We already have a number of hoists, including a dismanleable A-frame and Yale Pul-Lift, and a big hydraulic crane which was made in Italy and imported into the Uk by a company in Kent, lost their details now, but it was unusual in being all sheet-steel construction.
Anyway, to do the Disco V8 engine, we thought about buying a new, smaller crane that would fold up for storage, and after perusing the ebay pages, we found one at £138.99 for a 2-ton unit, delivery extra or collect in person (cash payment reqd)
Got it on Friday morning, two heavy boxes.
My Lady and I assembled it in about 45 minutes this afternoon, and it was all there and worked fine. The Disco V8 engine was partially stripped anyway, but it did all it was supposed to and we had no problems at all.
The same unit sells from various vendors for up to £199.99, either on ebay or adverts in the motoring press.
Things we liked:
It was made in China, but had assembly instructions and a diagram to show where everything went.
Finish was pretty good, all fasteners and flat washers were plated, but for some reason the spring locking washers were self-colour.
Assembly was straight forward, the only 'iffy' moment was getting the side support bars to twist to match the upright column, but it all bolted up OK.
Crane assembled and in use
Things we did/would do differently:
Not enough washers were provided to put two per bolt, one under the head and one under the lockwasher. Also only one washer per large M16 bolt was supplied, and plain nuts on the main pivots etc. Nylocs all round! plus extra washers.
Fabricated lifting bracket
Things you NEED to do before use.
Oil the casters and the pivot ball races, once they are out there being used, you'll never go near them with an oil can.
Things we didn't like
Nothing really, for the price saving over other vendors, there's plenty of spare to fit locknuts and washers.
Vendor: Ebay member 'kmsdirectshops' our purchase was item # 200334347539
No association with the vendor at all.
Peter
2 Ton Workshop Crane
