Engine Hoist Question

[Johnatthebox]

I'm making my own engine hoist out of parts I salvaged and its come time to mount the hydraulic ram. The ram I'm using is long enough that I could mount it any way I wsnted- which way will make it the strongest? (see pic.) They all kind of make sense for different reasons(in my head)

** I know, I know, Im not a gifted illustrator, but you get the idea anyway....

 

[Grumpy]

read this

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/fabricate-shop-crane.8789/
https://www.harborfreight.com/2-ton-capacity-foldable-shop-crane-69514.html

 

[Grumpy]

personally Id build using telescoping 2.75"- 3"-3.5" sq box D.O.M. tube with a 0.250 or at least 3/16" inch wall, thickness.
yes its heavy, but its far less likely to bend than the 0.125" wall tube many guys use,
personally confirm that the 3" tube slides inside the outer tube
you can learn a great deal if you personally visit your local commercial metal supply
and tell them exactly what your planning to build with a diagram,
with carefully thought out dimensions accurately listed.
take the time too talk with the tech guys and ask questions
BE AWARE A PROPERLY DESIGNED AND BUILT ENGINE CRANE
IS VERY LIKELY TO COST AS MUCH OR MORE,
THAN THE COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE ENGINE CRANES
BUT ITS VERY LIKELY TO BE SIGNIFICANTLY STRONGER
http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...ine-leveler-and-swivel-hook.16160/#post-97570

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/most-versital-shop-welder.1594/
one more in an endless list of reasons to own a decent MIG or TIG welder

 

[Johnatthebox]

im building this one out of the parts of two hoists that were being scrapped. I just have to mount the ram, and was thinking of how to place the mounts for the most lifting advantage...

 

[Grumpy]

most car engines weight in the 500lbs-800 lbs range, you typically use a 8000 lb rated hydraulic cylinder,
thus the leverage point could easily be about 5.5:1-6:1 to one, you want a hedge factor for safety,
so if the booms lets say 7-8 ft long the cylinder lift point on the booms at about,
18"-20" out from the hinge on the boom, or put differently, the hydraulic cylinder base should be mounted,
as high as practicable on the vertical support, that still allows the boom extended,
with the cylinder compressed fully, to extend out,
within about 12" of the outer support leg wheels,
to dip to within 2 feet of the floor between the legs,
and the boom tip fully extended, and the cylinder fully extended, at full lift, should easily exceed 76 -80"" MINIMUM

 

[Johnatthebox]

Wow.....I dare anyone to provide a more thorough answer than you do.
I totally appreciate it
Thanks again