Framing for a Hoist

[FritzA]

Just a thought but for the cost of a good portable hoist I think I could easily frame up something to hang a chain hoist from for pulling engines.

I've got the typical light 2x4 framing in my garage but I was thinking of 4"x6"x10' posts with a 9' 4" 1/8 wall steel tube across. Seems like I-beam is expensive and tube is the most cost effectice. A couple of braces tieing the 4"x6" posts to the rafters to prevent any lateral movement.

The 4"x6"x10' are just under $20 each and the tube is about $70. A total of around $110 and it is pretty high for pulling from a truck.

Any suggestions what else could be used?

[cableguy0]

You can get used engine cranes all day long for 100 bucks on craigslist. The thing to keep in mind is its a lot easier to move an engine when the hoist is mobile than something like a chain fall hanging from the ceiling. I wouldnt hang it from tubing myself. The tubing will flex a bunch in long runs. Its just not designed to be loaded that way. An I beam is the only acceptable way to hang an engine. If you pull an engine with a ceiling chain hoist you have to move the vehicle out of the way of the engine. instead of just rolling an engine crane out of the way and hanging the engine on a stand.

[72lb4x4]

What cableguy said...

I think the posts are way stronger than needed. Wood has alot of compression strength. A 4" tube doesn't sound strong enough to me.

If you want to use wood, I'd think 2x4s to make 4x4 posts and a pair of 2x10 or 2x12 for the beam would be enough if the span isn't too big.

I'd do some searching of the internet for more info. Try to find good lumber too. The home store balsa isn't too good.

[motornut]

same as whats been said.......easier to move a hoist then move the truck and or building.....maybe get some friends to chip in on a lift.......heck i used mine outside to lift a 89 dodge van up high enough to walk under the bumper and pull engine/ tranny/wheels out from under..........and i didn't have to move my "project" out of the garage to use a ceiling lift

[chris mc bride]

The one Ive been using for 25 years is cheap to build(using scrap yard material. I used heavy wall pipe about 2" to form two A shaped ends and fastened 4X4 steel tube across top,about 10' plus wide. I made two plates that fasten together with 3/4" bolts(4) and 4 pieces heavy wall pipe cut to fit and act as rollers.I then welded a 1/4" steel plate to bottom with heavy loop to hang a hoist. I've hoisted everything for sbc to full blown hemi's. Not to mention my harley and few race cars. Its itting on 4 heavy duty rollers so I can move it around shop.
I does take up some floor space but its handy as hell and can handle most anything I'Ve come up with to hoist up. One thing to remember is build it as high as you can and still move around. You have to allow for hoist drop when figuring how high items can be lifted.I might have 4 hours in fabrication time and 5o bucks materials.

[cdowns]

in a two car garage i had a 2X12 span with bracing and worked great for many many years

but the portable engine cranes are by far the more versitle tool// i use mine all over the place for all sorts of different lifting tasks with no real limits except imagination// had it over 20years only needed to replace the ram once

BAD IDEA going "partners" with "friends" on any type of tools

[motornut]

I like my friends. so my friends can borrow mine as i would never recommend a "wood" lift, or use one.Or would i try to tell someone how to build something like that over a chat at the risk of not hearing back from them,or them not being happy when you do.........but thats just "my" advice.

[60ratrod]

i got a fold up hoist and i love that thing. i bought it last year to pull the motor that was in the hulking heap and have used it quite a few times since then. and i think that i only paid $80 for it and it also came with a engine cradle.

[jimfulco]

A couple of clear grade 2x10's 12' long standing on edge atop 10' 4x4 uprights will hold quite a bit if it's braced well.









The bottom crossbar in the last pic is notched ~1/2" on top for the 4x4 upright. Everything is held together with deck screws, and bolts were used at high-stress corners. The 2x10's are spaced apart with 1/2" plywood, which is also used at the bottom of the uprights. All wood is CCA treated.

The most I ever lifted with it was a stripped-out '84 pickup hulk that weighed ~1800 pounds at the scrapyard. Didn't even creak, even when I caught the trailer fender on one side and twisted the stinkin thing ~30* with the truck hulk still hanging.

[motornut]

that one looks good,but wood does get soft.
After 10 years the wife dosn't even notice mine,she just keeps buring it,that outdoor lift she would "remind me" lol it's there.
I'd worry she'd throw a rope over it for "me".

[HarrolLS1]

Not sure how much room you have but I found the diagram for an "A-Frame" at www.ProjectBronco.com under Tech articles "removing your engine --great photos"
I used the plans and doubled up some on the wood. Had to figure something since I don't have friends.

[motornut]

well it looks a lot better/stronger lol painted it kinda looks like steel

[HarrolLS1]

I boxed that top section in steel to distribute the weight for a chain hoist. Ended up getting an electric hoist so I can lift the bed easier.