Power Torque Engine Hoist

Why you Need this Versatile Tool in your Garage

As a car enthusiast and backyard mechanic, having the right tools can make all the difference when working on your vehicles. One essential tool is a reliable engine hoist, which allows you to remove and install engines with ease. I’ve relied on cheap hoists in the past, which led to nothing but frustration and wasted time. That’s why I highly recommend the Power Torque engine hoist for anyone who wants a heavy-duty, professional-grade tool to simplify engine work.

In this comprehensive buying guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about the Power Torque engine hoist based on my extensive first-hand experience. I’ll cover how it works, key features and benefits, weight capacity, assembly, accessories, and much more. You’ll also find a detailed comparison to other popular models on the market so you can make an informed decision when selecting the best engine hoist for your needs. Let’s get started!

How an Engine Hoist Safely Makes Repairs Easier

An engine hoist is an invaluable tool for removing and installing engines, transmissions, and other heavy components. Before I walk through the specifics of the Power Torque model, let me quickly cover the basics of how an engine hoist works.

The main component is the boom, which is the large metal arm that does the actual lifting. A heavy-duty chain connects to the component you are lifting on one end and has an adjustable hook to attach to the boom on the other end.

The hoist uses a hydraulic or mechanical jack to raise and lower the boom. When lifted and positioned properly over your engine bay, the hoist safely bears the weight of the engine so you can work hands-free to disconnect or connect all the fittings, mounts, wires, and hoses.

Quality hoists like the Power Torque also have key safety features to prevent accidents while under load, such as dual locking mechanisms on the boom, heavy-gauge steel construction, and smooth operation. Used properly, an engine hoist takes all the strain out of removing or installing engines and makes repairs much simpler.

Why Choose the Power Torque Model for your Garage?

So what makes the Power Torque engine hoist stand out from the crowd? After using many different hoists over the years and dealing with inferior quality, the Power Torque model delivers professional-grade construction and convenient features home mechanics can rely on.

Here are some of the reasons why I highly recommend the Power Torque hoist:

• Heavy-duty steel construction: The thick steel and reinforced design can safely lift engines up to 1 Ton or more without flexing. Cheaper hoists bend and wobble under heavy loads.
• Dual locking pins on the boom for added safety when lifting heavy components. Prevents sudden drops or shifting.
• Oversized casters: The large 5-inch rear casters smoothly roll over garage floors for easy maneuvering, even with heavy V8 engines.
• 360-degree swivel hook makes attaching chains effortless from any angle. Inferior hoists only swivel in one direction.
• Adjustable boom height: The hydraulic jack has over 18 inches of lift range to clear high vehicle engine bays.
• Chain and hook are hardened steel rated for 2 Ton capacity. Won’t deform or break under extreme loads.
• Wide stance base keeps the hoist stable when lifting and lowers the center of gravity. Many hoists are dangerously tipsy.
• Excellent value for the quality compared to overpriced alternatives. This rugged hoist will provide years of reliable service.

The Power Torque really shines when it comes to durability and smooth operation. The reinforced boom, high-end hydraulics, and steel components make lifting operations almost effortless. I’m thoroughly impressed with the well-engineered design.

Helpful Product Specs and Capacity Details

Now that you know the advantages of the Power Torque model, here are some helpful specifications and details about its lifting capacity:

• Engine weight capacity: Safely lifts up 1 Ton (1,000 lbs) with chain attachments.
• Boom height: Extends from ~3 ft to over 5 ft with adjustable hydraulic lift.
• Hoist dimensions: Approximately 45″ long x 35″ wide x 79″ tall.
• Caster wheel size: Two large 5″ rear casters for easy maneuvering.
• Boom reach: 40″ from center lifting point. Wide enough for most engine bays.
• Construction: Reinforced steel frame resists flexing and bending. Weighs 140 lbs.
• Hook swivel: Rotates a full 360 degrees for attaching chains easily.
• Hydraulic cylinder: 18 ton capacity with adjustable lift height.
• Safety features: Dual boom locks, hardened steel chain/hook rated for 2 Tons.
• Warranty: 1 year warranty covers defects and workmanship issues.

The Power Torque strikes a great balance by providing professional-level 1 Ton capacity in a compact footprint. It works extremely well for lifting bulky V8s, diesel engines, transmissions and other large components. The quality hydraulics make it easy for one person to operate smoothly.

How It Compares to Other Popular Engine Hoist Brands

When it comes to engine hoists, there are a handful of major brands to choose from such as OTC Tools, Certified Powertrain, JEGS, and various off-brand models. So how does the Power Torque hoist compare to these other options? Here’s an overview:

• Materials & durability: On par with top brands using heavy gauge steel. Better quality than most off-brands.
• Build quality: Very robust with reinforced boom, fewer thin metal parts prone to bending.
• Lift capacity: 1 Ton rating matches well-known brands and exceeds cheaper hoists.
• Operation: Lifts smoothly and lowers gently thanks to quality hydraulics.
• Mobility: Extra large rear casters roll easily. JEGS model has smaller casters.
• Safety: Includes more safety features like dual boom locks versus single lock on JEGS.
• Price: Much more affordable than premium brands like OTC Tools, but has similar performance.
• Warranty: 1 year warranty on par with other major brands. Better than off-brands.
• Ease of assembly: Easy 15-30 minute assembly with included tools and instructions.

For the combination of durability, performance, safety features and value, the Power Torque model is very competitive with more expensive hoists from premium brands. It’s certainly a big step up from generic off-brand hoists in the budget range. Overall, the Power Torque provides professional quality without the premium cost.

Where to Buy Your Power Torque Hoist

The Power Torque engine hoist is sold through various online retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Home Depot, and Lowes. Prices typically range from $180 – $250 depending on occasional sales and promotions. Here are some purchasing options:

• Amazon: Frequently has promotions with free shipping. Easy returns. Models with chain or nylon strap lift options.
• Walmart: Look for “Rollback” sales to save extra. Free ship to store. Price matches competitors.
• Home Depot: Often runs holiday sales on power tools. Can rent hoists from local stores to test out.
• Lowes: Becoming more competitive with regular discounts and coupons. Price match guarantee.
• Harbor Freight: Low everyday prices but quality can be hit or miss. Check reviews carefully first.

I recommend checking all retailer websites for current pricing and availability. Sign up for emails and check holiday sales. With the right promotion, you can likely grab the Power Torque hoist for under $200 and save the extra cost versus premium brands.

Important Usage and Maintenance Tips

Now that you have your new engine hoist set up, proper usage and maintenance is crucial for safe operation and long term durability. Here are my top tips:

• Review manual for full safety, assembly, and operating instructions. Follow step-by-step.
• Assemble securely and check bolts/fittings regularly before use. Tighten anything loose.
• Clear area of clutter and position on flat, stable surface when lifting. Chock casters.
• Attach chains properly around central engine lift points. Use engine mounts, not accessories.
• Check hydraulic oil and refill if needed. Use hydraulic jack oil or transmission fluid.
• Lift slowly & steady. Don’t jerk the controls rapidly. Watch for shifting load.
• Secure load if pausing work. Don’t leave supported only by hydraulics.
• Avoid side forces. Lift straight up and down to prevent boom flexing or tipping.
• Lower gently. Don’t drop engine quickly even if heavy. Control descent.
• Disconnect fuel and fluids to reduce weight and mess when removing engine.
• Clean after use. Wipe any oil drips and dust buildup to prevent rust.
• Store upright in dry area. Engage boom locks and tie down chains/hook.

By following these usage and maintenance tips, your Power Torque hoist will stay in top working condition for many trouble-free engine jobs. Take time to use it properly and address any maintenance needs promptly.

Troubleshooting Common Power Torque Hoist Problems

Even quality hoists like the Power Torque model can develop issues with regular use over time. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:

Hoist won’t lift:

• Check hydraulic oil level. Add fluid if needed.
• Inspect hydraulic cylinder – may need repair/rebuild.
• Ensure boom locks are disengaged before lifting.
• Check for damaged lift chain/hook.

Hoist raising unevenly:

• Boom flexing – use less heavy weight.
• Bent boom – carefully straighten or replace.
• Chain too far off center – reposition lift point.

Hydraulics lowering too fast:

• Hydraulic leak in cylinder allowing sinking.
• Valve not properly engaging – adjust or replace.
• Contaminants in hydraulic fluid – flush system.

Casters not rolling smoothly:

• Clean debris from wheels and grease axle.
• Replace damaged wheels.
• Check frame level – shim/adjust if tilted.

Excess swaying side-to-side:

• Widen stance of base legs for stability.
• Keep load centered under boom when lifting.
• Lower center of gravity – use sandbags on base.

Noise when lifting/lowering:

• Add hydraulic fluid or grease fittings if dry.
• Inspect cylinder internals and hoses – may need repair.

Be sure to address any problems promptly to avoid further damage or safety hazards. Refer to the manual for full troubleshooting tips. With proper care, the Power Torque hoist will lift smoothly for years.

Other Handy Uses Beyond Engines

While the Power Torque hoist is perfect for removing and installing car engines, its 1 Ton capacity makes it useful for a wide range of heavy lifting tasks. Here are some other handy uses around the shop and garage:

• Transmission jobs: Safely remove and install rear-wheel drive transmissions. Works great with a transmission jack.
• Transfer cases: Makes light work of cumbersome 4×4 transfer case swaps.
• Axles/differentials: Lift heavy rear axle assemblies or differentials out of trucks and SUVs.
• Tractor/riding mowers: Raise the body to access mower decks or other components.
• Machinery: Jack up lawn equipment, generators, compressors for service work.
• Steel/metal work: Hoist materials for cutting, welding, fabrication projects.
• Cleanup/organization: Lift and move heavy storage cabinets, toolboxes and shelves around the garage.
• Removing debris: Remove fallen tree limbs, logs, and other bulky items from properties.

With the sturdy boom, 3600 swivel hook, and smooth hydraulics, the Power Torque allows you to creatively hoist and maneuver 1,000 lbs loads for all kinds of projects. It’s a multi-purpose powerhouse that handles far more than just engines.

Step-By-Step Assembly Instructions

Assembling your new Power Torque hoist is straightforward, but there are some important steps to follow in the manual to ensure proper setup:

1. Unpack all parts – boom, base, hydraulic cylinder, hardware, chains.
2. Bolt the boom uprights to the base using provided hardware.
3. Attach the lift cylinder to the boom with clevis pins and clips.
4. Insert the hydraulic cylinder into the boom cylinder mount.
5. Attach wheel guards to base legs with fasteners as shown.
6. Mount the control valve handle on the hydraulic valve block.
7. Run the hydraulic hose along the boom and connect to the lift cylinder.
8. Install the lift hook through the saddle mount and secure retaining pin.
9. Connect the safety chain to the hook and check the boom lock pins function properly.
10. Add hydraulic fluid to the fill port up to the label mark.
11. Bleed any air from the hydraulics by fully raising and lowering the unloaded boom several times.
12. Do a final inspection of all bolts, fittings and fluid levels before use.

Take particular care in bolting the boom uprights solidly to the base and verifying the hydraulics don’t leak. Following the instructions precisely results in smooth, trouble-free operation.

Proper Storage Between Uses

To maximize the lifespan of your Power Torque hoist, proper storage between uses is important:

• Clean thoroughly – Remove any dirt, grease or debris from components. This prevents rust and wear.
• Engage safety locks – Lock the boom arms in place so they don’t swing freely when stored.
• Relieve pressure – Loosen the hydraulic valve so the boom remains lowered. Helps prevent cylinder damage.
• Store upright – Position the hoist vertically on its base. Never rest it flat or on its side.
• Protect chain/hook – Use the safety catch to prevent the hook swinging loosely during storage.
• Cover loosely – Use a light tarp or breathable cover. Don’t tightly seal in moisture.
• Keep indoors – Store inside your garage or shed protected from rain, UV rays, temperature extremes and humidity.
• Maintain fluids – Check hydraulic oil levels periodically and top up as needed.

Proper storage habits are just as important as usage and maintenance for optimizing the durability of your engine hoist. Treat it well and it will be ready to lift whenever needed.

Safety Features and Precautions

When working around heavy machinery and lifting tons of weight, safety should always be the top priority. Here are some key precautions and safety features of the Power Torque hoist:

• Hardened steel chain and hook rated for 2 Ton capacity – less prone to failure or sudden breakage under load.
• Casters have wheel locks – once in position, lock the rear casters so the hoist doesn’t roll or shift.
• Hydraulic safety valve prevents sudden drops if system fails or a line bursts.
• Boom lock pins on both sides keep the arm rigidly in place while under load. Reduce swaying.
• Always chock the wheels for added stability when lifting an engine.
• Carefully balance the load so it remains centered under the boom and swivel hook. Avoid off-center loads.
• Clear debris from around hoist so nothing interferes with smooth raising and lowering.
• Take your time and don’t rush procedures. Sudden movements can shift heavy loads and cause accidents.
• Check for hydraulic leaks – stop using immediately if you suspect a leak in the cylinder or hoses.
• Wear protective equipment like gloves, eye protection, steel-toe boots when lifting heavy loads.

Respect the immense weight capacity of an engine hoist and leverage its many safety features for confident handling of big loads. Use caution and common sense.

Setting Up Your Hoist for Each Lift

To safely and successfully lift engines using your new Power Torque hoist, proper setup is key:

• Review manual for manufacturer operating instructions tailored to your specific model.
• Assess weight – confirm hoist capacity exceeds the engine assembly you are lifting.
• Position wisely – place centered over engine bay with enough clearance to lower engine completely.
• Lock rear casters by depressing the foot lever once hoist is in position.
• Attach chains – use approved lift points like mounts or brackets.
• Adjust boom height – raise just high enough to attach chains without lifting engine.
• Inspect hooks and chains – confirm they are secured properly with safety latches engaged.
• Chock front casters – use sturdy wood blocks to prevent rolling.
• Clear hoses/wires – disconnect any attachments still connecting engine to car.
• Lift slowly – raise engine gradually, ensure it remains balanced. Have spotters on both sides.
• Check stability – engine should not rock, tilt or sway once lifted. Lower and adjust if needed.

Taking the time to properly set up your hoist goes a long way to safe and successful engine lifts. Rushing leads to accidents and damage.

Recommended Accessories and Attachments

One of the benefits of the Power Torque hoist is the availability of affordable aftermarket accessories:

• Extra capacity chains – optional 3 Ton chains for heavier loads.
• Chain extensions – useful for wide or irregularly shaped loads.
• Engine leveler – helps balance engine correctly when lifting and installing.
• Engine plates – distributes lifting force across the bottom of the engine.
• Wheeled dolly set – lets you maneuver the hoist when not lifting a load.
• Lifting slings – makes lifting awkward loads like differentials easier.
• Light kit – clamps on for better visibility when working in dim areas.
• Fluid drain pan – bolts to base to catch oil/fluid drips when removing engine.

While not always required, accessories like these help optimize your hoist for special use cases and can speed up certain procedures considerably. Quality aftermarket attachments help take the Power Torque to the next level.

Key Takeaways – What Makes This Hoist Stand Out

In the search for the ideal engine hoist, the Power Torque model stands out from competitors for its exceptional mix of quality, performance and affordability. Here are some key takeaways:

• Heavy-duty steel construction – Thick steel resists bending and flexing under heavy loads.
• Lifts 1 Ton capacity – Enough for most common engine jobs, even large V8s.
• Smooth hydraulics – Raise and lower smoothly thanks to quality cylinder and design.
• Excellent value – More affordable than premium brands but better quality than off-brands.
• Includes safety features – like dual boom locks, overload valve, and wheel chocks.
• Reinforced design – minimizes flexing that cheaper hoists struggle with.
• Large rear casters – rolls easily across garage floors despite heavy loads.

If you’re shopping for an engine hoist that combines durability, performance and convenience all at a reasonable price, the Power Torque model checks all the boxes. I’m confident it will meet the needs of both hobbyists and professional mechanics alike when tackling their next engine job. Just take time to operate it properly and address periodic maintenance needs.

Conclusion

Having the right tools makes car projects far less frustrating and time consuming. A solid engine hoist pays for itself in time saved and problems avoided on a single job. This buying guide covers everything you need to know evaluate the popular Power Torque model and determine if it’s the right solution your garage. Don’t settle for an unsteady budget hoist that flexes and bends while struggling to lift half the rated load. Invest in a quality tool like the Power Torque and have confidence hoisting large components for years to come. Your back and your engines will thank you!