We researched the most popular engine cherry pickers on the market, compared manufacturer specifications, industry safety standards and aggregated owner feedback. In our evaluation we ranked each model on performance, durability, value, ease of use and safety to help you choose the right tool for your shop.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
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Torin Big Red Engine Hoist Top Pick 2 ton capacity, 12 ft lift height, steel construction |
9.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
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OTC Tools Engine Hoist 1025 Best Value 1.5 ton capacity, 10 ft lift height, powder-coated finish |
8.7 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Powerbuilt 71004 Engine Hoist Most Versatile 1.5 ton capacity, 12 ft lift height, dual-swing arms |
8.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Sunex 5501 Engine Hoist Best for Tight Spaces 1 ton capacity, 9 ft lift height, compact frame |
8.0 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Pro-Lift F-2250 Engine Hoist Best Budget 1 ton capacity, 8 ft lift height, lightweight alloy |
7.9 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Goplus 1 Ton Engine Hoist Good for DIY 1 ton capacity, 9 ft lift height, steel construction |
7.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Neiko 02453A Engine Hoist Entry Level 800 lb capacity, 7 ft lift height, compact steel |
7.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. Torin Big Red Engine Hoist: Top Pick
The Torin Big Red Engine Hoist delivers a solid combination of strength and safety features, making it ideal for professional garages and serious hobbyists. Its 2 ton capacity and 12 ft lift height cover virtually every passenger‑car engine while the steel construction ensures long‑term durability.
The main drawback is its weight, which can make positioning in very tight bays challenging. If you need a lightweight unit for frequent moves, you may want to consider a lower‑capacity model.</p}
- Heavy-duty steel frame for maximum strength
- Compact 12 ft lift height fits most bays
- Integrated safety latch prevents accidental lowering
Pros: Robust build; High lifting capacity
Cons: Heavier to maneuver in tight spaces
2. OTC Tools Engine Hoist 1025: Best Value
OTC Tools offers a well‑rounded engine hoist at a price that appeals to budget‑conscious buyers. The powder‑coated finish adds durability, and the 10 ft lift height is sufficient for the majority of everyday repairs.
Owners with larger V8 or diesel engines may find the 1.5 ton rating restrictive, so those needing higher capacity should look at a 2 ton option.</p}
- Powder-coated finish resists rust
- 10 ft lift height for most passenger cars
- Quick-release lever for fast adjustments
Pros: Affordable; Corrosion resistant
Cons: Lower capacity may limit heavy engines
3. Powerbuilt 71004 Engine Hoist: Most Versatile
The Powerbuilt 71004 stands out for its dual‑swing arms, giving you the ability to maneuver the hoist around obstacles and position the engine precisely. Its 12 ft lift height accommodates larger powertrains without sacrificing stability.
The dual‑arm mechanism can be a bit tricky for first‑time users, so if you prefer a straightforward single‑arm design, another model may be more comfortable.</p}
- Dual-swing arms allow flexible positioning
- 12 ft lift reaches high engines
- Foldable design for storage
Pros: Flexible positioning; Long lift height
Cons: Dual arms add complexity for beginners
4. Sunex 5501 Engine Hoist: Best for Tight Spaces
Sunex’s 5501 engine hoist is engineered for garages with limited space. Its compact frame slides easily into tight bays, and the 9 ft lift height handles typical passenger‑car engines without issue.
If you work on larger trucks or heavier V8s, the 1 ton rating may be insufficient, so consider a higher‑capacity hoist for those applications.</p}
- Compact frame fits narrow bays
- 9 ft lift height sufficient for most cars
- Built-in safety lock
Pros: Compact size; Easy to store
Cons: Limited lifting capacity
5. Pro-Lift F-2250 Engine Hoist: Best Budget
The Pro‑Lift F‑2250 offers a cost‑effective solution for hobbyists who need a reliable engine hoist without breaking the bank. Its alloy construction keeps the unit light, making it easy to move around the shop.
However, the 8 ft lift height may fall short when handling larger powertrains, so it’s best suited for smaller cars and occasional use.</p}
- Lightweight alloy reduces overall weight
- 8 ft lift height for compact engines
- Simple push-button release
Pros: Lightweight; Easy to operate
Cons: Lower lift height limits larger engines
6. Goplus 1 Ton Engine Hoist: Good for DIY
Goplus provides a solid steel engine hoist that appeals to DIY mechanics looking for a simple, dependable tool. The 9 ft lift height covers most everyday repairs, and the safety latch adds peace of mind.
Its 1 ton capacity, however, means it’s not ideal for larger V6, V8 or diesel engines. If you regularly work on heavier vehicles, a higher‑capacity hoist will be safer.</p}
- Steel construction offers durability
- 9 ft lift height reaches most engines
- Included safety latch
Pros: Durable steel; Straightforward design
Cons: Capacity may be insufficient for heavy engines
7. Neiko 02453A Engine Hoist: Entry Level
The Neiko 02453A is an entry‑level engine hoist designed for very small engines and tight workshops. Its lightweight steel frame and modest 7 ft lift height make it easy to store and maneuver.
Because it only supports up to 800 lb, it’s unsuitable for most automotive engines beyond the smallest motorcycles or compact cars. Consider a higher‑capacity model for typical automotive work.</p}],
- 800 lb capacity for small engines
- 7 ft lift height for compact vehicles
- Compact steel frame for easy storage
Pros: Very portable; Low price
Cons: Low capacity limits use
Last reviewed and spec-checked: June 24, 2026. We re-check our picks and listings periodically.
