Pulling an engine without the right equipment turns a weekend project into a nightmare. I have spent months testing and comparing the best engine hoists on the market so you do not have to guess which cherry picker is worth your money.
Whether you are doing a V8 swap in your home garage or running a professional shop, a hydraulic engine crane is the backbone of any serious engine removal job. The challenge is that capacity ratings, boom positions, and build quality vary wildly between brands.
Our team evaluated 8 of the most popular engine hoists available in 2026, looking at lifting capacity, foldability, caster quality, and real user feedback from forums like r/projectcar and Garage Journal. Here is what we found.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Engine Hoists in 2026
Sunex Tools 5222 2-Ton Folding Engine Crane
- Dual pump pistons
- 4.7-inch low profile legs
- 4 boom positions
- Folds for storage
VEVOR 2-in-1 Hydraulic Engine Hoist with...
- 2-in-1 hoist and leveler
- 8-ton hydraulic pump
- 6 swivel casters
- 4400 lbs capacity
TUFFIOM 2 Ton Folding Hydraulic Engine Crane
- Lowest price at $109.99
- 4 boom positions
- 6 steel casters
- Anti-rust coating
These three stood out from the pack for different reasons. The Sunex 5222 brings professional-grade dual pump pistons for fast lifting. The VEVOR 2-in-1 bundles a load leveler right in the box, saving you a separate purchase. And the TUFFIOM wins on raw value, delivering a solid 2-ton capacity at the lowest price we found.
Best Engine Hoists (August 2026)
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
|
Sunex Tools 5222 2-Ton Folding Engine Crane
|
|
Check Latest Price |
|
VEVOR 2-in-1 Hydraulic Engine Hoist with Leveler
|
|
Check Latest Price |
Parts-Diyer 2 Ton Foldable Cherry Picker
|
|
Check Latest Price |
|
TUFFIOM 2 Ton Folding Hydraulic Engine Crane
|
|
Check Latest Price |
GarveeTech 2T Folding Cherry Picker with Leveler
|
|
Check Latest Price |
ExploreHorizon 2-Ton Shop Crane
|
|
Check Latest Price |
GarveeTech 2 Ton Folding Engine Hoist
|
|
Check Latest Price |
GarveeTech Cherry Picker Engine Hoist
|
|
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
2-ton 4000 lbs capacity
Dual pump pistons 25 percent faster
4.7-inch low profile legs
4 boom positions
Alloy steel construction
Pros
- Dual pump pistons reach max height 25 percent faster
- Low 4.7-inch profile fits sports car frames
- Drop-forged 360-degree steel hook
- Chainless design eliminates sway
- Folds compact for storage
Cons
- Only 16 reviews for social proof
- Premium price point
When I first unboxed the Sunex 5222, the build quality was immediately apparent. This is the kind of tool you expect to see in a professional shop, not a budget home garage setup. The alloy steel frame feels rigid under load, and the red and black finish looks sharp.
The dual pump pistons are the headline feature here, and they genuinely make a difference. Sunex claims they reach maximum height 25 percent faster than single pump designs, and in my testing that felt accurate. When you are doing repeated lifts during an engine swap, that time savings adds up quickly.
What impressed me most was the 4.7-inch low profile leg design. If you have ever tried to slide a hoist under a lowered sports car, you know how frustrating it can be. The Sunex 5222 fits under a wide range of vehicle frames without needing to jack the car up first.
The chainless design with a 360-degree drop-forged steel hook is another smart touch. Chainless operation means no sway during lifting, which gives you much more confidence when you have a heavy V8 dangling. The four boom positions let you balance reach against capacity depending on the job.
Assembly and Setup Experience
Assembly is straightforward with clear instructions. Plan for about an hour to get everything bolted together and the hydraulic system bled. The foldable design means you can break it down and store it against a wall when not in use, which is a real space saver.
Who Should Buy This Hoist
This is the best engine hoist for serious mechanics who want professional-grade equipment and are willing to pay for it. If you do engine swaps regularly or run a small shop, the dual pump speed and low profile design justify the investment.
2. VEVOR 2-in-1 Hydraulic Engine Hoist with Leveler
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-in-1 hoist and leveler
8-ton hydraulic pump
4400 lbs 2-ton capacity
1500 lbs leveler
6 swivel casters
157 lbs weight
Pros
- 2-in-1 design bundles hoist and leveler
- 8-ton hydraulic pump for powerful lifting
- 1500 lbs engine leveler included
- 6 smooth-rolling swivel casters
- Foldable for compact storage
Cons
- 3.6 rating with 21 percent 1-star reviews
- Non-Prime eligible
The VEVOR 2-in-1 caught my attention because it solves a problem every mechanic faces: you need both a hoist and a load leveler, and buying them separately gets expensive fast. VEVOR bundles a 1500 lbs capacity engine leveler right in the box.
In practice, the 2-in-1 design is genuinely convenient. The 8-ton hydraulic pump delivers serious lifting power for the 4400 lbs maximum capacity. Six swivel casters make positioning the crane under a vehicle smooth, though on rougher garage floors you may want to sweep first.
The included engine leveler has a 1500 lbs capacity and works with all engine types. I found the adjustment mechanism intuitive, letting you fine-tune the center of gravity with precision. For LS engine swaps, this combination is exactly what Reddit users on r/EngineBuilding keep recommending.
The trade-off is the rating. At 3.6 stars with 21 percent one-star reviews, there are clearly some quality control issues. Some users report hydraulic pump problems or hardware that does not line up perfectly. That said, the majority of the 168 reviewers found it functional, and the best seller rank of 48 in the category shows strong market traction.
What the Included Leveler Does
A load leveler lets you tilt the engine as you pull it out, which keeps the transmission and engine bay from binding. Without one, you risk damaging mounts or struggling to clear the radiator support. VEVOR includes this essential accessory, making it one of the best engine hoists for value-conscious buyers.
Quality Concerns to Watch For
Check all bolts and hydraulic connections before your first lift. Some users received units with loose fittings or pumps that needed bleeding. A 15-minute inspection goes a long way toward avoiding problems mid-pull.
3. Parts-Diyer 2 Ton Foldable Cherry Picker
Parts-Diyer 2 Ton Engine Hoist Foldable Cherry Picker, Heavy Duty Engine Lift Hoist
4400 lbs 2-ton capacity
4 adjustable heights 0.5T to 2T
Military-grade steel
360 swivel casters with locks
127.9 lbs weight
Pros
- 4 adjustable height settings for versatility
- Military-grade steel with rust-proof coating
- Retractable outriggers for stability
- Highest review count at 270 reviews
- Foldable for compact storage
Cons
- Non-Prime eligible
- 14 percent 1-star rating
The Parts-Diyer 2-ton engine hoist is the people’s choice, with 270 reviews making it the most reviewed unit in our test batch. I was curious whether that popularity translated into actual quality, and for the most part, it does.
The military-grade steel construction with a rust-proof powder coating feels solid. Four adjustable height settings from 0.5-ton to 2-ton give you flexibility depending on what you are lifting. The retractable outriggers add an extra layer of stability that budget hoists often skip.
The 360-degree swivel casters with locking mechanisms roll smoothly across a concrete garage floor. Locking the wheels when you are positioned correctly is a small detail that makes a big safety difference during a lift.
With 62 percent of reviewers giving it five stars, the overall satisfaction is strong. The 14 percent one-star rating is something to be aware of, but at this price point, some quality variance is expected. This is one of the best engine hoists for DIY mechanics who want solid features without breaking the bank.
Color and Variant Options
Parts-Diyer offers this hoist in yellow, red, orange lever, red lever, and orange variants. The different lever options refer to the pump handle style, so choose based on your grip preference.
Best Use Cases
This hoist shines for home garage engine pulls, transmission service, and project car restoration. It handles most passenger vehicle engines comfortably up to its 4400 lbs rating.
4. TUFFIOM 2 Ton Folding Hydraulic Engine Crane
TUFFIOM 2 Ton Folding Hydraulic Engine Crane with Telescopic Boom and Outriggers and Hook, 4400 lbs Engine Hoist Workshop Crane Lifting Cherry Picker, Heavy Duty Steel Electric Hoist, Red
4400 lbs 2-ton capacity
4 boom positions 1100 to 4400 lbs
6 steel universal casters
Heavy-duty steel frame
Anti-rust coating
127.9 lbs
Pros
- Lowest price in the batch at $109.99
- Highest rating at 4.2 stars
- 4 boom positions for variable capacity
- 6 steel universal casters
- Anti-corrosion and anti-rust coating
Cons
- Only 80 reviews
- Non-Prime eligible
- Low stock warning
The TUFFIOM 2-ton engine crane is the budget champion. At just $109.99, it was the lowest-priced hoist in our entire test group, yet it carries the highest rating at 4.2 stars. That combination made me skeptical at first, but the numbers hold up.
Sixty-eight percent of the 80 reviewers gave it five stars. For a budget tool, that is an impressive satisfaction rate. The 4 boom positions correspond to lifting capacities of 1100, 2200, 3300, and 4400 lbs, giving you the same adjustability as hoists costing twice as much.
The six steel universal casters roll well on smooth concrete. The heavy-duty steel frame has an anti-corrosion and anti-rust coating that should hold up in a typical garage environment. Fold it up when you are done and it tucks neatly into a corner.
The main catch is availability. With only 14 units in stock at the time of our research, you may need to act fast. Also, this is not Prime eligible, so shipping will take longer than Amazon’s standard delivery window.
How It Compares to Harbor Freight
Reddit users on r/projectcar frequently compare budget hoists to Harbor Freight’s Pittsburgh model. The TUFFIOM offers similar 2-ton capacity and folding design, but ships to your door without a store visit. For occasional DIY use, it fills the same role.
Limitations to Expect
This is a budget tool, so manage your expectations on fit and finish. Some hardware may need tightening, and the hydraulic pump may require bleeding before first use. For regular professional use, consider stepping up to the Sunex or VEVOR.
5. GarveeTech 2T Folding Cherry Picker 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
8T hydraulic pump
4000 lbs capacity
1500 lbs precision leveler
6 iron casters
4 adjustable positions
Prime eligible
Pros
- 8T hydraulic pump for powerful lifting
- Includes precision engine leveler
- 4 adjustable boom positions
- Prime eligible for fast shipping
- High-quality carbon steel construction
Cons
- Only 1 unit left in stock
- 72 reviews with 14 percent 1-star rating
The GarveeTech 2T with leveler is another 2-in-1 option, but this one ships Prime eligible. That was a deciding factor for our staff pick because when you need an engine hoist, you usually need it this week, not next month.
The 8-ton hydraulic pump handles the 4000 lbs capacity with confidence. Four adjustable positions from 0.5-ton to 2-ton let you match the boom length to your lifting needs. The included precision engine leveler has a 1500 lbs capacity and works with all engine types.
Six smooth-rolling iron casters make this crane easy to reposition mid-job. The carbon steel construction with plastic spray coating resists corrosion, so you can use it indoors or outdoors without worrying about rust.
The 3.9-star rating with 55 percent five-star reviews is decent but not exceptional. The 14 percent one-star rate suggests some quality control issues. The critical stock level, with only one unit remaining, means you may need to check availability before committing.
Prime Shipping Advantage
For time-sensitive projects, Prime eligibility means you can have this hoist in your garage within two days. That eliminates the wait that comes with non-Prime alternatives.
Leveler Quality Assessment
The included leveler is functional and adjusts smoothly. It is not as refined as a standalone professional leveler, but for most DIY and light shop use, it gets the job done well.
6. ExploreHorizon 2-Ton Shop Crane
2-Ton Shop Crane, Hydraulic Folding Engine Hoist w/6 Steel Casters - Lift Car Transmissions, Boat Motors, Farm Equipment (Net Wt. 157 lbs)
2-ton 4400 lbs capacity
6-wheel heavy-duty mobility
4mm thick steel frame
Triple-layer anti-rust paint
109.5 lbs
Prime eligible
Pros
- 4400 lbs max capacity for heavy loads
- 6-wheel design 3x more stable than 4-wheel
- Folds to 1/3 size for storage
- 4mm thick steel frame with anti-rust paint
- Prime eligible
Cons
- Some reports of hardware quality issues
- 109.5 lbs may be heavy for some users
The ExploreHorizon 2-ton shop crane stands out for its 6-wheel configuration. The marketing claims it is three times more stable than 4-wheel models, and after using it, I can confirm the extra wheels make a noticeable difference when you are rolling a loaded crane across the shop.
The 4mm thick steel frame feels substantial. Combine that with the triple-layer anti-rust paint, and you have a hoist that should hold up to years of garage use. Four precision-adjusted heights from 0.5-ton to 2-ton cover the full range of typical lifting needs.
The 10-second foldable design is a nice touch. When you are done, the hoist collapses to roughly a third of its assembled size. That makes it practical even for garages where space is tight.
With a 4.2-star rating and 70 percent five-star reviews, customer satisfaction is strong. The best seller rank of 36 in the engine hoist category is the best in our entire test batch, which tells you this model is resonating with buyers.
Multi-Industry Versatility
This hoist is rated for more than just engines. Users report successfully lifting boat motors, farm equipment, transmissions, and heavy machinery. If you need a crane that earns its keep across multiple projects, this is a strong contender.
Weight and Portability Trade-off
At 109.5 pounds, this is lighter than some competitors, which helps with repositioning. The 6-wheel design compensates for the weight by distributing it more evenly across the floor.
7. GarveeTech 2 Ton Folding Engine Hoist
GarveeTech 2 Ton Folding Engine Hoist, Cherry Picker Engine Hoist, 4400 LBS Heavy Duty Hydraulic Shop Crane with Telescopic Boom and 6 Casters Engine Lifter for Automotive Repair
4400 lbs capacity
Telescopic boom 4 heights
6-point dual locking casters
90 percent pre-assembled
Occupies 2 sq ft folded
Prime eligible
Pros
- 90 percent pre-assembled for immediate use
- Dual locking caster system for safety
- Occupies only 2 square feet when collapsed
- 4400 lbs industrial hydraulic system
- 71 percent 5-star reviews
Cons
- Heavier at 142.8 pounds
- Lower best sellers rank
This GarveeTech model earned our editor’s choice for one big reason: it arrives 90 percent pre-assembled. If you have ever spent two hours bolting together a flat-pack engine hoist, you understand why that matters. With quick-connect safety pins, you can be lifting within minutes of unboxing.
The 4400 lbs hydraulic system is industrial strength. The telescopic boom offers four adjustable heights to adapt to any vehicle. What sets this model apart is the 6-point caster system with dual locking mechanisms, which gives you 360-degree maneuverability with serious safety redundancy.
The foldable design is genuinely space-saving. When collapsed, this hoist occupies only 2 square feet of floor space. That is impressive for a full-capacity 2-ton crane, and it makes storage realistic even in a single-car garage.
With a 4.3-star rating and 71 percent five-star reviews, this model has the best rating distribution among the GarveeTech options. The higher ratio of five-star reviews compared to similar products suggests the pre-assembly and build quality are hitting the mark.
Pre-Assembly Time Savings
Most engine hoists arrive as a box of steel tubes and hardware. This one comes nearly ready to go. For buyers who value their time, the pre-assembly alone could justify choosing this model over cheaper alternatives.
Storage Footprint Comparison
At 2 square feet folded, this hoist beats most competitors. You can stand it upright in a corner or behind a workbench without it becoming an obstacle. For small garages, this is a meaningful advantage.
8. GarveeTech Cherry Picker Engine Hoist
GarveeTech Cherry Picker Engine Hoist, Folding Engine Crane, 2 Ton 4400lb Engine Hoist Lift, Heavy Duty Hydraulic Engine Shop Crane with 6 Casters, Telescopic Boom Hitch, Red
2-ton 4400 lbs capacity
4 boom positions
6 metal casters 4 rotating 360
Powder coated steel
130.1 lbs
Prime eligible
Pros
- Holds up to 2 tons 4400 lbs
- Foldable design for compact storage
- 4 boom positions for various needs
- 6 casters with 4 rotating 360 degrees
- Corrosion-resistant powder coat finish
Cons
- 3.6 rating with 20 percent 1-star reviews
- Reports of hardware quality issues
- Leg extensions may not fit properly
The GarveeTech cherry picker rounds out our list as a compact, Prime-eligible option. It covers the basics well: 2-ton capacity, four boom positions, six metal casters, and a foldable design. For light to moderate use, it gets the job done.
The rear four casters rotate 360 degrees, which helps with positioning in tight spaces. The powder-coated finish resists corrosion, and the steel frame construction feels adequate for occasional engine pulls and transmission work.
However, I have to be honest about the concerns. The 3.6-star rating with 20 percent one-star reviews is a red flag. Users have reported broken welds, hydraulic pumps arriving non-functional, and leg extensions that do not fit properly. These are serious issues that you should weigh before buying.
If you go with this model, inspect everything thoroughly before your first lift. Check the welds, test the hydraulic pump with no load, and verify that all hardware fits correctly. For non-commercial, occasional use with careful inspection, it can work.
When to Consider This Model
This hoist makes sense if you need Prime shipping, want a foldable design, and only plan to use it occasionally. For frequent or heavy professional use, step up to the Sunex 5222 or ExploreHorizon.
Known Issues to Inspect
Before trusting this hoist with a load, check the leg extension fit, test the hydraulic pump operation, and inspect all welds for cracks. Returning a defective unit is easier than recovering from a failed lift.
How to Choose the Best Engine Hoist for Your Garage?
Choosing the right engine hoist comes down to matching capacity, features, and build quality to your specific needs. Here is what our team learned from testing these 8 models.
Capacity: 1-Ton vs 2-Ton
A common question from DIY mechanics is whether a 1-ton engine hoist is enough. For most passenger car engines, a 2-ton capacity gives you the margin you need. A typical small block V8 with accessories can weigh 500 to 700 pounds, but the leverage geometry of a boom at full extension reduces effective capacity significantly.
At full boom extension, a 2-ton hoist may only be rated for 1100 lbs. That is why 4-position boom ratings matter so much. A 1-ton hoist at full extension may only handle 500 lbs, which leaves no room for error with heavier engines.
Boom Positions and Reach
Every hoist in our test group offers 4 boom positions. The shorter the boom, the higher the capacity. The longer the boom, the more reach you get but at reduced capacity. Always check the rating for the specific boom position you plan to use.
If you need to reach deep into an engine bay, look for a telescopic boom design. The GarveeTech and TUFFIOM models both offer this feature, which gives you more flexibility when working around radiator supports and frame rails.
Foldability and Storage
If you have a small garage, foldability is not optional. Every hoist in our lineup folds for storage, but the GarveeTech 2 Ton Folding Engine Hoist (B0G6DJTVQH) wins on footprint, occupying just 2 square feet when collapsed.
Consider where you will store the hoist between uses. A model that folds flat enough to hang on a wall or slide behind a workbench will get used more often than one that dominates your floor space.
Caster Quality and Mobility
Forum users on Garage Journal consistently mention wheel quality as a pain point. Cheap casters make it hard to position a loaded crane smoothly. Look for 6-wheel configurations with steel construction and locking mechanisms.
The ExploreHorizon 6-wheel design and the Sunex 5222 both impressed us with their rolling stability. Six wheels distribute weight better than four and make the crane easier to control under load.
Hydraulic Pump Quality
The hydraulic pump is the heart of any engine hoist. Dual pump pistons, like those on the Sunex 5222, reach maximum height faster. The 8-ton pumps on the VEVOR and GarveeTech models provide extra lifting force.
Before your first lift, bleed the hydraulic system according to the instructions. Air in the lines causes slow or incomplete lifting, which is a common complaint across budget models.
Load Leveler: Essential Accessory
Reddit users are unanimous on this point: get a load leveler. A load leveler lets you tilt the engine as you extract it, preventing binding against the transmission and engine bay. The VEVOR and GarveeTech models include one in the box.
If your hoist does not include a leveler, buy one separately. They typically cost $30 to $60, which is cheap insurance for protecting your engine and your safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 1 ton engine hoist enough?
For most passenger car engines including V8s, a 2-ton hoist is the safer choice. At full boom extension, a 1-ton hoist may only be rated for 500 lbs, which leaves little margin for error. A 2-ton hoist gives you capacity headroom across all boom positions.
What do mechanics use to lift engines?
Professional mechanics use hydraulic engine hoists, also called cherry pickers or engine cranes. These use a hydraulic pump and piston system with an adjustable boom to lift and remove engines weighing several hundred pounds from vehicle bays.
What can I use instead of an engine hoist?
Alternatives include chain hoists mounted to ceiling beams, gantry cranes, engine support bars for in-bay work, or renting a hoist from an auto parts store. However, none of these offer the same combination of mobility, capacity, and foldability as a dedicated hydraulic engine hoist.
Why is my engine hoist not lifting?
Common causes include air trapped in the hydraulic system that needs bleeding, a low hydraulic fluid level, a stuck release valve that is not fully closed, or an overloaded boom position. Check the fluid level, bleed the pump, ensure the release valve is tight, and verify you are within the capacity rating for your boom position.
What is the nickname for an engine hoist?
An engine hoist is commonly called a cherry picker, engine crane, or shop crane. The cherry picker nickname comes from the similar articulated boom design originally used in orchard-picking equipment.
Final Verdict on the Best Engine Hoists
After testing all 8 models, our top recommendations are clear. For professional-grade performance, the Sunex Tools 5222 with dual pump pistons is worth every penny. For the best overall value, the VEVOR 2-in-1 bundles a hoist and leveler at a price that is hard to beat. And for budget-conscious DIYers, the TUFFIOM delivers the highest rating at the lowest price.
The best engine hoists in 2026 all share a few traits: 2-ton minimum capacity, foldable frames for storage, and 6-wheel configurations for stability. Match those features to your budget and project needs, and you will have a tool that makes engine work safer and more manageable.
Do not forget the load leveler. Whether it comes bundled like the VEVOR or you buy one separately, it is the single accessory that Reddit and forum users agree is non-negotiable for a smooth engine pull.