8 Best Engine Hoist | No Garage? No Problem, Fold It Flat

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The cherry picker that gets to full height quickly and fits under a Miata.

This is the one you buy when you are done with wobbly casters and vague instructions. The dual pump pistons (two hydraulic cylinders that work together) reach max height quickly, so you are not standing there pumping like a gas-station tire inflator. That speed matters when you are under a deadline on a transmission swap.

The low-profile legs measure just 4.7 inches, which means it slides under low-slung sports cars and sedans that leave other hoists sitting outside the frame rails. The drop-forged steel hook swivels 360 degrees, and the chainless design keeps the load from swaying during the lift — a real safety edge when you are wiggling a V8 out of an engine bay. Buyers call it the best cherry picker they have ever owned, and one reviewer pulled a motor and transmission in one shot before early afternoon. Compared to the GarveeTech, the Sunex is faster to operate but lighter in total heft.

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At 142.8 pounds of steel, this is the hoist that laughs at a loaded transmission.

Weighing 142.8 pounds, this is the heaviest mid-range hoist in the lineup — and that heft translates directly into stability. The telescopic boom (a boom that extends outward) with four adjustable heights lets you dial in the perfect reach for anything from a sedan to a lifted pickup, allowing for faster installation. The 6-point caster system with dual locking mechanisms rolls across concrete and epoxy floors without wobble.

One buyer used the 2-ton (4,400-pound) setting to suspend an EJ205 Subaru engine (a common 2.0-liter turbo engine) in mid-air for days — and reported zero problems. That testimonial tells you the hydraulic ram and frame can handle sustained loads, not just quick lifts. The unit arrives 90% pre-assembled with quick-connect safety pins, so you can start lifting sooner than most competitors. Unlike the lighter ExploreHorizon crane (109.5 pounds), the GarveeTech feels planted under full load. Its heft makes it less portable than the BLUEIAN for truck-bed transport.

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A 6,500-pound rated hoist that includes a load leveler — no second purchase needed.

Most hoists at this price leave you buying a load leveler separately, but the BLUEIAN includes a 2,500-pound-rated leveler (a tool that lets you tilt the engine for easier installation) right in the box. That leveler lets you tilt the engine exactly where you need it during installation, saving a trip to the parts store. The maximum lift height hits 114 inches (90 inches with the leveler attached), so you can clear tall engine bays, and the adjustable boom spans 30 to 50 inches with four positions from 0.5 to 2 tons.

At 117 pounds, it is lighter than the Sunex and GarveeTech options, but the 8-ton hydraulic long ram jack provides smooth lifting power. The folding design collapses to 27.5 x 20 inches — small enough to toss in a truck bed for mobile repairs. One buyer mentioned the seller is responsive and backs their products, which matters when you get a hoist with a missing handle or bolts. Unlike the MOTOOS, which had mismatched parts, BLUEIAN provides a step-by-step assembly video and 12-hour customer support.

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Successfully pulled a 5.7L Hemi — which is more load than most garages will ever throw at it.

With 270 ratings, this is the most-reviewed hoist in the lineup, and that crowd-sourced data tells you a lot. One customer observed pulling a 5.7L Hemi engine (a heavy cast-iron V8 from Dodge/Ram) without issues — that is a heavy cast-iron V8 that pushes the hoist’s limits at the short boom setting. The retractable outriggers (stabilizer bars that extend outward) and streamlined base keep the center of gravity low, and the 360-degree swivel casters with locking mechanisms prevent drift during critical lifts.

The folding design collapses to 51.1 x 23.2 x 7.59 inches, making it easy to lean against a wall. At 127.9 pounds, it is heavier than the ExploreHorizon (109.5 pounds) but lighter than the GarveeTech — a solid middle ground. However, multiple buyers mention unclear instructions and occasional missing parts, and one unit arrived with a bent frame that left a wheel off the ground. The upside: the company’s online customer service is reportedly excellent at shipping replacements.

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Buyers report it has longer legs for better stability — a key advantage over shorter frames.

The ExploreHorizon crane measures 64.17 x 40.16 x 58.07 inches, giving it a wider stance than the Parts-Diyer at 51.1 inches long. That extra footprint, combined with 6 steel casters (dual swivels plus central locking), provides noticeably better stability when you are lifting a heavy transmission or farm tractor engine. One owner specifically mentioned the longer legs as the reason he could lift engines safely without wobble.

The 4mm thick steel frame with triple-layer anti-rust paint is designed to survive humid garages and outdoor job sites. The folding design collapses to one-third of its size for storage. However, at 109.5 pounds, it weighs 109.5 pounds versus the GarveeTech’s 142.8 pounds — a trade-off between portability and heft. One reviewer called it “China junk” after a late delivery and poor quality, so there is some variance in build.

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At 150 pounds, this is the heaviest hoist in the lineup — and it feels bombproof.

Tip the scales at 150 pounds and you get a hoist that absorbs vibration and stays planted on greasy concrete. The alloy steel frame has a glossy corrosion-resistant powder coat that wipes clean with a damp cloth. The 8-ton ram hydraulic cylinder (the pump mechanism, overbuilt for a 2-ton hoist) gives you years of reliable lifting without seal fatigue. Six swivel wheels provide 360-degree maneuverability even in cramped workshop aisles.

One buyer used it to lift an 800-pound piece of machinery without a sweat and also to load an antique cider press into a Tacoma. That versatility — from engine pulls to general heavy lifting — is the Goplus’s real strength. The folding design saves floor space, and the company’s customer support is responsive if a part goes missing. However, some units arrived with bent base legs from rough shipping, and the instruction manual’s pictures are washed out, making assembly a two-person job.

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The lightest 2-ton hoist at 101.4 pounds — easy to move, but wheels will be the first failure.

At 101.4 pounds, the MOTOOS is the lightest 2-ton hoist here, which makes it the easiest to roll around a home garage. The 4 adjustable boom positions (1,100 to 4,400 pounds) cover gas engines and smaller diesels. The hydraulic lifting mechanism saves your back, and the powder-coated anti-rust finish lets you use it indoors or outdoors without rust worry.

The trade-off shows in the small parts. Multiple owners mention that the caster wheels are the weak link — four of six needed replacement on one unit. The instruction sheet is essentially unreadable, and the boom extension holes may be slightly mismatched (though functional). Still, one reviewer called it flawless and noted it arrived early without a scratch. Unlike the Sunex with its premium dual-pump system, the MOTOOS uses a standard single-stage ram, so expect more pumping to reach full height. It is the clear choice if your wallet is thin and your jobs are occasional.