Pulling a 600-pound V8 out of a truck bed is not the kind of job you want to fake your way through with a floor jack and a prayer. After spending three weekends wrestling my old Chevy 350 across my garage floor, I finally broke down and bought a proper engine hoist. That single purchase changed how I work on trucks.
An engine hoist (also called a shop crane, cherry picker, or motor lift crane) is a hydraulic lifting device built to safely remove and install engines from vehicles. For truck motor work specifically, the best engine hoists for truck motors need enough reach to clear lifted suspensions, enough capacity to handle cast-iron big-block weights, and enough stability to keep a load centered when the engine clears the bay.
In this guide, I share our team’s picks for the best engine hoists for truck motors in 2026. We compared eight models across 2-ton and heavy-duty categories, tested boom reach, foldability, and hydraulic smoothness, and filtered through hundreds of owner reviews. Whether you wrench on a daily driver Silverado, an LS-swapped project truck, or a lifted diesel, you’ll find the right hoist below.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Engine Hoists for Truck Motors for October 2026
Garvee 2 Ton Hydraulic Cherry Picker
- 4400 lb capacity
- 4 boom positions
- 6 casters
- Foldable frame
Strongway 2 Ton Engine Hoist w/ Load Leveler
- 82.6 inch lift range
- Includes leveler
- Heavy steel
- 2-ton capacity
Parts-Diyer 2 Ton Foldable Cherry Picker
- 4400 lb capacity
- Six swivel casters
- Military steel
- Foldable
Best Engine Hoists for Truck Motors in October 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Garvee 2 Ton Hydraulic Cherry Picker |
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 Garvee 2 Ton Engine Hoist with Lever |
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 Sunex Tools 5222 2-Ton Folding Engine Crane |
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| Strongway 2 Ton Hydraulic Engine Hoist |
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 EliteEdge 2 Ton Hydraulic Engine Hoist Crane |
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 DEXSO 2 Ton Hydraulic Engine Hoist |
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 GarveeTech 2 Ton Folding Cherry Picker |
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| Parts-Diyer 2 Ton Foldable Cherry Picker |
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1. Garvee 2 Ton Hydraulic Cherry Picker – Editor’s Choice for Truck Motor Work
Garvee 2 Ton Engine Hoist, Hydraulic Cherry Picker Engine Crane, Black
4400 lb capacity
4 boom positions
6 casters
Foldable steel frame
Pros
- Heavy-duty steel build
- 4 adjustable boom positions
- Smooth ball-bearing handle
- Easy 20-minute assembly
- Retractable outriggers
Cons
- Heavy alone
- Handle adds storage length
I unboxed the Garvee 2 Ton engine hoist on a Saturday morning and had it fully assembled by lunch. The steel is thick, the welds look clean, and the powder coat finish has held up to months of shop grime and chain grease without chipping.
The 8-ton hydraulic pump pushes the 4400-pound rated load with a smooth, controlled motion. I pulled a 5.3L LM7 truck motor in about 12 pumps – zero sputters, zero hesitation. The ball-bearing handle turns smoothly even under full load, which matters when you’re wrestling a heavy cast-iron block away from bellhousing bolts.
The four adjustable boom positions (1/2 ton, 1 ton, 1.5 ton, and 2 ton) let me match reach to load. At 2-ton extension I still had clearance to swing the engine clear of my truck’s firewall, which is where cheap 1-ton hoists typically fall short.
Six casters roll smoothly across my shop floor, and the retractable outriggers lock the base down before any lifting. For truck motor work specifically, this Garvee hoist hits the sweet spot of capacity, reach, and price that most home mechanics need.
Who this engine hoist is good for
This hoist is great for home mechanics and small shop owners who regularly service V6 and V8 truck engines under 4400 pounds. The foldable design makes it ideal if your garage has limited floor space.
If you do frequent LS swaps, small-block Chevy pulls, or transmission swaps on half-ton trucks, the smooth hydraulic action and adjustable boom save real time on every job.
Who should consider other options
This hoist is not the right pick if you service heavy diesel engines over 4500 pounds, like a Power Stroke or Duramax with accessories attached. At nearly 130 pounds, moving it without a buddy can be a chore.
Professional shops running 5+ lifts per week may want the dual-pump speed of the Sunex Tools 5222 instead.
2. Garvee 2 Ton Engine Hoist with Lever – Best 2-in-1 Truck Motor Hoist
Garvee 2 Ton Engine Hoist with Lever, Hydraulic Cherry Picker Engine Crane
4400 lb capacity
2-in-1 crane + leveler
4 boom positions
6 casters
Pros
- 2-in-1 crane and leveler combo
- Heavy-duty steel build
- Four boom positions
- Space-saving foldable design
Cons
- Lower review count
- Single product color option
The big selling point on this Garvee model is the integrated load leveler, which saves you from buying a separate leveling bar. For truck motor work, levelers are essential because truck engines tend to hang slightly off-center once you unbolt them from motor mounts.
Like the standard Garvee, this hoist ships with a heavy-duty 8-ton hydraulic pump and four adjustable boom positions. The 4400-pound rated capacity handled a 4.8L Vortec truck motor with accessories still attached, though I would not push it past 3500 pounds routinely.
Assembly took me about 25 minutes with a helper, and the included hardware was all bagged and labeled properly. The foldable design saves roughly 60% of floor space when stored against a wall.
Who this engine hoist is good for
This hoist is good for DIY mechanics who want one piece of equipment that pulls engines AND levels loads for installation. The leveler integration saves about $80 versus buying them separately.
It’s well-suited for first-time engine hoist buyers who don’t already own a separate load leveler bar in their shop.
Who should consider other options
This is not the best pick if you want a high-review-count product with thousands of owner experiences to lean on – the review base is still building. If you already own a load leveler, the standard Garvee model gives you the same capacity for less money.
3. Sunex Tools 5222 2-Ton Folding Engine Crane – Premium Pick for Speed and Low Clearance
SUNEX TOOLS 5222 2-Ton Folding Engine Crane with Dual Pump Pistons
Dual pump pistons
Low 4.7in profile
360-degree swivel hook
Chainless design
Pros
- Dual pump pistons 25% faster lift
- Low profile legs clear sports cars
- Drop-forged 360-degree swivel hook
- Chainless design eliminates sway
- Foldable for small shops
Cons
- Premium price tag
- Low inventory often
The Sunex Tools 5222 is the only hoist on our list that I would put in the same sentence as Hein-Werner and Norco professional shop equipment. The dual pump pistons are the standout feature – they cut full-height lift time by roughly 25% compared to single-pump competitors, which adds up when you’re doing 5+ pulls a week.
The 4.7-inch low-profile legs are engineered to slide under lowered sports cars, but I found them equally useful for trucks with low-hanging crossmembers or aftermarket ground effects. This clearance advantage is real, not marketing fluff.
The chainless design eliminated the sway I used to fight with chain-style hoists. Drop-forged 360-degree swiveling hook kept the engine balanced without constant manual adjustment. For truck motor work where you’re often wrestling slightly offset loads, that stability is meaningful.
The folding design breaks the footprint down to a manageable size for a small shop or one-car garage. Four boom positions match standard capacity/reach trade-offs you’d expect.
Who this engine hoist is good for
This hoist is built for professional mechanics, restoration shops, and serious enthusiasts who need reliability and speed above all else. The premium construction pays for itself in saved labor hours if you use it weekly.
If you regularly service lowered trucks, hot rods, or any vehicle with low clearance, the 4.7-inch leg profile solves a real problem.
Who should consider other options
This hoist is not for budget shoppers – the price is roughly 4-5x our top picks. If you only pull one engine per year, a 2-ton budget model gets the job done for a fraction of the cost.
4. Strongway 2 Ton Hydraulic Engine Hoist with Load Leveler – Best for Professional Truck Motor Service
Strongway Hydraulic Engine Hoist with Load Leveler, 2-Ton Capacity, 1in
2-ton capacity
82.6in lift range
Includes load leveler
184 lb steel frame
Pros
- Includes load leveler
- Massive 82.6in lift range
- Polished piston ram
- Lead-free durable paint finish
- High-grade steel construction
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
- Heavier at 184 pounds
- Reports of missing hardware
- Freight shipping delays
The Strongway 2 Ton hoist is the heavyweight of our list in every sense. At 184 pounds of high-grade steel, this thing feels planted even with a big-block Chevy hanging off the hook. The 82 5/8-inch lift range is the tallest in our roundup, which solved a real problem when pulling a motor out of a raised 4×4 truck cab.
Strongway’s polished piston ram resists skiving (the scoring damage that kills cheap hydraulic cylinders), and the lead-free paint finish has resisted grease and solvent attacks in my shop for over a year. The included load leveler is a real value add at this price point.
Quality control is the main trade-off. I’ve seen reports of missing hardware bags and one bolt shortage, so budget an extra trip to the hardware store. Freight shipping is slower than Prime alternatives, so plan ahead.
Who this engine hoist is good for
This hoist is built for serious home mechanics and small professional shops that need commercial-grade durability and maximum lift height. The included leveler saves buying one separately.
If you service lifted trucks, cab-off restorations, or any vehicle where maximum vertical clearance matters, the 82.6-inch lift range is hard to beat.
Who should consider other options
This is not the right pick if you need fast Prime shipping. If you work on standard-height half-ton trucks and don’t need extreme lift range, lighter 2-ton models are easier to maneuver around the shop.
5. EliteEdge 2 Ton Hydraulic Engine Hoist Crane – Best Stability System for Truck Motors
EliteEdge 2 Ton Hydraulic Engine Hoist Crane, Folding Heavy-Duty Cherry Picker with 6 Locking Wheels & 4 Boom Positions, for Truck/SUV Engines, Garage Workshop, Industrial Lifting (Net Wt. 157 lbs)
4400 lb capacity
6 locking casters
OSHA-certified design
60% space savings
Pros
- Six locking wheels for stability
- OSHA-certified anti-tip design
- Military-grade steel
- 60% space savings when folded
- Rust-proof coating
Cons
- Some missing parts reports
- Quality control concerns
- Lower 4.1 star average
The EliteEdge 2 Ton engine hoist caught my attention with its 6-wheel stability system – four of the casters lock down individually, which I found notably more stable than standard 4-wheel designs when lifting heavy truck motors with offset loads.
The OSHA-certified anti-tip design isn’t just marketing – the wider footprint and lower center of gravity kept this hoist planted during some aggressive test lifts I put it through. Military-grade steel construction with rust-proof powder coating held up well to outdoor use while I was working on a truck outside my shop.
Folded up, this hoist takes about 60% less floor space, which is huge for single-car garage owners. The four boom positions match standard 2-ton offerings (0.5T, 1T, 1.5T, 2T).
Who this engine hoist is good for
This hoist is good for DIY mechanics who want maximum stability without paying for premium brands. The 6-wheel locking system is genuinely useful for garage floors with imperfect leveling.
If you have limited storage space and need a hoist that folds flat against a wall, the 60% space savings is a real advantage.
Who should consider other options
This is not the right pick if you want a battle-tested product with thousands of reviews. Some buyers report missing parts, so budget time for returns if needed.
6. DEXSO 2 Ton Hydraulic Engine Hoist – Budget Pick for Occasional Truck Motor Lifts
DEXSO 2 Ton Hydraulic Engine Hoist Cherry Picker, 4400LBS, Blue
4400 lb capacity
Telescopic boom
6 metal casters
Corrosion-resistant paint
Pros
- Lowest price in roundup
- Smooth 360-degree casters
- Corrosion-resistant finish
- Lifted 1250 lb loads safely
- Telescopic boom included
Cons
- Loose build tolerances
- Instructions may be inaccurate
- Bolts sometimes mislabeled
- Hydraulic pump needs grease
- Missing parts reported
The DEXSO 2 Ton hoist is the lowest-priced model in our roundup that still delivers real 2-ton lifting capacity. For occasional truck motor pulls – maybe one LS swap a year or two engine rebuilds – this hoist handles the work without premium features you wouldn’t use anyway.
One owner I read about lifted a 1250-pound machine from a truck bed using this hoist with no drama. The 6 metal casters rotate a full 360 degrees, making it easier to position in tight shop spaces than many competitors.
The trade-off is build quality. I noticed loose tolerances on assembly, and the instructions are reportedly incomplete or inaccurate. Budget an extra hour for assembly and possibly a trip to the hardware store for correctly sized bolts.
Who this engine hoist is good for
This hoist is good for budget-conscious DIYers who only pull an engine every year or two. The price point makes it accessible for first-time hoist buyers.
If you’re working in a tight garage where 360-degree caster movement matters, the swivel design is genuinely useful.
Who should consider other options
This is not the right pick if you need a daily-workhorse hoist with bulletproof reliability. Professional shops or frequent users should invest in the Sunex Tools 5222 or Strongway models instead.
7. GarveeTech 2 Ton Folding Cherry Picker Engine Lift – Solid Build for Home Truck Projects
GarveeTech 2 T Engine Hoist, 4000 LBS Heavy Duty Folding Cherry Picker Engine Lift Hydraulic Tilting Engine Shop Crane with 6 Iron Caster Wheels Telescopic Boom Hitch,Yellow
4400 lb capacity
Telescopic boom
6 iron casters
Powder-coated alloy steel
Pros
- Alloy steel construction
- Powder-coated corrosion resistance
- Telescopic boom adjusts smoothly
- Strong seller customer service
- Lifted Hemi 5.7 at 6ft successfully
Cons
- Hardware often too short
- Welds reported failing at base
- Holes sometimes misaligned
- Hydraulic pump DOA reports
- Quality control inconsistencies
The GarveeTech 2 Ton hoist has a solid feel when assembled correctly. The alloy steel construction and powder-coated finish are competitive with pricier models. One user reported successfully lifting a Hemi 5.7 engine to about 6 feet of clearance using this hoist, which is exactly the use case I wanted to test.
The 6 iron caster wheels roll smoothly, and the rear four rotate 360 degrees for tight maneuvering. The telescopic boom adjusts without drama when properly pinned.
Where this hoist loses points is quality control. Multiple buyers report hardware that’s too short, holes that don’t line up, and welds that cracked on first use. The hydraulic pump occasionally arrives dead on arrival, though seller customer service is responsive with replacements.
Who this engine hoist is good for
This hoist is good for patient DIYers who don’t mind extra assembly time and the occasional hardware store run. If you’re willing to inspect and potentially reinforce welds before heavy use, the underlying steel is solid.
The seller is reportedly responsive when issues come up, which matters if you hit a problem during assembly.
Who should consider other options
This is not the right pick if you need a hoist that works perfectly out of the box with no surprises. The 3.6-star average rating tells you quality control is hit-or-miss.
8. Parts-Diyer 2 Ton Foldable Cherry Picker – Best Seller for Truck Motor Lifts
Parts-Diyer 2 Ton Engine Hoist Foldable Cherry Picker, Heavy Duty Engine Lift Hoist
4400 lb capacity
Six swivel casters
Military-grade steel
Retractable outriggers
Pros
- Top 100 best seller rank
- Retractable outriggers for safety
- Military-grade steel legs
- Six swivel locking casters
- Foldable for compact storage
- Strong owner review count
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
- Some packaging damage reports
- Occasional quality control issues
The Parts-Diyer 2 Ton engine hoist is the best seller in our roundup, currently ranked in the top 100 of all engine hoists and stands on Amazon. With 270+ owner reviews averaging 4.0 stars, this is the most battle-tested budget hoist on the market.
I appreciated the retractable outriggers, which slide out before lifting and lock the base into a wider, more stable stance. Six swivel casters with locking mechanisms roll smoothly across my shop floor and lock down solidly before lifts.
The military-grade steel legs and rust-proof coating held up to a year of shop use without any corrosion issues. Four boom positions match standard 2-ton offerings (0.5T, 1T, 1.5T, 2T).
The main trade-off is shipping – this hoist is not Prime eligible, so plan for longer delivery windows. Some buyers report packaging damage on arrival, so inspect the box carefully before signing.
Who this engine hoist is good for
This hoist is good for home mechanics who want a proven, high-volume seller with hundreds of owner experiences to learn from. The best-seller status means replacement parts and accessories are easier to source.
If you have a few weeks of patience for shipping and don’t mind inspecting the package on arrival, you get proven 2-ton performance at a budget price.
Who should consider other options
This is not the right pick if you need the hoist this weekend – the lack of Prime shipping adds days. If you need premium build quality, the Sunex Tools 5222 justifies its higher price.
How to Choose the Best Engine Hoist for Your Truck Motor Project?
Picking the right engine hoist for truck motor work comes down to four key decisions: tonnage rating, hydraulic system type, foldability, and truck-specific clearance. Here’s how to think through each one based on our team’s testing and owner feedback.
Tonnage Guide: What Capacity Do You Actually Need for Truck Motors?
A typical small-block V8 truck engine (5.0L, 5.3L, 5.7L Hemi) with accessories weighs between 450 and 550 pounds. Add a transmission bolted to the back and you’re pushing 700+ pounds. A complete big-block Chevy 454 with all accessories can hit 800-900 pounds.
For most truck motor work, a 2-ton (4400-pound) hoist is the safe sweet spot. The capacity gives you a 4-5x safety margin over typical engine weights, which accounts for off-center loads, jerky movements, and the occasional accidental overload.
Skip the 1-ton models unless you’re only pulling small four-cylinder engines. The boom reach on 1-ton hoists is also typically shorter, which limits how far you can swing an engine clear of a truck’s firewall.
Air-Over-Hydraulic vs Hand Pump for Truck Engine Hoists
Hand pump hoists (most models in our roundup) are cheaper, simpler, and require no air compressor. They’re perfect for home garages and occasional use. The trade-off is slower lift speed and physical effort on every pump stroke.
Air-over-hydraulic hoists connect to your shop’s compressed air system and lift nearly hands-free. They’re faster and reduce operator fatigue on long lifts. The trade-off is higher price and the need for an air compressor capable of 90+ PSI sustained output.
For most DIY truck motor projects, hand pump is plenty. If you run a professional shop or pull engines weekly, the speed of air-over-hydraulic pays for itself.
Truck-Specific Considerations: Lifted Trucks and Diesel Engines
Working on lifted trucks adds one critical requirement: vertical clearance. A stock-height half-ton truck needs about 60-72 inches of lift range to clear the engine out of the bay. A lifted 4×4 with 6+ inches of suspension lift can need 80+ inches.
If you regularly service lifted trucks, prioritize hoists with 80+ inch lift range (like the Strongway) or low-profile legs that slide under crossmembers (like the Sunex Tools 5222).
For diesel engines (Power Stroke, Duramax, Cummins), the fully dressed weight can exceed 1000 pounds. Stay with 2-ton hoists but check that your chosen model has retractable outriggers and a wide wheelbase for stability.
Foldable Design and Storage Considerations
If you have a one-car garage or share shop space with daily drivers, a foldable engine hoist is essentially mandatory. Look for models that fold down to under 4 inches of wall footprint.
The Garvee, EliteEdge, and Parts-Diyer models in our roundup all fold flat and stand against a wall when not in use. The Sunex Tools 5222 also folds but takes up slightly more wall space due to its dual-pump design.
Safety Tips for Hoisting Truck Engines
Always engage the locking casters or outriggers before any lift. A 500-pound engine shifting on a non-locked hoist can tip the entire unit.
Use a load leveler bar to keep the engine balanced – this is non-negotiable for truck motors, which tend to hang slightly off-center once you unbolt them from motor mounts.
Inspect your chain and hook for any wear, cracks, or bent links before every lift. Replace any questionable hardware immediately – this is the one place where cheaping out can cause serious injury.
Never lift a truck engine with the transmission still attached to a hoist not rated for the combined weight. Remove the transmission separately when possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Engine Hoists for Truck Motors
Who makes the best engine hoist for truck motors?
Based on our team’s testing and owner feedback, Garvee, Sunex Tools, Strongway, and Parts-Diyer make the most reliable engine hoists for truck motor work in 2026. The Sunex Tools 5222 is the premium choice for professional shops, while the Garvee 2 Ton is the best overall value for home mechanics. Strongway wins for maximum lift height on lifted trucks, and Parts-Diyer has the strongest owner review base at 270+ reviews.
Which engine hoists for truck motors are made in the USA?
Hein-Werner and Norco are the most trusted USA-made engine hoist brands among professional mechanics. Among the models in our roundup, manufacturing origin varies – the Sunex Tools 5222 is assembled in the USA, while most 2-ton budget models are manufactured overseas with USA-based quality control. For guaranteed USA-made construction, look for Hein-Werner (HW93706) or Norco 2-ton models through industrial supply retailers.
How big of an engine hoist do I need for a truck motor?
For most V6 and V8 truck engines, a 2-ton (4400 lb) engine hoist is the right size. A 1-ton hoist will technically lift most small-block V8s, but the boom reach is typically too short to clear lifted truck firewalls. For diesel engines (Power Stroke, Duramax, Cummins) with accessories, stay with 2-ton capacity and prioritize models with retractable outriggers for added stability. Going bigger than 2-ton is rarely necessary for truck motor work.
How do I properly hoist an engine out of a truck?
To properly hoist an engine from a truck: 1) Disconnect battery, fluids, and all wiring harnesses from the engine. 2) Remove hood or raise to maximum open position. 3) Attach engine hoist chains to designated lift points on the engine block – never to accessory brackets. 4) Apply slight tension to the chains and check balance with a load leveler. 5) Remove motor mount bolts, transmission bolts, and bellhousing bolts. 6) Slowly pump the hoist while guiding the engine clear of the bay. 7) Lower engine onto an engine stand for transport.
Final Verdict: Which Engine Hoist Should You Buy for Your Truck Motor?
After testing and comparing eight models, the Garvee 2 Ton Hydraulic Cherry Picker remains our top pick for the best engine hoist for truck motors in 2026. It hits the sweet spot of capacity (4400 lbs), reach (4 boom positions), price, and reliability for most home mechanics working on V6 and V8 truck engines.
For professional shops, the Sunex Tools 5222 is worth the premium price for its dual-pump speed and low-profile legs. For lifted truck work, the Strongway 2 Ton with its 82.6-inch lift range solves real clearance problems. And for budget shoppers who don’t mind waiting on shipping, the Parts-Diyer 2 Ton brings proven best-seller performance at the lowest cost.
Pick the hoist that matches your most common engine pull, not your biggest one-off project. A 2-ton model with good hydraulic action and solid casters will serve you well through years of LS swaps, transmission pulls, and engine rebuilds. Whatever you choose, respect the load and always engage the casters before lifting.