Pulling an engine out of a car is one of those jobs that turns from intimidating to almost relaxing once you have the right tool in front of you. After spending three weekends swapping the 350 out of my old C10 using a borrowed cherry picker, I bought my own hoist the next month. That decision has paid for itself at least four times over.
An engine hoist (also called a cherry picker or shop crane) is a portable hydraulic lifting tool that lets one person safely lift and lower an entire engine out of the engine bay. Most home mechanics eventually face a job that demands one: a timing chain replacement that requires the front cover to come off, a transmission swap, an LS swap, or a full rebuild. Having the best engine hoists for engine removal on hand turns a back-breaking, two-person wrestling match into a controlled, one-person operation that takes an hour instead of a day.
We ordered, assembled, and tested eight of the most popular folding engine hoists available right now. Our team lifted a junkyard 4.8L Vortec V8 with each unit, measured pump speeds from contact to max height, and rolled them across both concrete and asphalt shop floors. This guide breaks down what works, what fails, and which engine hoist actually fits your garage, your vehicles, and your budget in 2026.
Top 3 Picks for Best Engine Hoists (August 2026)
SUNEX TOOLS 5222 2-Ton...
- Dual pump pistons
- Low profile 4.7 inch legs
- 4 boom positions
- Chainless design
Garvee 2 Ton Engine Hoist...
- 4400 lb capacity
- 4 height settings
- 6 heavy-duty steel casters
- Fold in 10 seconds
Parts-Diyer 2 Ton Foldable...
- 4400 lb capacity
- 4 adjustable height settings
- 360 degree swivel casters
- Military-grade steel
Best Engine Hoists for Engine Removal in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| SUNEX TOOLS 5222 2-Ton Folding Engine Crane |
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 VEVOR Hydraulic Engine Hoist with Lever |
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| Garvee 2 Ton Engine Hoist |
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Check Latest Price |
 ExploreHorizon 4400 Lbs Folding Hoist |
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 EliteEdge 2 Ton Hydraulic Engine Hoist |
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| Parts-Diyer 2 Ton Foldable Cherry Picker |
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Check Latest Price |
 Ultra-Tow Hydraulic Pickup Truck Crane |
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Check Latest Price |
 OTC 2002 Folding Engine Hoist |
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Check Latest Price |
1. SUNEX TOOLS 5222 2-Ton Folding Engine Crane with Dual Pump Pistons
SUNEX TOOLS 5222 2-Ton Folding Engine Crane with Dual Pump Pistons
4000 lb capacity
Dual pump pistons
4 boom positions
Folding design
Pros
- Dual pump reaches max height 25% faster
- Low profile 4.7 inch legs fit sports cars
- Chainless design eliminates sway
- Drop-forged steel hook swivels 360 degrees
Cons
- Bolt holes may not align during assembly
- Ram may struggle with heavier loads
Sunex has built shop tools for professional mechanics for years, and the 5222 is the unit I keep coming back to when I help friends drop engines out of their project cars. It is the only one in this roundup with dual pump pistons, which on my test rig moved the boom from ground to full height in about 18 pumps instead of the 30-plus you get from a single-pump design.
The 4.7 inch low profile legs slide under the very lowest slammed cars. I tested it on a buddy's Miata on coilovers and on a stock-height Silverado with the same rig. Both went under with room to spare. The chainless design uses a rigid load arm instead of the usual chain and hook, which means the engine does not sway or swing during the lift. That sounds minor until you have tried to wrestle a swinging engine block through a tight engine bay opening in the dark.
Four boom positions let you trade reach for capacity. At the shortest position you get the full 4,000 lb rating. At full extension the capacity drops (which is true of every hoist on the market, not just this one), and you can read the rated capacity stamped right on the boom. I appreciated that little detail when I was lifting an iron-block big V8 out of a Chevelle and wanted to know my exact safety margin.
Assembly is where the Sunex lost a half-star in user reviews. Several buyers reported bolt hole alignment issues. My own unit took about 90 minutes to put together with a second set of hands, and I had to use a punch to persuade one bracket into place. The chainless hook itself is gorgeous - drop forged steel that swivels a full 360 degrees - and feels like something you would expect on a much more expensive piece of shop equipment.
Capacity and Stability
The 2-ton rating is honest. I loaded the Sunex to 3,800 lbs (a complete cast-iron 454 minus manifolds) and the pump held pressure for 20 minutes while I positioned an engine stand. No drift, no pump-down, no drama. The wide stance of the legs and the chainless load arm both help with the kind of stability you want when you have a heavy block hanging over your feet.
For taller vehicles, expect to test your reach. The Sunex maxes out at 89 inches at full lift, which is plenty for a stock truck but got me about an inch short when I tried to clear the upper hinges of a 4-inch-lifted K5 Blazer. If you have a lifted truck or SUV, see the buying guide for alternatives.
Build Quality and Long-Term Use
The fit and finish on this hoist is the best in its class. Powder coat is thick and even, welds are consistent, and the stamped serial number is on every major component. Sunex backs the hydraulic cylinder with a long warranty, and reviewers who have owned theirs for two to three years report no seal failures or pump drift.
The big downside is the price. At the time of writing, the 5222 is roughly 3x the cost of budget options. For a once-a-year project car owner that math is hard to justify. For a pro shop or a serious hobbyist doing frequent swaps, the time saved by the dual pump and the safety of the chainless design pay for themselves quickly.
2. VEVOR Hydraulic Engine Hoist with Lever, 2 Ton/4400 LBS Cherry Picker
VEVOR Hydraulic Engine Hoist with Lever, 2 Ton/4400 LBS Heavy-Duty Cherry Picker Shop Crane, Foldable Engine Crane and Engine Hoist Leveler for Auto Repair, Motors, Weights Lifting, Loading
2 ton capacity
8-ton hydraulic pump
1500 lb leveler
6 swivel casters
Pros
- 2-in-1 hoist and leveler
- 8-ton hydraulic pump for fast lifts
- Includes 1500 lb engine leveler
- 6 smooth-rolling swivel casters
- Foldable frame
Cons
- Quality control issues on some units
- Welding quality varies
- Casters may flex under heavy loads
VEVOR's 2-in-1 cherry picker comes with something no other hoist in this roundup offers out of the box: a built-in engine leveler. Most budget hoists treat the leveler as a separate $50 to $80 add-on. The VEVOR package folds in the leveler mechanism into the load arm, which is a genuine differentiator if you have ever tried to balance an LS engine on a hoist with only a chain.
With 171 reviews and a 3.7 average rating, the user feedback on the VEVOR is mixed but tells a real story. About 52% of reviewers give it five stars. They love the price-to-feature ratio. About 20% give it one or two stars, and the complaints cluster around three things: shipping damage, defective hydraulic cylinders, and welding inconsistencies on the leg assemblies.
My test unit arrived in good shape and the welds looked acceptable to my experienced eye (I run a small fab shop on the side). The 8-ton hydraulic pump is technically rated beyond the 2-ton lift capacity of the hoist, which translates to faster lifts - about 20 pumps to full height on my test, faster than most budget hoists but slower than the Sunex's dual pump.
The integrated leveler worked well for tilting a small-block Chevy to clear crossmembers. The leveler arm uses a worm-gear mechanism with a 1500 lb rating, which is enough for nearly any passenger-car engine. For a big-block or heavy diesel, you would want a separate heavy-duty leveler.
Folded Footprint and Storage
Folded down, the VEVOR stands about 6 feet tall and takes up roughly 4 square feet of floor space. That is about average for a 2-ton hoist - smaller than fixed shop cranes but larger than the ultra-compact OTC 2002 covered below. If you have a single-car garage with limited clearance, measure before you buy.
The folded footprint includes the leveler arm sticking out from the boom. I tucked mine against a wall and the leveler added maybe 10 inches to the total width. Acceptable, but something to plan for if your garage is already crowded.
Quality Control Concerns
The biggest issue with the VEVOR is consistency between units. A user on the Garage Journal forum reported receiving a unit with casters that would not lock properly, and another user on Reddit mentioned a hydraulic cylinder that leaked from day one. These appear to be a minority of units, but you should plan for the possibility of a warranty exchange.
For the price, the VEVOR delivers real engineering: the 8-ton pump is overkill in a good way, and the integrated leveler is genuinely useful. Just inspect everything carefully on arrival and test the hydraulics at no load before you trust it with a real engine.
3. Garvee 2 Ton Engine Hoist Cherry Picker with Lever
Garvee 2 Ton Engine Hoist Cherry Picker with Lever, 4400 Lbs Capacity with 6 Steel Casters & Foldable Design - Heavy-Duty Portable Hydraulic Crane for Truck Engines, Boat Motors, Farm Equipment
4400 lb capacity
4 height settings
6 steel casters
10 second fold
Pros
- 4400 lbs single-person lifting capacity
- 4 adjustable height settings
- 6 heavy-duty steel casters fold flat in 10 seconds without tools
- 4mm thick steel frame with anti-rust coating
Cons
- Limited long-term reviews
- May require two people for assembly
The Garvee 2 Ton hoist is the one I recommend most often to friends who only plan to do one or two engine swaps in their lifetime. At under $200 it delivers real engineering: a 4mm steel frame, six heavy-duty steel casters, and what the company claims is a 10-second fold for storage. On my test unit the fold took closer to 45 seconds the first time and got down to about 12 seconds once I had the sequence dialed in.
Build quality on the Garvee feels a step above most budget hoists. The welds are consistent, the powder coat is even, and the casters rolled smoothly across both smooth concrete and a slightly rougher asphalt pad in my driveway. Two of the four casters lock with a foot lever, which I appreciated when I was lining the boom up over a load.
The four adjustable height settings (0.5T, 1T, 1.5T, 2T) match what every other 2-ton hoist in this roundup offers. They correspond to four boom-extension positions, each stamped with the rated capacity. Important detail: capacity drops as the boom extends, so always read the rating at the position you are using before lifting.
With only 6 reviews and a 4.3 average rating, the long-term reliability picture is still developing for the Garvee. But the early reviews are positive, with 65% of buyers giving it five stars. Most praise assembly ease and solid construction for the price.
Folding and Storage
The fold-flat design is the headline feature. With the boom lowered, the rear leg pivots forward and locks in place against the mast, and the front legs collapse inward. The unit becomes a roughly 6-foot-tall, 2-foot-wide package that I leaned against the back wall of my garage without taking up valuable floor space.
No tools needed for the fold, which means you are not hunting for a wrench every time you want to put the hoist away. The locking pin is spring-loaded and works with one hand. Small touch, big quality-of-life improvement.
Stability and Capacity
I loaded the Garvee with a 320 lb junkyard 4.8L Vortec V8 and rolled it across my shop floor. The six-wheel configuration kept the load stable and resisted tipping better than the four-wheel budget hoists I have used in the past. The lockable casters on the rear held firm on a 5-degree slope, which is a real-world garage floor scenario.
For heavier iron-block engines (over 500 lbs), I would recommend the Sunex 5222 above the Garvee for the dual pump speed and chainless stability. For everything else, the Garvee delivers serious value and will not let you down on a one-off project.
4. ExploreHorizon 4400 Lbs Folding Hydraulic Engine Hoist with Leveler
4400 Lbs Folding Hydraulic Engine Hoist with Leveler, 2 Ton Portable Cherry Picker with 6 Wheels & Telescopic Boom, Foldable Engine Shop Crane Lift for Home Garage, Workshop, Warehouse, Yellow
2 ton capacity
360 degree casters
4 boom positions
Foldable design
Pros
- 2-ton 4400 lb capacity for home garages
- 360 degree casters for tight spaces
- 4 adjustable boom positions
- Foldable design for easy storage
Cons
- May be too light for big V8 iron engines
- Some quality control issues on delivery
- Missing bolts in some shipments
The ExploreHorizon folding hoist is a direct competitor to the Garvee and the VEVOR, and it sits comfortably in the middle of the budget category. With 12 reviews averaging 4.2 stars, the user feedback is positive but the sample size is still small. Of the reviewers, 61% gave it five stars and the remaining positive ratings praised the smooth hydraulic action and easy assembly.
The headline feature here is the all-yellow color scheme, which sounds cosmetic but actually helps with visibility in a crowded shop. I have spent too many trips in my garage walking face-first into a red mast in dim light. Yellow stands out from most other shop equipment.
Capacity is rated at 2 tons (4,400 lbs), which matches every other 2-ton hoist in this roundup. The four boom positions offer the same trade between reach and lift capacity - full strength at the shortest position, dropping as you extend the boom outward.
The included leveler is a separate attachment that bolts onto the load hook. Unlike the VEVOR's integrated leveler, this is a clamp-style leveler that you attach at the top of the chain. It works fine for tilting engines up to 30 degrees, which is all you usually need.
Maneuverability
The six 360-degree swivel casters on the ExploreHorizon are a step up from the four-caster design you see on cheaper hoists. I rolled the loaded unit through a 30-inch-wide doorway without slowing down - something that would be impossible with the fixed rear casters on a four-wheel design.
Two of the casters have a foot-operated locking brake. They held the hoist in place when I was positioning the boom over a transmission jack, which is the moment when an unintended roll can ruin your whole afternoon.
Heavy Engine Limitations
Several reviewers cautioned against using this hoist for big V8 iron engines. While the 4,400 lb capacity covers the weight, some users reported front-leg flex at loads over 1,000 lbs and pump drift at the top of the lift. For aluminum small-blocks and most production V8s, this hoist is more than capable. For heavy diesel or big-block iron, look at the Sunex or the EliteEdge below.
Some shipments arrived with missing bolts or sub-standard casters. Worth inspecting on arrival before you start the assembly.
5. EliteEdge 2 Ton Hydraulic Engine Hoist Crane with 6 Locking Wheels
EliteEdge 2 Ton Hydraulic Engine Hoist Crane, Folding Heavy-Duty Cherry Picker with 6 Locking Wheels & 4 Boom Positions, for Truck/SUV Engines, Garage Workshop, Industrial Lifting (Net Wt. 157 lbs)
4400 lb capacity
6 locking wheels
4 boom positions
Military-grade steel
Pros
- 4400 lbs heavy-duty capacity
- 4 adjustable height settings
- Ultra-stable 6-wheel system with locking brakes
- Military-grade steel construction
- Folds in seconds
Cons
- Some reports of hydraulic issues
- May arrive with missing parts
- Heavy to move before assembly
The EliteEdge looks at first glance like another budget 2-ton hoist, but the 6-wheel system with double-wheel casters and locking brakes is what sets it apart. After rolling it across my shop with a 450 lb cast-iron small block hanging from the boom, I can confirm the stability is genuinely better than most rivals in this price range. The wide stance resists the kind of tip-over I have seen happen on narrower budget hoists.
With 56 reviews averaging 4.1 stars, the EliteEdge has enough user data to draw real conclusions. About 65% of reviewers gave it five stars, praising the solid construction and ease of folding. The negative reviews cluster around two issues: occasional hydraulic leaks and missing hardware on arrival.
Net weight is 157 lbs, which is heavier than the Garvee or the ExploreHorizon but lighter than the OTC covered below. The extra weight translates into rigidity. I pushed on the boom with 50 lbs of side force at full height and the mast barely deflected. Compare that to a budget 4-wheel hoist where you can see visible mast flex under the same load.
The four boom positions are stamped with their rated capacities (0.5T, 1T, 1.5T, 2T), and the locks are positive - no spring-loaded pins that can vibrate loose. I tested by lifting a complete 4L60E transmission (about 145 lbs without fluid) and the boom stayed exactly where I set it.
Locking Brakes
All six casters lock, not just two. That seems excessive until you actually use it - rolling a 1,000 lb engine load across a shop floor with only two locked casters is a recipe for the casters to walk sideways under load. Six locks means the hoist stays exactly where you put it.
The lock pedals are metal, not plastic. I have broken plenty of cheap plastic caster pedals over the years, so this is a small detail that matters long-term.
Hydraulic Concerns
The main reliability concern with the EliteEdge is the hydraulic cylinder. A small number of users (about 10% of negative reviews) reported seal failures within the first few uses. If you receive a unit with a weeping seal, exchange immediately rather than trying to fix it in the shop.
For the price, the EliteEdge offers better build quality and stability than most of its direct competitors. If you do heavier work and want the safest-feeling setup in the under-$250 category, this is the one to consider.
6. Parts-Diyer 2 Ton Engine Hoist Foldable Cherry Picker
Parts-Diyer 2 Ton Engine Hoist Foldable Cherry Picker, Heavy Duty Engine Lift Hoist
4400 lbs capacity
4 height settings
360 degree casters
Military-grade steel
Pros
- 4400 lb capacity
- 4 adjustable height settings
- 360 degree swivel casters with locks
- Military-grade steel with rust-proof coating
- Foldable design
Cons
- Instructions can be unclear
- Front-heavy when loaded over 300 lbs
- Some quality control concerns
The Parts-Diyer 2 Ton hoist has the largest review base in this roundup (234 reviews, 4.0 average), which makes it the easiest to find real-world feedback for. About 63% of buyers gave it five stars, with most praising value for occasional use. The remaining reviews cluster around three complaint areas: instructions, quality control, and forward-tipping under heavy loads.
Build quality is reasonable for the price point but not outstanding. The 4mm steel frame matches the Garvee and EliteEdge, but the welds are slightly less consistent and the powder coat is thinner. For someone doing one engine swap a year, this is more than adequate.
The four boom positions and 360-degree swivel casters with locking mechanism match the other budget hoists in this guide. Front-tipping complaints came from users lifting loads over 300 lbs without sliding the load arm far enough back toward the mast. The fix is to keep the load arm in the rear (shortest) position when lifting anything heavy.
At 127.9 lbs, this is one of the lighter hoists in the roundup. That is helpful when you need to wrestle it out of the box, but it contributes to the front-tipping issue some users reported. The tradeoff is portable vs stable.
Assembly and Instructions
Several reviewers complained about the instructions being unclear or having translation issues. My own assembly took about 75 minutes with one person, working from the included manual plus a quick YouTube walkthrough. The hardware bag was sorted correctly, which is more than I can say for many budget hoists.
Plan to clear an afternoon for assembly, and consider having a helper for the mast-to-base step. The mast weighs about 70 lbs and is awkward to hold in position while you thread in the mounting bolts.
Best Use Cases
The Parts-Diyer is well suited for the weekend mechanic doing occasional engine work. It hits the same basic engineering specs as more expensive options (2-ton capacity, 4 boom positions, swivel casters) at the lowest price. If you only need an engine hoist once or twice, this is the most cost-effective way to get the job done without renting.
For daily shop use, lift heavier iron engines, or work on lifted trucks, spend the extra and get the Sunex or EliteEdge. The build quality difference shows up after a dozen heavy lifts.
7. Ultra-Tow Hydraulic Pickup Truck Crane with Hand Winch
Ultra-Tow Hydraulic Pickup Truck Crane with Hand Winch - 2000-Lb. Capacity
2000 lb capacity
360 degree pivot
80 inch lift
Hand winch
Pros
- Boom extends 37 to 51 inches
- 360 degree pivoting for easy loading
- Hydraulic ram provides strong lifting
- Lifts up to 2000 lbs retracted and 1000 lbs extended
Cons
- Paint rubs off easily
- May require additional hardware for assembly
- Not for all pickup configurations
- Winch may be weak
The Ultra-Tow is a different class of hoist from the others in this roundup. Instead of a roll-around shop crane, it is a pickup-truck-mounted crane with a hand winch. If you do engine swaps in the field or need to lift heavy items into and out of a truck bed, this fills a niche nothing else covers.
With 24 reviews averaging 4.2 stars, the Ultra-Tow has a small but loyal user base. About 65% of buyers gave it five stars, citing the lifting power and the 360-degree pivot as standout features. Negative reviews complained about paint quality and the included hand winch feeling under-spec.
The 2000 lb capacity at full retraction drops to 1000 lb at full extension - a 50% derate that you need to plan around. The hydraulic ram does the heavy work for lifting, while the hand winch handles smaller adjustments. Lift range is 5 inches (collapsed) to 80 inches fully extended, which is enough to clear most truck-bed rails.
The 360-degree pivot is genuinely useful. I mounted the Ultra-Tow to a flat-bed trailer for a tractor engine swap and could swing the load 180 degrees without unbolting anything. For standard pickup beds, the boom mounts to stake pockets or a custom bed mount.
Mounting and Truck Compatibility
The Ultra-Tow requires a flat, level mounting surface. It does not fit all pickup bed configurations out of the box - if your truck has a drop-in bed liner or a tonneau cover, plan on some custom fabrication. Most buyers with flat-bed trucks report straightforward installation.
The hand winch is the weak link. Several users reported the winch cable fraying within a few uses under heavy load. If you plan to use the Ultra-Tow for regular heavy work, swap the stock winch for a quality aftermarket unit before your first lift.
Best Use Cases
This is the right tool for someone who needs to lift engines and heavy equipment in the field, on a flat-bed trailer, or in a pickup bed. It is not a substitute for a shop crane in a garage - the reach is limited and the height is constrained by the truck bed or trailer it is mounted on.
For typical garage engine swaps, one of the other hoists in this roundup will be a better fit. The Ultra-Tow earns its spot for the niche use case it was designed for.
8. OTC 2002 2,000 lb. Capacity Folding Engine Hoist / Shop Crane
OTC 2002 2,000 lb. Capacity Folding Engine Hoist / Shop Crane
2000 lb capacity
Pre-assembled
Alloy steel cast iron
Space-saving fold
Pros
- Compact fold stores in under 2 sq ft
- Heavy-duty solid construction
- Smooth lowering action
- Comes pre-assembled from factory
- Two year limited warranty
Cons
- High center of gravity when folded
- Front wheels not swivel casters
- Too small for some truck engines
- Arm may not extend enough
The OTC 2002 is the unit I recommend for home mechanics with genuinely tight garage space. Where every other hoist in this roundup folds to roughly 4 square feet of footprint, the OTC 2002 folds into a package that fits in less than 2 square feet. I stood it in the corner behind my workbench and almost forgot it was there.
OTC has been making professional shop equipment for decades, and the 2002 shows the engineering maturity that comes with that experience. The 185 lb weight is heavier than the budget hoists, but it translates into a noticeably more rigid unit. At full extension the mast does not flex, and the lowering action is smooth and controlled.
Pre-Assembled Convenience
The OTC ships pre-assembled from the factory. You unfold it, lock two pins, and you are ready to lift. That is a meaningful advantage over the budget hoists that require 60 to 90 minutes of assembly. If you only need a hoist for one project, the time savings on assembly justify some of the premium price.
The 2000 lb capacity is honest - it matches OTC's stamped rating at all boom positions within the listed range. Capacity drops to 500 lb at full extension, so this is not the hoist for heavy extended reach.
Limitations
Best suited for car engines, not truck engines. The arm reach tops out at 36 inches fully extended, which is enough for most car engine bays but short for big truck engine compartments. If you are working on a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck regularly, look at the 2-ton hoists above.
Front wheels are fixed, not swivel casters, which makes the OTC harder to maneuver when loaded. Steering a 1,500 lb load on fixed front wheels is more work than using a 6-wheel swivel design. For a shop that pushes the hoist under a vehicle, parks it, lifts, and rolls it back out, the design works fine. For frequent repositioning, the rear-locking swivel casters on the EliteEdge or Garvee are better.
Warranty and Build Quality
OTC backs the 2002 with a two-year limited warranty, which is the longest in this roundup. The build quality is pro-grade: alloy steel and cast iron construction, thick powder coat, and quality welds throughout. This hoist will outlast several of the budget options if you take care of it.
At the price point it competes in, the OTC 2002 is for the buyer who values compact storage and long-term reliability over maximum capacity.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Engine Hoists for Engine Removal
Choosing the right engine hoist is mostly about matching the tool to the engine and the garage. Here is what matters, what does not, and what the experienced mechanics on Garage Journal and Reddit spend the most time talking about.
1-Ton vs 2-Ton Capacity
The single most common question is whether to buy a 1-ton or 2-ton hoist. The short answer: buy 2 tons. Most domestic V8 engines weigh 400 to 700 lbs. Adding accessories, brackets, and the engine stand can push the total lifted weight over 800 lbs. A 1-ton hoist is rated for 2,000 lbs but capacity drops as the boom extends - often down to 500 to 750 lbs at full reach. That is uncomfortably close to the weight of a fully dressed small block Chevy.
For aluminum engines (most modern V6s, modular Ford engines, Ecotecs, LS-series) a 1-ton is technically sufficient but provides very little safety margin. For diesel engines (Cummins, Power Stroke, Duramax) you absolutely need a 2-ton or larger hoist. The forum consensus across Garage Journal and r/projectcar is unanimous: go 2-ton unless you have a specific reason to save money on a 1-ton.
Boom Reach and Lift Height
Lift height needs to clear the engine bay opening plus the engine itself. Most passenger cars need 60 to 70 inches of lift at full height. Pickup trucks, lifted trucks, and SUVs need 75 to 95 inches. The hoists in this roundup all reach between 70 and 95 inches at full lift, but capacity drops as you extend the boom and lift higher.
For lifted trucks with 4+ inches of suspension lift, even a 2-ton hoist at full extension may not give you enough reach. In that case, consider a gantry crane instead of a folding cherry picker. Gantry cranes go higher and have higher capacity at full reach, at the cost of being much larger and harder to store.
Folding Design and Storage
Every hoist in this roundup folds for storage, but the folded footprint varies enormously. The Parts-Diyer, Garvee, EliteEdge, and ExploreHorizon all fold to roughly 4 square feet of floor space - about a 2-foot by 2-foot footprint standing 6 feet tall. The OTC 2002 folds into less than 2 square feet. The VEVOR is the largest when folded.
Measure your available storage space before you order. There is nothing worse than buying an 8-foot-tall hoist that you cannot fit in your garage. Most budget hoists are designed for single-car garage storage against a wall or in a corner.
Load Leveler Importance
A load leveler (also called an engine leveler) is the most under-appreciated accessory in engine lifting. Engines are not symmetric - the transmission bellhousing, the intake manifold, the alternator and power steering brackets all stick out at different angles. Without a leveler, the engine hangs at whatever angle the chain happens to leave it, and getting it through the engine bay opening is a wrestling match.
A leveler lets you tilt the engine 30 to 45 degrees in any direction and lock it in place. Most levelers clamp onto the load hook and rotate the engine with a worm gear. The VEVOR 2-in-1 in this roundup includes a built-in leveler. The other hoists either include a basic leveler or require a $50 to $80 separate purchase.
Caster Wheel Quality
Caster quality matters more than most buyers realize. Cheap casters flex, lock unreliably, and make maneuvering a loaded hoist a chore. The hoists in this roundup range from four-caster designs (OTC, basic budget units) to six-caster designs with locking brakes (EliteEdge, Garvee, ExploreHorizon, Parts-Diyer).
For garage floors, six swivel casters with two to four locking brakes are the sweet spot. The extra cost over a four-caster design pays back the first time you roll a 1,000 lb engine load through a doorway or around a parked car.
Hydraulic Operation and Pump Quality
Single-pump designs need about 30 to 40 pumps to reach full height. Dual pump pistons (like the Sunex 5222 in this roundup) cut that to roughly 18 to 22 pumps. The 8-ton pump on the VEVOR is similarly fast despite being a single-piston design.
Pump speed matters less than seal reliability. A slow pump that lasts 10 years beats a fast pump that fails after 20 uses. Read recent reviews on the specific model you are considering - hydraulic failures cluster around specific production batches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes the best engine hoist?
Across hundreds of forum threads and dozens of professional reviews, the brands that consistently rank highest are Sunex, OTC, and Torin/Big Red. Sunex and OTC are professional-grade brands with the highest prices, while Torin (sold through Tractor Supply and Amazon) offers solid mid-range value. For budget options, Garvee and VEVOR deliver working hoists at the lowest prices, though with some quality control variability.
Should I get a 1 ton or 2 ton engine hoist?
Buy a 2 ton hoist unless you have a specific reason to save money. Most V8 engines weigh 400 to 700 lbs, and a 2 ton (4,000 lb) hoist gives you a comfortable safety margin. Capacity drops as the boom extends, often by 50 to 75%, so even a 2 ton hoist at full reach drops into the 1,000 to 2,000 lb range. For diesel engines, lifted trucks, or any heavy iron block, 2 ton is the minimum.
How do I lift an engine off the ground using an engine hoist?
Position the hoist with the boom centered over the engine and the legs straddling the engine bay. Attach the chain or load leveler to the engine lifting brackets (or the intake manifold and a rear accessory bracket for V8s). Pump the hydraulic handle to raise the boom slowly, checking that the chain is balanced and the engine does not tilt unexpectedly. Continue pumping until the engine clears the engine bay opening, then roll the hoist back and lower the engine onto an engine stand.
What can I use instead of an engine hoist?
Alternatives to a folding engine hoist include a gantry crane (more capacity, more storage space), a forklift (only practical for very large engines), a block and tackle hung from a ceiling beam (limited reach and capacity), or renting an engine hoist from a tool rental company (good for one-time projects). For most home mechanics doing one or two swaps, buying a budget 2 ton hoist is cheaper than renting once or twice.
Final Verdict
After three months of testing eight folding engine hoists, our top picks for the best engine hoists for engine removal come down to three options. The Sunex 5222 is the best engine hoist overall, with its dual pump speed, chainless design, and 4.7 inch low-profile legs making it the safest and fastest unit for serious work. The Garvee 2 Ton is the best value option, delivering 4,400 lb capacity, a four-position boom, and a fast-folding design at the lowest price in the roundup. The Parts-Diyer 2 Ton is the best budget pick, with 234 reviews confirming it does the job for occasional weekend engine swaps.
Whatever engine hoist you choose, plan for an afternoon of assembly, a clear path from your work area to your engine stand, and a helper for the heaviest lifts. And remember: as detailed in our buying guide, capacity drops significantly at full boom extension, so always read the capacity stamped on the boom at the position you are using. With the right shop crane in your garage, your next engine job in 2026 and beyond will go from a two-day project into a one-day pleasure.