Engine Hoist or Pallet Stacker?

[Mini Cooper S]

Another option to consider world be engine hoist and a pallet jack. The combination is probably not as expensive as a pallet stacker and much easier to store. I have moved everything in my shop with that combination. I never liked moving things with an engine hoist (not even engines), they are just too wobbly. Pallet jack allows you to keep the load close to the ground, you know, not as far to fall! You can position the piece with the pallet jack, then lift it just enough to remove the jack and set it in place.

I have also used a set of 3/4" black pipe rollers, 5 or 6 pieces 36" long, to move machines. It is amazing how easy and fast you can move a Bridgeport across a shop that way.

 

[C-Bag]

I like pallet jacks too and if I had room I'd be tempted. But I've not found one as cheap as an engine hoist or takes up as little room. My other well used lifting tool is a 1,000lb lift table. It's mostly used as my small welding/work table but has really come in handy for all kinds of lifting jobs that my old self doesn't want to do anymore.

 

[middle.road]

Hehe, I couldn't even get a pallet jack into my shop.
For that matter I'm not sure about the hoist I bought last fall. I decide to get one to use for loading the mill.
Mill is right by the overhead door so I should be OK.
Here's where on-line auctions can bite you. I bought what I thought was a decent hoist. They've been going high around here $150+
I got this one home, and guess what - the cylinder didn't work.
I haven't tore into yet.

 

[extropic]

I have both items proposed by the OP and prefer neither. As has been stated by others, the pallet stacker has so little "reach". The typical engine hoist has too little elevation. And regarding both, the damn legs are ALWAYS in the way.

If you have access to used (inexpensive) pallet racking, that would be my recommendation. Two uprights and four beams will make a very strong frame for one-two ton lifts. Put two beams high and two beams low to "box in" the frame. SECURE an additional member (any suitable steel or lumber) front to back, centered across the high beams to support a chain hoist. Lift the machine straight up. Lower the machine onto a pallet (custom pallet if necessary). Remove the lower front beam and use a pallet jack to move the load. Reverse the process when you get everything relocated.

You could mount heavy duty casters to the bases of the uprights and create a mobile gantry crane. Secure any load from swinging.

Buy the shortest length but tallest height (greatest capacity) load beams that will span your need. Load rating charts can be found on-line. Be aware that those charts are for "evenly distributed" loads but your application will not be "evenly distributed" so beware. Do you know any mechanical engineers?

I like having a pallet jack around because all heavy items are setup to be moved with it. I don't need (or want the expense of) multiple sets of heavy duty casters.

The advantage to using pallet racking is that it's modular and easy to erect. If, in the future, you need to span a wider load, buy four longer beams.

 

[tjb]

Another option to consider world be engine hoist and a pallet jack. The combination is probably not as expensive as a pallet stacker and much easier to store. I have moved everything in my shop with that combination. I never liked moving things with an engine hoist (not even engines), they are just too wobbly. Pallet jack allows you to keep the load close to the ground, you know, not as far to fall! You can position the piece with the pallet jack, then lift it just enough to remove the jack and set it in place.

I have also used a set of 3/4" black pipe rollers, 5 or 6 pieces 36" long, to move machines. It is amazing how easy and fast you can move a Bridgeport across a shop that way.

That's the combination I've used in just about every move I've made in my shop. In my experience, it's difficult to use a pallet jack and a hoist at the same time on some pieces of equipment. The footprint of the machine doesn't always allow that. That's where the pipe comes in handy. And it is amazingly simple to move that way. I decided to move my mill about two feet forward and 3 or 4 feet to the left. A piece of cake with 1" pipe. Took less than fifteen minutes. The only other tool that is helpful to add to the arsenal is a long handled pry bar. Lift up one side to slide the pipe under, then lift again as necessary to remove it.

Regards,
Terry

 

[Superburban]

Oh, that is so not pretty! Anybody hurt (other than feelings)? Was it salvageable?

Regards,
Terry

No injuries, or damage. was lifting it off the trailer, and the hoist does not have great height lift, So we hooked the chains to the base, and lifted just above the table. I knew it was top heavy, and not great. What I forgot was to have a way to limit the chains from sliding through the shackle that the hoist was lifting from. We lifted, and I moved the trailer. As I was walking back, the weight shifted, and well, you can see the result. The hard part was getting it down, and upright. Took several lifting and lowering, with straps pulling it back upright. That was when I was still dumb when it comes to machinery.

 

[C-Bag]

Hehe, I couldn't even get a pallet jack into my shop.
For that matter I'm not sure about the hoist I bought last fall. I decide to get one to use for loading the mill.
Mill is right by the overhead door so I should be OK.
Here's where on-line auctions can bite you. I bought what I thought was a decent hoist. They've been going high around here $150+
I got this one home, and guess what - the cylinder didn't work.
I haven't tore into yet.

Man that sux, hopefully it's an easy fix. CL is bad enough with the scammers and junk I can't bring myself to do an auction.

 

[MozamPete]

Another option to consider world be engine hoist and a pallet jack. The combination is probably not as expensive as a pallet stacker and much easier to store.

I remember seeing a frankenstined build where someone had actually attached an engine hoist upper to a pallet jack to get the best of both worlds (not sure if it was this forum or another).

 

[Downunder Bob]

Unless there are compelling reasons otherwise i'd go for the pallet lifter, much more stable even at height. Simple law of physics any suspended load e.g. from a hook the C of G of the suspended load operates from the point of suspension in other words it's high up above the load, whereas on a pallet lifter the C of G will be the centre of the mass on the lifter, much lower and therefore safer.

 

[MozamPete]

Unless there are compelling reasons otherwise i'd go for the pallet lifter, much more stable even at height. Simple law of physics any suspended load e.g. from a hook the C of G of the suspended load operates from the point of suspension in other words it's high up above the load, whereas on a pallet lifter the C of G will be the centre of the mass on the lifter, much lower and therefore safer.

That was my initially feeling it just seemed more stable and practical for loading onto a trailer or pickup - but the consensus seems to be the engine hoist is more practical/useful.