Practically Classics Forum

Hi folks,

I'm thinking of buying an engine crane as I quite fancy rebuilding the engine in my W123 coupe. And Machine Mart are doing one of their VAT free things in a few days.

Has anyone got/used one of the cheap(ish) Clarke ones - was thinking the 1 tonne folding version at about £150 might be a good bet. Are they any good? or what are the recommended alternatives?

Cheers,
Mike

Hi,
I bought one of the Clarke 1 tonne ones.
Used it to remove and replace the engines in a Riley Elf and a Mini Clubman Estate, while my friend used it on his Austin Sheerline.
Absolutely no problems and easy to use.
Rich

paintmonkey wrote:Hi,
I bought one of the Clarke 1 tonne ones.
Used it to remove and replace the engines in a Riley Elf and a Mini Clubman Estate, while my friend used it on his Austin Sheerline.
Absolutely no problems and easy to use.
Rich

Had the same hoist and it was fantastic, only sold it due to lack of space and immediately regretted it

I would also suggest the Clarke from Machine Mart. Maybe not great for daily use, but perfectly good enough for the non-professional classic car restorer.

Or how about hiring one if it's just going to be for a one off? I'm sure both HSS and Speedy Hire will do them as well as the local places. Last time I hired one it was 10 years ago and cost about £12 from a local place. That was for a full weekend.

Cheers,
Seems like they have a few recommendations then. I might go for it as I'm bound to need one again at some point. I think HSS charge about £40 for a weekend these days, which does make it tricky to know whether it's worth buying or just renting one.

Mike