Anyone made modifications to HF Engine crane?

HMF

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Dear Folks,

The Harbor Freight engine crane is a great tool for lifting heavy machines- it has saved me numerous times.

But cranking it up can be a PITA, and there are probably other modifications that one can make (that I haven't) to make it even more useful and handy.

Has anyone installed for example, an air hydraulic ram? Or other mods? Some photos and explanations of the mods you made would really be helpful.

Thanks,

Nelson
 
I have a double acting cylinder on mine, Makes it twice as fast.

Paul
 
Paul,

Where can I get a double acting cylinder to replace the one that comes with it?

Thanks,

Nelson
 
Well when I first made my shop crane, it had an electric hydraulic power pack with a double acting cylinder. It operated very quickly and had lots of power. Only drawback was that the spool valves tend to bleed, so that it would not hold a position. Also dragging that power cord around was a pain in the butt, especially when it was run over.

I replaced that with a 8 Ton 2 speed self contained ram from Princess Auto, but it was up to Princess Autos normal quality and died almost right away.

The latest upgrade was to install a 2 speed Powerteam Portapower pump that had the 10,000 PSI relief valve replaced with a 3000 PSI one and a 3" hydraulic cylinder with a 1-1/2" diam ram on it. When unloaded it zips to the top easily, but when loaded, well it seems to take 5 million pump strokes to move an inch. At first I thought that it was not even working it was so slow.

There are air assisted jacks made for engine cranes, not sure if it would be worth it for you to look at that. At least with those they normally operate either by manual or by air so you would not be chained to the compressor, but again, any hose or power cord can be a pain when you are wheeling it around and having to watch what is going up and down and at the same time try to avoid running over the "tether"

Walter
 
author=starlight_tools link=topic=1685.msg10144#msg10144 date=1302707143
Well when I first made my shop crane, it had an electric hydraulic power pack with a double acting cylinder. It operated very quickly and had lots of power. Only drawback was that the spool valves tend to bleed, so that it would not hold a position. Also dragging that power cord around was a pain in the butt, especially when it was run over.

I replaced that with a 8 Ton 2 speed self contained ram from Princess Auto, but it was up to Princess Autos normal quality and died almost right away.

The latest upgrade was to install a 2 speed Powerteam Portapower pump that had the 10,000 PSI relief valve replaced with a 3000 PSI one and a 3" hydraulic cylinder with a 1-1/2" diam ram on it. When unloaded it zips to the top easily, but when loaded, well it seems to take 5 million pump strokes to move an inch. At first I thought that it was not even working it was so slow.

There are air assisted jacks made for engine cranes, not sure if it would be worth it for you to look at that. At least with those they normally operate either by manual or by air so you would not be chained to the compressor, but again, any hose or power cord can be a pain when you are wheeling it around and having to watch what is going up and down and at the same time try to avoid running over the "tether"

Walter

Walter,

If I understand you correctly, I'm better off with arm-power.

Best,

Nelson
 
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I use the HF Air/Hydraulic setup on my cherry picker. I use it for everything since I am working by myself most of the time. I have worn the 2 rear casters off the cherry picker from so much use and the ram still works great! Best $69 I have spent in a long time ;D

Building the Cadillac 061.jpg
 
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I'm always working alone also- how did you hook up the air to the hydraulic ram that came with the engine crane? Anything special I need to know or buy?

Thanks,


Nelson
 
Thanks PF, with 20% off, the $85 is down to about $70 which isn't too bad.

Regards,

Nelson
 
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