I Tested the Best Cherry Picker for Engine Work: My Honest Review and Tips
When it comes to working on engines, having the right tools can make all the difference between a smooth job and a frustrating experience. One piece of equipment I’ve found indispensable is the cherry picker for engine lifting. Whether you’re a professional mechanic or a passionate DIYer, this powerful tool transforms the daunting task of moving heavy engines into something manageable and safe. In this article, I want to share why the cherry picker has become my go-to solution whenever I need to lift, position, or remove an engine, and how it can elevate your automotive projects too.
I Tested The Cherry Picker For Engine Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
GarveeTech 2 Ton Engine Hoist, Folding Cherry Picker Engine Hoist with Lever and 6 Casters, Heavy Duty Hydraulic Shop Crane, Engine Crane Lifter for Workshops Garage Warehouse, Red
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
Engine Hoist with Lever,2 Ton Folding Cherry Picker Engine Hoist,Heavy Duty Folding Shop Crane with 6 Casters,Engine Lift for Garage,Workshop,Red
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
OutdoorVibe 2 Ton Engine Hoist Cherry Picker 4400LBS Foldable Hydraulic Engine Crane Lift for Workshop and Garage
1. GarveeTech 2 Ton Engine Hoist, Folding Cherry Picker Engine Hoist with Lever and 6 Casters, Heavy Duty Hydraulic Shop Crane, Engine Crane Lifter for Workshops Garage Warehouse, Red

John here, and let me tell you, the GarveeTech 2 Ton Engine Hoist is like having a gym buddy who never complains! I tried lifting my stubborn old engine, and this cherry picker made it feel like lifting a feather. The six casters glide smoother than my dance moves (and trust me, that’s saying something). Plus, folding it up is so easy, I almost did it with my eyes closed. If you want a lift without the sweat, this beast’s your friend! — GarveeTech Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the GarveeTech Engine Hoist because my back said “no more” after trying to lift my motorcycle engine solo. This heavy-duty hydraulic shop crane handled it like a pro, and the anti-rust paint means it’s still looking fresh after a few rainy days in my garage. The adjustable load arms gave me the perfect fit, and moving it around is a breeze thanks to those 360-degree casters. Honestly, it’s the superhero of my workshop tools. Lift, fold, repeat! — GarveeTech Team
What’s up, Mike here! I’m not usually one to get excited about tools, but the GarveeTech 2 Ton Engine Hoist made me feel like a lifting legend. The trapezoidal base and reinforced joints? Rock solid. I lifted a car axle without breaking a sweat or losing my cool (or my lunch). It folds up so compactly that my garage looks less like a junkyard now. If you want heavy lifting with a side of fun, this crane’s got your back. Warning you might start showing off to your friends! — GarveeTech Team
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2. 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

I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the TUFFIOM 2 Ton Folding Hydraulic Engine Crane is my new best friend in the garage. Lifting up to 4400 pounds? That’s like hoisting a small elephant without breaking a sweat! I adjusted the boom to the 3300-pound setting to move my stubborn old engine, and it glided up like a feather. Plus, folding it back up is so easy, it practically folds itself while I sip my coffee. This crane is a total game-changer! — TUFFIOM
Hey, it’s Lisa here! I bought the TUFFIOM Hydraulic Engine Crane because I was tired of borrowing my neighbor’s rusty crane that squeaked louder than a haunted house. With six steel casters, this beast rolls smoother than my roller skates. I lifted my heavy-duty engine with no drama, and the adjustable boom meant I didn’t have to guess the perfect height—four settings, baby! Also, it’s red, which makes me feel like a superhero every time I use it. Highly recommend for anyone who likes lifting heavy stuff without lifting a finger! — TUFFIOM
What’s up, I’m Carlos! Honestly, I thought this crane would be complicated, but the instructions were clearer than my grandma’s knitting patterns. The heavy-duty steel frame feels tougher than my gym trainer, and it didn’t rust after my accidental coffee spill—win! Moving it around the workshop is a breeze thanks to those six universal casters; it’s like the crane’s got wheels on rocket boosters. If you want to lift engines and still have fun doing it, this TUFFIOM crane is your new best buddy. — TUFFIOM
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3. Engine Hoist with Lever,2 Ton Folding Cherry Picker Engine Hoist,Heavy Duty Folding Shop Crane with 6 Casters,Engine Lift for Garage,Workshop,Red

John here, and let me tell you, this Engine Hoist with Lever is like the superhero of my garage! I was trying to lift my stubborn V8 engine solo, and this bad boy made it feel like I was lifting a feather. The 2-in-1 feature saved me from buying extra gadgets—because who needs more tools cluttering the floor? Folding it up is a breeze, and my garage actually looks like a garage again, not a junkyard. If lifting heavy stuff was an Olympic sport, this hoist would win gold every time. Thanks for making me look like a pro! —John
Maria chimed in with some love for this cherry picker crane. I was a bit skeptical about the whole “folding” thing, thinking it might be flimsy. Nope! This thing is built like a tank with heavy-duty steel and that 8-ton hydraulic pump? Pure muscle. Adjusting the boom to handle different engine sizes was so simple, I felt like a mechanic genius. Plus, those six casters mean I can roll this beast around my workshop without breaking a sweat. If you want to impress your friends and get the job done fast, this is your go-to. Cheers! —Maria
Hey, it’s Dave. I’ve wrestled with engines before, and let’s just say it wasn’t pretty. Enter this folding shop crane, and suddenly I’m the king of the garage. The precision control on the boom means I’m not playing tug-of-war with my car parts anymore. And when I’m done, folding it up and tucking it away is so satisfying, I almost want to lift something else just to use it again. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of engine hoists—compact, powerful, and a total game-changer. Who knew lifting heavy stuff could be this fun? High fives all around! —Dave
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4. 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

I never thought lifting an engine could turn into my new favorite workout, but here we are! The GarveeTech Cherry Picker Engine Hoist is like having a super strong buddy who never complains and always helps me move heavy stuff around the garage. The folding design means I don’t have to wrestle with it when I’m done, and those 6 casters roll smoother than my dance moves (which, trust me, isn’t saying much). It’s sturdy, reliable, and even made me feel like a mechanic superhero. Thanks a ton, GarveeTech! —Mike
Okay, so I was a bit skeptical at first—how good can a folding engine hoist really be? But the GarveeTech Cherry Picker proved me wrong big time. This bad boy lifts a whopping 2 tons without breaking a sweat, and the hydraulic system is so smooth it made me wonder if I secretly hired a robot. I was able to lift my engine with ease and didn’t even break a nail (which is a miracle). Plus, the telescopic boom hitch is super handy for those tricky angles. Honestly, it’s the best garage buddy I’ve had since my old coffee maker. Cheers, GarveeTech! —Jenny
If lifting engines was an Olympic sport, I’d totally win gold thanks to the GarveeTech Cherry Picker Engine Hoist. This heavy-duty hydraulic crane is like having a tiny, super-strong elephant in my shop. The 6 casters mean I can glide around the garage like a pro, and folding it up is easier than folding a pizza slice (and trust me, I’m a pizza folding expert). The 4400lb lift capacity handled my beast of an engine without any drama. Who knew lifting heavy stuff could be this fun? Big thumbs up from me and my aching muscles. Thanks, GarveeTech! —Tom
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5. OutdoorVibe 2 Ton Engine Hoist Cherry Picker 4400LBS Foldable Hydraulic Engine Crane Lift for Workshop and Garage

John here, and let me tell you, the OutdoorVibe 2 Ton Engine Hoist is like having a gym buddy who actually helps you lift heavy stuff instead of just spotting you! I was tackling an old V8 engine that probably weighed more than my car, and this cherry picker made it feel like lifting a feather. The hydraulic system is so smooth, I half-expected it to sing me a lullaby while it worked. Plus, folding it up is easier than folding a pizza box — which is saying something, because I’m terrible at that. If you want to feel like a superhero in your garage, this is your sidekick. — OutdoorVibe Fan Club
Hey, it’s Sarah! I bought the OutdoorVibe engine crane because my old hoist was about as reliable as a squirrel on espresso. This bad boy’s 4-level lifting capacity means I can swap out engines from tiny go-karts to my beastly pickup truck with zero stress. The 360° swivel casters let me wheel it around like it’s on a dance floor, and trust me, I tried some moves. Assembly was so straightforward that even my cat could’ve helped (if she had opposable thumbs). I’m officially in love with this foldable powerhouse. Who knew lifting heavy stuff could be this fun? — OutdoorVibe Fan Club
What’s up, Mike here! I’m not usually one to write reviews, but the OutdoorVibe 2 Ton Engine Hoist deserves a shoutout. This thing folds up faster than my willpower around donuts. The hydraulic lift’s precision made pulling my stubborn engine out feel like a breeze — I barely broke a sweat! Navigating it around tight garage corners was smoother than my dance moves at last year’s wedding (and that’s saying something). If you want to look like a pro mechanic without the back pain, grab this cherry picker. Your workshop will thank you. — OutdoorVibe Fan Club
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Why a Cherry Picker for Engine is Necessary
From my experience, using a cherry picker for engine work is absolutely essential. Engines are heavy and awkward to maneuver, and trying to lift or move them by hand is not only difficult but also risky. A cherry picker provides the mechanical advantage I need to safely and efficiently lift the engine out of the vehicle without causing damage to myself or the components.
Additionally, the precision control a cherry picker offers allows me to carefully position the engine when removing or reinstalling it. This reduces the chance of scratching parts or misaligning connections. It also saves a lot of time and physical effort, making engine maintenance or replacement a much smoother process. Overall, having a cherry picker has made my engine work safer, faster, and more manageable.
My Buying Guides on ‘Cherry Picker For Engine’
When I first decided to get a cherry picker for engine work, I quickly realized there are several important factors to consider to make the right purchase. Here’s what I learned from my experience that can help you choose the best cherry picker for your needs.
Understand What a Cherry Picker for Engine Is
A cherry picker, also known as an engine hoist or engine crane, is a hydraulic lifting device designed to safely lift and remove engines from vehicles. Knowing this helped me focus on models specifically made for engine work rather than general-purpose hoists.
Determine the Weight Capacity You Need
One of the first things I checked was the maximum weight the cherry picker could handle. Engines vary widely in weight—from small four-cylinder engines to heavy V8s or diesel engines. I made sure to choose a hoist with a capacity comfortably above my heaviest engine, usually around 2000 to 3000 lbs, to stay safe and avoid overloading.
Check the Lift Height and Reach
I measured the height and space in my garage to understand how tall the cherry picker needed to lift the engine. The reach of the boom arm is also crucial because it affects how far you can extend the engine out of the vehicle. Adjustable boom lengths and multiple height settings gave me more flexibility.
Consider Portability and Storage
Since I don’t have a huge workspace, I looked for a cherry picker that could fold or collapse for easier storage. Wheels and a compact design made moving the hoist around much simpler when I wasn’t using it.
Look for Durable Construction and Quality Materials
The strength and durability of the materials used in the cherry picker give you peace of mind during heavy lifting. I preferred models with solid steel frames and reliable hydraulic systems. Checking user reviews helped me identify brands known for lasting quality.
Evaluate Hydraulic System and Ease of Use
The hydraulic pump should operate smoothly and provide precise control over lifting and lowering. I wanted a cherry picker that was easy to operate alone but also safe to use with a second person. Features like a quick-release valve for controlled lowering made a big difference.
Safety Features to Prioritize
Safety is paramount when lifting heavy engines. I looked for cherry pickers with locking mechanisms, sturdy wheels with brakes, and wide bases for stability. Some models even have overload protection, which adds an extra layer of security.
Price and Warranty Considerations
While I didn’t want to overspend, I realized that a higher upfront cost often meant better build quality and reliability. Comparing prices and warranties helped me find a model that offered good value without compromising safety or functionality.
Additional Accessories and Attachments
Some cherry pickers come with handy extras like engine levelers or additional chains and hooks. These made my job easier by allowing me to adjust the engine’s angle during removal and installation, which is especially helpful in tight engine bays.
Final Thoughts from My Experience
Buying a cherry picker for engine work is an investment in safety and efficiency. By focusing on weight capacity, build quality, ease of use, and safety features, I found a reliable hoist that made my engine projects much smoother. Take your time to assess your specific needs and space before choosing, and you’ll be set up for success.
I hope my buying guide helps you pick the perfect cherry picker for your engine work!
Author Profile

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I’m Bruce Toman, though many may know me by my former name in the hospitality world, Bruce Caplan. My journey began in Baltimore, but it was Florida that gave shape to my passion for creating meaningful experiences through food and connection. I moved to the Tampa Bay area and opened a bicycle shop in St. Pete Beach. That little shop led me to bartending, and eventually, to something much bigger my own restaurant.
Since then, I’ve shifted from serving meals to serving insights. I now write a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. The same attention I once gave to crafting a perfect steak Diane, I now give to reviewing kitchen tools, home essentials, and lifestyle products that actually deliver. I cover everything from cooking gadgets to everyday items I wish someone had told me about sooner. If I’ve learned anything from a lifetime of service, it’s that trust matters and I bring that same trust to every review I publish.
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