PASSCA manufactures and supplies a wide variety of hydraulic engine cranes for use in a number of applications including engine removal, manipulation, and installation. 

Engines are incredibly heavy and are usually one of the most expensive components in any passenger vehicle; keep both these precious engines and your garage staff safe from injury by choosing the best engine crane for your scope of work. 

Here at PASSCA, we thoroughly test and inspect our engine cranes to ensure that they are safe and easy to use. 

All PASSCA engine cranes use heavy gauge steel and a premium powder coating to make sure they last for years, even if they are put through the extreme conditions of a professional automotive repair shop. 

Engine Cranes: The Ultimate FAQ Guide

This guide is a closer look at the engine cranes available from PASSCA, which work in conjunction with our engine levelers and engine stands to provide a complete set of equipment for working on car engines. 

After reading through this FAQ guide, you should have a solid understanding of how to choose the best engine crane for your automotive shop or home garage. 

We will also review how to properly and safely hoist an engine out of or into a vehicle, as well as basic maintenance of your engine crane, and some tips on how to get the most value and ease of use out of your new piece of equipment. 

We add to this guide all the time, so please, send us your questions. 

What Is an Engine Crane?

A car engine crane is a piece of equipment used to move heavy objects, in this case, an engine to make it easier to uninstall, manipulate, or install a vehicle engine. 

Engine cranes use a powered form of lifting the weight, and all of PASSCA’s options use a hydraulic fluid piston to function as a hydraulic engine crane.

Sometimes engine cranes are called engine hoists, but there is a small difference that makes those terms mean something different in regards to equipment. 

A hoist is designed to lift objects up and down, while a crane can typically turn to move objects horizontally, too — this is how heavy machines are classified, though for an engine crane, the extra mobility does not come from a rotating base like in a crane. 

Because all of PASSCA’s engine hoists have heavy-duty steel casters on the bottom, they qualify as cranes since it is easy to move a raised engine around the garage or from the vehicle to an engine stand. 

What Are the Benefits of Using an Engine Crane?

A hydraulic engine hoist can make lifting heavy objects in the garage much easier, namely a full engine. 

A full engine crane can also help move engines between a vehicle and a suitable engine stand, to give a mechanic the opportunity to access parts of the engine that are inaccessible while it is installed, thanks to the casters on the crane’s bottom.

Engine cranes seem large and unwieldy, but they roll smoothly and PASSCA has developed a folding engine crane (model #81002) which becomes compact to provide easy storage and more floor space in your garage. 

What Specifications of Engine Crane Does PASSCA Offer?

PASSCA makes six different models of engine cranes, with a range of weight capacities and functions, including a 1 ton engine crane, a 2 ton engine crane, and a 3 ton engine crane. 

Our most popular model is #81002 the foldable engine crane, which can fold into a compact position and will fit in a closet or an empty corner when not in use. 

The other main distinction between the two groups of engine crane models is the base — there is a U-shaped base and a V-shaped base.

What Are Engine Cranes Used For? 

Any engine lifting crane worth it’s salt can hoist an engine out of a vehicle so it can be serviced or moved to an engine stand. 

Engine cranes are also used as engineering cranes to lift other heavy equipment or vehicle components around the garage or for other extensive repairs. 

How Do Engine Cranes Work? 

Engine cranes need a method of lifting that takes the pressure off of the operator, in order to smoothly and quickly hoist an engine without too much manual labor. 

All PASSCA engine cranes use hydraulic fluid in their piston assemblies, which powers the hoisting and provides a smooth, quick lift. 

Hydraulic fluid is also relatively easy to replace and maintain, as it is a common fluid found in garages and hardware stores everywhere. 

What Is a Foldable Shop Crane Used For? 

A folding engine crane is incredibly useful and works just like all the other engine cranes we have discussed throughout the FAQ, but it has one additional major benefit in that it can be folded up when not in use. 

Foldable shop cranes are by far our most popular model since they appeal to both space-conscious business operators and home mechanics with limited garage space — our customer support team can detail whether or not a foldable crane is a right choice for your specific situation. 

Do I Need an Engine Crane? 

Yes, if you want to lift an engine out of a car, you will need some way to hoist it up that is reliable and safe. 

The good news is that garages featuring engine cranes usually end up using them to lift all sorts of heavy equipment and containers, so this is not a piece of equipment that is limited in its scope. 

With a bit of imagination and some chains or ratchet straps, there are plenty of heavy objects that can be much more easily lifted by a crane in your garage. 

What Other Equipment Is Used With an Engine Crane? 

In addition to an engine hoist, you may need an engine leveler to manage the weight distribution of the load — this is the most common piece of equipment used in conjunction with an engine crane. 

Once you have an engine that is removed from the body of a vehicle, the best place to work on it is safely mounted to an engine stand, which will keep it secure. 

Other additional engine crane parts might include larger or smaller hook adaptors or other small changes, all dependent on your specific project. 

How Can I Find the Best Engine Crane for Sale for Professional Use? 

The volume and variety of tasks that an engine crane can perform, as well as the additional safety and ease in the garage, all make even a moderate engine crane price a worthy investment for a professional automotive shop. 

The best crane for you will fit comfortably in your space and have a weight capacity high enough to handle any jobs you may need it to do; the PASSCA catalog has all of the specs for each model and a customer support team member is always available to help you outfit a new or currently upgrading garage. 

What is the Difference Between Engine Crane and Engine Stand?

Engine Stand

           Engine Crane

An engine crane is used specifically to lift engines from the vehicle or back into the vehicle.

After removing the engine for repair or servicing, you have to put or store it somewhere.

That’s where an engine stand comes in; the engine stand is used for mounting an engine.

Once on the engine stand, it’s easy to rotate the engine to provide access to the undersurfaces parts of the engine.

Also, an engine crane can only support the weight of an engine for a short period. On the other hand, an engine stand can hold an engine in position for an extended period.

Why is the Hydraulic Engine Crane Popular?

There are different types of engine cranes and all come in different sizes, shapes, and capabilities.

But the most popular one is the hydraulic crane due to the following capabilities:

• Quick lifting pace: compared with other cranes such as the chain engine crane, it’s a bit faster.
• Affordability: Compared with the electric engine crane, it is less expensive.
• Easy to operate.
• High lift: it has a higher lifting capacity compared to most of the engine cranes in the market.
• Flexibility: Can be used either outdoors or indoors.
• They require minimal maintenance.

How much does an Engine Crane Cost?

Engine cranes are available in different shapes, sizes, and capabilities depending on use and also on the size of the engines to be lifted.

Their prices range from as low as $50 to as much as $1000.

How does a hydraulic engine crane work?

Hydraulic engine cranes are used by mechanics to remove engines from vehicles.

The cranes can lift engines of varying sizes, weights and come with different settings to hoist the engine from and back into the vehicle.

A basic outline of how an engine crane works include

1. Opening the vehicle hood and safety checks: after opening the hood of the vehicle, locate the engine and also establish the middle point of the engine.

Also, ensure no surrounding components obstruct it.

After establishing the engine’s approximate middle point, you now drape chain around it.

It is usually recommended to drape the chains in an “X” shape.

1. Locating bolt: you locate a bolt on the engine that can be removed; it can be on the intake manifold or similar bolt.

Ensure that this bold is located on the ends of the chain.

1. Place the chain between the bolt and the engine it was bolted to the install back the bolt with the wrench.

This process should be repeated until the engine is secured on two points.

1. Weight settings: at the arm of the engine crane, look for weight markings and adjust according to the weight appropriate to your engine.
2. Attach the hook on the arm and of the engine crane and hoist your engine.

How is an Engine Crane Assembled before usage?

Before starting working with your engine crane, you should follow these basic assembly procedures:

• Identify all parts, bolts, and washers of your engine and ensure the engine critical parts are all in order.

Also, follow your engine crane manual for hoist assembling instructions and ensure the crane’s parts and components are in proper working condition.

• Check your work area and ensure it’s free from obstructions such as debris or unnecessary tools.

Also, ensure the ground is solid and level before assembling your engine crane.

• Strictly follow your engine crane’s installation and operation manual in assembling it. Start assembling your engine crane from bottom up.
• After assembling your engine crane, double-check for any missing parts or components such as bolts, pins, or washers.
• Before lifting your engine, test the crane with a smaller weight load to ensure it is working correctly.

How do you Maintain Engine Crane?

To maintain your engine cranes optimum operating conditions and safety, ensure you follow these simple maintenance procedures:

1. Lubricate all moving parts of your engine crane by strictly following lubricating procures outlined by the manufacturer.
2. Maintenance of the jack is of utmost importance because it’s the one that does all the heavy work. Make sure that the jack’s oil is replenished immediately it decreases to a certain level.

Also after a certain period, replace the jacking oil following the manufacture’s manual. Remember to depressurize the jack pump after usage.

1. Engage a professional when carrying out your engine crane repairs.
2. Use only the spare parts recommended by the manufacturer. Failure to do will lead to an unsafe engine crane prone to fatal and damaging accidents.
3. Store your engine crane in a dry environment and remember to clean it after every use. Any rust corrosion should be removed with an appropriate rust remover.

What is the Safest way of Operating an Engine Crane?

To operate your engine crane safely, follow the following safety procedures:

• Always follow and read the safety manual provided by the manufacturer outlining all the usage and safety instructions.
• Use your engine crane for activities indicated by the manufacturer.
• Make sure you get training in operating your engine crane.
• Before assembling and using, the engine crane ensures that you understand all technical aspects involved. The technical aspects include the load limit, lifting heights, boom adjustments, and leg adjustments.
• Always ensure loads do not pass the weight limits of your engine crane.
• For adjustable booms with different weight limits, ensure you take into account the limits before lifting a load.
• Engine cranes are never to be operated when you are incapacitated either by been drunk, under the influence of drugs, or any other intoxicants.
• In case of heavy loads, have a helping hand just in case a problem arises.
• Use personal protective equipment such as aprons, gloves, or appropriate eyewear when working. This is to minimize workplace injuries and interference while working.
• How do you Hook Up an Engine Crane on an Engine for Removal?

There are various ways of removing an engine from a vehicle using an engine crane. One of the ways involves:

• Making sure you understand the type of engine to be removed by having the correct servicing manual for the vehicle. Also, make sure the engine crane is suited for that particular engine.
• After locating all lifting points of the engine, adjust the boom and legs to the same position for stability. This is to avoid the engine from wobbling while being lifted.
• Attach the hoist mount to the engine and double-check that all the attachments and bolts are secured.
• After double-checking that everything is tightened up, lift the engine just a bit to make sure that all the engine connections are disconnected.
• Position the lifter in the recommended position and angle (usually closer to 45 degrees). These provide stability and allow moving the crane easily.

How do you Connect Chains and Level an Engine using an Engine Crane?

You can follow the following easy steps:

1. Locate somewhere on the engine to bolt the chain horizontally to distribute the engines’ weight across the chain. Mounting points can be either the exhaust manifolds or the motor mount brackets.
2. Bolt the chain to the engine using ratchets and sockets to the hardware on the engine.
3. Depending on the weight and size of the engine, adjust the lifting arm of the crane appropriately.
4. Place the hook from the engine crane around the chain and make sure it is approximately in the middle. Double-check that everything is stable and tightened up then lift to the required height.

What are the Major Components of an Engine Crane?

Engine crane components or parts can be categorized into three- base, body, and boom.

BASE: consist of legs and wheels.

BODY: This is where you will find the mainframe, support plates, and jack.

BOOM: Most of the engine cranes come equipped with an adjustable boom. At the end of the boom, you will find the hook and chain.

How do you Refill an Engine Crane Hydraulic Cylinder?

The Long ram hydraulic jack Hydraulic cylinder is a key component of an engine crane.

It works by transforming the motion of the lifting lever into fluid pressure.

The fluid is mainly hydraulic oil and when the oil is low or contaminated, the hoist movement may be affected.

The following easy steps should be followed in changing or refilling the hydraulic cylinder:

• Place a rag or old newspapers beneath the cylinder to catch any overflowing hydraulic oil.
• Remove the fill plug out of its hole in the cylinder and put it in a clean safe place.
• Drain the hydraulic fluid and dispose of it safely following the manufacturer’s disposal manual.
• Fill new and clean hydraulic oil in a clean can to refill the hydraulic cylinder.
• Fill the hydraulic cylinder to the bream and let the hydraulic oil overflow and settle.
• Raise the hoist to its maximum height, open the cylinder release valve, and put the hoist back to its lowest position. This will release the excess air from the cylinder.
• Double-check the oil level and add more if necessary. When filled, reinsert the oil fill plug.
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What is a Boom in an Engine Crane?

The boom is also known as the arm of the crane and carries out all the hard work of holding the load.

Many come equipped with the ability to move the load closer or away from the crane.

The boom is the most recognizable part of an engine crane. It works by lowering or raising the boom to remove or install engines.

Is there a Maximum Weight that Engine Cranes can lift?

The maximum or minimum weight that an engine crane can lift varies from one type of crane to another.

Also depends on the size,  and weight of both the crane and the load.

In short, the engine crane plays a vital role in most workshops.

With the knowledge in this FAQ Guide, you are sure to find the best engine crane for your needs. 

Contact PASSCA Tools now for all your automotive equipment needs.