How to Pick an Engine Hoist That Won’t Buckle Under Load
The Torin Big Red T32002X is the best all-round two ton folding engine hoist for a home garage. The Sunex 5220 suits frequent professional use with heavier steel, and the Goplus 2 Ton Folding Engine Hoist covers a single engine swap at the lowest cost.
Most home garages do best with the Torin Big Red T32002X, while the Sunex 5220 suits anyone pulling engines often enough to justify shop-grade steel. The Goplus 2 Ton Folding Engine Hoist covers a single weekend swap without overspending.
Headline tonnage hides the real story, since every hoist loses most of its rated capacity as the boom extends, and the number on the sticker applies only at the shortest setting. We ranked these on published capacity tables at each boom hole, ram and pump quality, caster size for rolling across a rough slab, folded storage size, and what owners report about assembly and long-term seal life.
The shortlist, ranked
Torin Big Red T32002X 2 Ton Folding Engine Hoist
Two tons of rated capacity at the shortest boom position puts the T32002X in most home mechanics’ garages, backed by a six-position boom and a frame that folds flat against a wall. An eight ton ram delivers a controlled lift, and the release valve feathers smoothly. Assembly takes about an hour with a helper.
Pros
- Folds down to a genuinely storable footprint
- Six boom positions cover most engine bays
- Smooth, controllable release valve
Cons
- Small front casters struggle on cracked concrete
- Capacity drops to a quarter ton at full extension
Sunex 5220 2 Ton Engine Crane
Shop use rather than occasional weekends drove Sunex’s design choices here, from heavier gauge steel to larger casters and a pump built for repeated cycles. It rolls noticeably better across an imperfect slab than budget rivals, which matters when steering a loaded boom. Extra weight and a larger folded footprint are the tradeoffs.
Pros
- Heavier steel and better welds than budget hoists
- Larger casters roll over slab cracks
- Pump holds pressure reliably over time
Cons
- Heavy and awkward to reposition alone
- Folded footprint runs larger than the Torin
Goplus 2 Ton Folding Engine Hoist
A single engine pull is where the Goplus earns its keep, covering the job at a lower outlay than established brands. It folds, offers the usual multi-position boom, and lifts smoothly enough while new. Owners report finish and hardware quality sitting a step below Torin and Sunex, better suited to occasional use than a working shop.
Pros
- Lowest outlay for a full two ton hoist
- Folds for storage in a single-bay garage
- Adequate for a one-off engine swap
Cons
- Hardware and finish quality trail premium rivals
- Some owners report ram seal weep over time
Dragway Tools 2 Ton Engine Hoist
Longer legs on the Dragway give more reach under a wide truck or a car sitting on stands, solving the exact problem that stops shorter hoists getting the boom over the engine. A conventional two ton design with a six-position boom handles the lift itself. Extra leg length does demand more clear floor space in front of the vehicle.
Pros
- Longer legs reach under wide vehicles
- Six boom positions for fine reach control
- Solid value for the rated capacity
Cons
- Needs more clear floor space to maneuver
- Casters run small for the frame length
VEVOR 2 Ton Foldable Engine Hoist Cherry Picker
Price is where VEVOR competes hardest, still delivering a functional two ton folding crane with a multi-position boom. Powder coating and hardware stay basic, and instructions read like translated diagrams, so plan extra assembly time. A hobbyist pulling one motor a year gets full use out of it.
Pros
- Lowest cost route to two ton capacity
- Folds down for wall storage
- Includes basic chain and hook
Cons
- Assembly instructions read poorly
- Coating chips easily under normal shop use
Torin Big Red T32001 1 Ton Engine Hoist
A one ton version of the familiar Big Red design fits four-cylinder engines, transmissions, outboards, and shop lifting where two tons is simply more crane than the space allows. Its smaller frame stores and steers more easily in a tight single-car garage. Stretching it toward a cast-iron V8 with accessories attached is not the intended use.
Pros
- Smaller and easier to store than two ton hoists
- Plenty for four-cylinder engines and gearboxes
- Lighter to reposition by hand
Cons
- Not enough capacity for large V8 assemblies
- Shorter boom reach limits deep engine bays
JEGS 80040 2 Ton Engine Hoist
Enthusiast buyers get the attention to detail here, from boom pin fit to finish quality that beats generic imports. A conventional two ton folding crane design includes a good working height for tall engine and transmission assemblies. Stock availability fluctuating is the main practical drawback.
Pros
- Good boom pin fit and finish for the class
- Generous maximum lift height
- Backed by an enthusiast-focused brand
Cons
- Stock availability comes and goes
- Priced above generic two ton hoists
How they stack up
| # | Model | Rated capacity | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Torin Big Red T32002X 2 Ton Folding Engine Hoist | 2 tons at shortest boom | Best overall | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Sunex 5220 2 Ton Engine Crane | 2 tons | Best for heavy use | 9.2 | Check price |
| 3 | Goplus 2 Ton Folding Engine Hoist | 2 tons at shortest boom | Best value | 9.0 | Check price |
| 4 | Dragway Tools 2 Ton Engine Hoist | 2 tons | Best for wide vehicles | 8.8 | Check price |
| 5 | VEVOR 2 Ton Foldable Engine Hoist Cherry Picker | 2 tons at shortest boom | Best budget | 8.6 | Check price |
| 6 | Torin Big Red T32001 1 Ton Engine Hoist | 1 ton at shortest boom | Best for small engines | 8.3 | Check price |
| 7 | JEGS 80040 2 Ton Engine Hoist | 2 tons | Best for hot rod builds | 8.0 | Check price |
Before you buy
Why the sticker’s tonnage only applies at the shortest boom Every engine crane ships with a capacity table, typically something like two tons fully retracted, one and a half tons at the second hole, one ton at the third, and half a ton or less at full extension. That last figure is the one that matters when reaching over a wide truck fender. Buying a two ton hoist to lift a 700 pound engine is not overkill, it is what leaves margin at a useful boom extension.
How much do casters and floor surface matter? Steering a loaded hoist happens entirely by hand, and small hard casters stop dead at every expansion joint or crack in a garage slab. Larger diameter casters, especially up front, change how controllable the crane feels with an engine swinging beneath it. Rough or sloped slabs make caster size worth prioritizing over almost any other feature.
Best engine hoist for a home garage vs a working shop A home garage doing one or two swaps a year gets more value from a folding hoist that stores against a wall, like the Torin T32002X. A shop pulling engines weekly needs the heavier steel and larger casters that Sunex builds in, even at the cost of a bigger folded footprint. Matching the hoist to how often it actually gets used avoids overspending or under-buying.
What else does the job need besides the crane? An engine leveler tilts the load on the chain so the transmission bell housing angles into place, and pulling a motor without one turns into a wrestling match. Hydraulic rams also weep and lose pressure with age, so cycle the ram through its full stroke with no load before each job and watch for drift. Replace seals or the ram itself before putting an engine on it if the boom sinks under its own weight.
Frequently asked questions
What capacity engine hoist do I need?
A two ton hoist is the standard choice for car and light truck engines, since it keeps useful capacity at extended boom positions. One ton models suit four-cylinder engines, transmissions, and general shop lifting.
Why does capacity drop as the boom extends?
Extending the boom increases the leverage acting on the mast and base, so the safe load falls to keep stress within the frame’s limits. The manufacturer’s table lists the exact rating at each pin hole.
Do I need a load leveler as well?
For engine and transmission work, effectively yes. A leveler lets you tilt the assembly to clear the firewall and align the bell housing, which is difficult to do safely with a fixed chain.
Can one person use an engine hoist alone?
Lifting alone is possible, but steering a loaded crane and guiding an engine at the same time gets awkward and risky. Most owners recommend a second person for the actual removal or installation.
Is a folding hoist less sturdy than a fixed one?
Modern folding designs from established brands carry the same rating as fixed ones and use pinned joints that stay strong in use. The tradeoff is a few extra minutes of setup, not reduced safety.
How much floor space does an engine hoist need?
Plan for the legs to extend several feet in front of the vehicle plus room to walk around the boom. A cramped single-car garage usually needs the vehicle moved forward or the hoist approached from the side.
What maintenance does the hydraulic ram need?
Keep it clean, store it with the ram retracted, top up hydraulic fluid as specified, and bleed air if the lift feels spongy. Replace seals as soon as the boom starts drifting down under load.
Can an engine hoist lift things other than engines?
Yes, they commonly lift gearboxes, differentials, outboard motors, machinery, and other awkward heavy items. Stay within the rated capacity for the boom position actually in use.
Torin T32002X vs Sunex 5220: which one for a home garage?
The Torin folds smaller and costs less, fitting occasional home use well. The Sunex justifies its bulk and price with heavier steel and larger casters once engines come out several times a year.
The verdict
The Torin Big Red T32002X remains the sensible default for a home garage, combining a genuine two ton rating, six boom positions, and a frame that folds away when the job ends. Step up to the Sunex 5220 once engines come out often enough to justify shop-grade steel, and choose the Goplus 2 Ton if this is a single swap before the crane gets sold on.
