Best Engine Hoist in 2027

The Garvee 2 ton engine hoist leads our ranking. It lifts up to 4400 lb, tied for the highest on this page, using a high-strength steel frame and an 8 ton hydraulic pump, which gives plenty of margin for car and light truck engines with transmissions attached.

Its main advantage is that it combines a crane and an engine leveler in one kit. A leveler lets you tilt the engine as it comes out of the bay, which is often the hardest part of an engine pull, so you do not need to buy one separately. The boom has four positions, rated at 1/2, 1, 1.5 and 2 tons, and capacity drops as you extend it.

It folds for storage, with a folded length of 51.18 in, the shortest on this page, and six casters help move it around the shop. At 101.41 lb it is manageable for one person to roll. For DIYers doing their first engine swap, it is the most complete package here.

Second in our ranking, this Maxsa Innovations hoist lifts up to 4400 lb and uses a smooth hydraulic pump with four marked boom positions rated at 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 tons. At 100 lb it is the lightest hoist on this page, which helps when you move it around a small garage.

Six steel casters swivel and lock, so you can roll the crane between garage bays and park it securely while lifting. It folds without tools for compact storage along a wall or in a service vehicle, though its folded length of 64.17 in is the longest here.

Maxsa lists a 4 mm steel frame with a triple-layer anti-rust coating, built for auto shop, farm and warehouse work. It does not include an engine leveler, so plan to buy one. Several Maxsa hoists appear on this page with similar specs. For home mechanics who want a light, mobile hoist, it is a good choice.

The yellow Maxsa Innovations hoist ranks third. It shares the 4400 lb capacity and four boom positions of 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 tons, and Maxsa lists it for engines, transmissions and heavy equipment in garages and workshops.

Six heavy-duty 360° swivel casters move it across concrete floors and uneven workshop surfaces. Lower boom settings give more lifting capacity, while extended settings reach further into the engine bay with less capacity, so choose the shortest position that reaches your lift point.

It folds to a compact unit with a folded length of 61 in, but at 145.51 lb it is much heavier than the 100 lb Maxsa model. That extra weight can add stability when lifting. No engine leveler is listed. For users who want a heavier, steadier frame, it is a sound option. Use rated chains or a load leveler, keep the engine low while rolling, and never work under a suspended engine. Check the hydraulic ram for leaks before each use.

Fourth in our ranking, this Maxsa Innovations 2 ton hydraulic hoist lists a 4-position telescopic boom with reach from 38 to 57 in, the only reach figure on this page. Reach matters when you must lift an engine from deep in a truck or SUV engine bay.

It lifts up to 4400 lb with a reinforced steel frame, and Maxsa says it folds flat without disassembly to free up to 60 percent of floor space, with a folded length of 53.54 in. Six heavy-duty swivel casters, two of them locking, keep it stable.

At 147.71 lb it is the heaviest hoist on this page, and no engine leveler is listed. Maxsa lists it for sedans, SUVs and light trucks. For mechanics who need to reach far into larger engine bays, it is the best pick. Set the boom to the shortest position that reaches, keep the load low while moving, and use rated chains or a leveler.

The orange Maxsa Innovations hoist completes our top five. It lifts up to 4000 lb using a high-strength steel frame and an 8 ton hydraulic jack, slightly less than the 4400 lb models but still plenty for most engine swaps.

Its main extra is an integrated engine leveler rated at 1500 lb, with adjustable chains and a crank handle, so you can tilt the engine precisely for removal and installation without damaging mounts or the bay. A fully adjustable telescopic boom with four lift points adds reach.

Six 360° swivel casters lock for safe placement, and it folds to 51.97 in long. At 127.87 lb it sits in the middle for weight. For buyers who want a leveler included and do not need the full 4400 lb rating, it is good value. Attach the leveler to the engine's lift points with the supplied chains, raise slowly, and adjust the tilt with the crank until the engine clears the bay. Keep the load low when rolling.