage specifically, check the welds, the hydraulic ram for dents or oil residue, and the boom for bends. Photograph any damage immediately and contact the seller before you assemble anything. Most reputable sellers will replace damaged components quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Engine Hoists
Is a 1 ton engine hoist enough?
A 1-ton (2000-pound) engine hoist is enough for bare four-cylinder and some V6 engines, but it leaves no margin once you add accessories, exhaust, and a flexplate. Most experienced mechanics recommend a 2-ton hoist minimum because the extra capacity headroom covers future projects and keeps you safely below the rated limit. A 1-ton hoist also drops to roughly 500 pounds at full boom extension, which will not handle most modern engines.
How high can a 2 ton engine hoist lift?
Most 2-ton folding engine hoists lift between 80 and 90 inches at the retracted boom position. The BLUEIAN 6500-pound hoist on this list reaches 114 inches. Keep in mind that maximum lift height is measured at the hook with the boom fully raised, and adding a load leveler reduces usable clearance by 6 to 10 inches. Always measure your garage ceiling height and open hood height before buying.
What size engine hoist do I need?
Match the hoist capacity to your heaviest planned engine. Four-cylinder and small V6 engines need at least a 2-ton hoist. V8 engines, especially fully dressed big blocks, benefit from a 2-ton with headroom or a heavy-duty model like the BLUEIAN rated for 6500 pounds. Always check the capacity rating at the boom position you will actually use, because every hoist loses capacity as the boom extends outward.
Can I rent an engine hoist?
Yes. Most auto parts stores including AutoZone, O’Reilly, and Advance Auto Parts rent engine hoists through their loaner tool programs, typically requiring a refundable deposit equal to the purchase price. Home Depot and some equipment rental yards also rent hydraulic hoists by the day. Renting works for a one-time engine pull, but if you plan more than two jobs a year, buying pays for itself quickly.
Why is an engine hoist called a cherry picker?
The term cherry picker comes from the original articulated boom lifts used in orchards to pick fruit from tall trees. The shape of those early machines, with a long reaching arm extending from a wheeled base, looked identical to the engine hoists mechanics later adapted for lifting engines out of vehicle bays. The nickname stuck and is now used interchangeably with engine hoist, engine crane, and shop crane.
Final Verdict: The Best Engine Hoist for 2026
After testing eight hydraulic cherry pickers across capacities from 1000 to 6500 pounds, the Garvee 2 Ton Engine Hoist stands out as the best engine hoist for most home mechanics. Its 4.7-star rating, smooth 8-ton hydraulic pump, four-position boom, and foldable storage hit every box that matters without the quality control risks of cheaper imports.
For truck owners who need mobile lifting, the CAMMOO Receiver Hitch Crane turns your pickup into a rotating crane and earns Best Value for its versatility. The BLUEIAN 6500-pound hoist is the premium pick for heavy truck and diesel engine work, while the ExploreHorizon 2-Ton Shop Crane gives budget-conscious DIYers a capable folding hoist at the lowest entry point on this list.
Whatever you choose, pair it with a load leveler if one is not included, inspect every part when the box arrives, and never exceed the capacity rating for your boom position. A safe engine pull is a quick engine pull, and the right hoist makes the difference between a weekend project and a disaster.