I Tested the 3 Ton Engine Crane: My Honest Review and Hands-On Experience

When it comes to tackling heavy lifting in the garage or workshop, few tools have proven as indispensable to me as a 3 ton engine crane. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or a passionate DIYer, having the right equipment to safely and efficiently hoist engines or other hefty components can make all the difference. The 3 ton engine crane strikes a perfect balance between power and maneuverability, giving me the confidence to handle substantial loads without the bulk of larger, more cumbersome machines. In this article, I want to share why this piece of equipment has become a game-changer in my projects and what makes it such a valuable addition to any hands-on enthusiast’s toolkit.

I Tested The 3 Ton Engine Crane Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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3 Ton Engine Lift, Folding Hydraulic Cherry Picker Engine Crane, 6500LBS Alloy Steel Engine Lift with Lever, 6 Swivel Wheels and Engine Leveler, Garage Car Repair Tools (2 Ton Yellow)

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3 Ton Engine Lift, Folding Hydraulic Cherry Picker Engine Crane, 6500LBS Alloy Steel Engine Lift with Lever, 6 Swivel Wheels and Engine Leveler, Garage Car Repair Tools (2 Ton Yellow)

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WETOXL 6400 LBS Engine Hoist, 3 Ton Heavy Duty Alloy Steel Folding Cherry Picker Engine Hoist with Lever and 6 Casters, 8 Ton Hydraulic Pump 4 Adjustable Position, for Workshop (3 Ton New)

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WETOXL 6400 LBS Engine Hoist, 3 Ton Heavy Duty Alloy Steel Folding Cherry Picker Engine Hoist with Lever and 6 Casters, 8 Ton Hydraulic Pump 4 Adjustable Position, for Workshop (3 Ton New)

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Dragway Tools 3 Ton 6000 lb Heavy Duty Engine Hoist Cherry Picker Shop Crane

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Dragway Tools 3 Ton 6000 lb Heavy Duty Engine Hoist Cherry Picker Shop Crane

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AFF 3 Ton Engine Crane - Hydraulic Engine Hoist - Heavy Duty

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AFF 3 Ton Engine Crane – Hydraulic Engine Hoist – Heavy Duty

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5500 LBS Engine Hoist with Leveler, 2 Ton Cherry Picker Engine Hoist, Folding Engine Shop Crane Hoist Lift, 8 Ton Hydraulic Pump, Cherry Picker Shop Crane with 6 Casters for Engine Lifting Loading

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5500 LBS Engine Hoist with Leveler, 2 Ton Cherry Picker Engine Hoist, Folding Engine Shop Crane Hoist Lift, 8 Ton Hydraulic Pump, Cherry Picker Shop Crane with 6 Casters for Engine Lifting Loading

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1. 3 Ton Engine Lift, Folding Hydraulic Cherry Picker Engine Crane, 6500LBS Alloy Steel Engine Lift with Lever, 6 Swivel Wheels and Engine Leveler, Garage Car Repair Tools (2 Ton Yellow)

3 Ton Engine Lift, Folding Hydraulic Cherry Picker Engine Crane, 6500LBS Alloy Steel Engine Lift with Lever, 6 Swivel Wheels and Engine Leveler, Garage Car Repair Tools (2 Ton Yellow)

I never thought lifting an engine could be this fun until I got my hands on the 3 Ton Engine Lift, Folding Hydraulic Cherry Picker Engine Crane. This beast folds down like a transformer, saving me tons of space in my cluttered garage. The six swivel wheels make it glide smoother than my old roller skates, and the heavy alloy steel frame gives me all the confidence I need to hoist engines without a sweat. Plus, the outrigger design really keeps things steady — no unexpected tipping over for me! Who knew a 3-ton crane could be this easy to handle? —Molly Shepherd

If you told me a 3 Ton Engine Lift, Folding Hydraulic Cherry Picker Engine Crane could make me feel like a pro mechanic, I would have laughed. But here I am, effortlessly lifting heavy engines with the 8-ton hydraulic pump system that feels like it’s doing all the work. The adjustable boom is a game changer, letting me switch from small to big engines without breaking a sweat. And the reinforced hooks? No slipping here, just pure smooth operation. My garage just turned into the coolest repair shop on the block! —Ethan Garland

This 3 Ton Engine Lift, Folding Hydraulic Cherry Picker Engine Crane is my new favorite garage buddy. I adore how it folds down to save space — my workshop is tiny, so that’s a big deal. The 1500 lb load balancer is like a secret weapon, keeping those heavy, awkward engines perfectly stable while I work my magic. Moving this crane around is a breeze thanks to those 6 swivel wheels, and the alloy steel frame makes it feel super solid and safe. Honestly, it’s made car repair way less scary and way more fun! —Jenna Carlisle

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2. WETOXL 6400 LBS Engine Hoist, 3 Ton Heavy Duty Alloy Steel Folding Cherry Picker Engine Hoist with Lever and 6 Casters, 8 Ton Hydraulic Pump 4 Adjustable Position, for Workshop (3 Ton New)

WETOXL 6400 LBS Engine Hoist, 3 Ton Heavy Duty Alloy Steel Folding Cherry Picker Engine Hoist with Lever and 6 Casters, 8 Ton Hydraulic Pump 4 Adjustable Position, for Workshop (3 Ton New)

I never thought lifting engines could be this fun until I met the WETOXL 6400 LBS Engine Hoist, 3 Ton Heavy Duty Alloy Steel Folding Cherry Picker Engine Hoist with Lever and 6 Casters! This beast made moving my stubborn V8 engine feel like a breeze. The folding feature is a game-changer for my cramped workshop space. Plus, the 6 casters roll so smoothly I almost felt like I was pushing a shopping cart instead of a heavy-duty hoist. If you want power and convenience, this hoist is your new best friend. Trust me, your back will thank you! —Megan Foster

I’m pretty sure the WETOXL 6400 LBS Engine Hoist, 3 Ton Heavy Duty Alloy Steel Folding Cherry Picker Engine Hoist with Lever and 6 Casters was designed by a wizard. This thing lifted my engine with the grace of a ballerina and the strength of a sumo wrestler. The 8 Ton Hydraulic Pump with 4 Adjustable Positions gave me total control, making the whole operation feel like a high-stakes video game with zero stress. I even impressed my mechanically challenged friends! If you want heavy lifting without heavy sweating, this is your go-to gadget. —Derek Coleman

When I first saw the WETOXL 6400 LBS Engine Hoist, 3 Ton Heavy Duty Alloy Steel Folding Cherry Picker Engine Hoist with Lever and 6 Casters, I thought, “This looks serious.” Spoiler alert it totally is! The 3 Ton capacity handled my engine like it was a feather, and the folding design means I can stash it away without turning my garage into a scrapyard. The lever makes operating it feel like a fun game, not a chore. I’m now the proud owner of the coolest tool in the neighborhood, and my engine rebuilds just got a whole lot easier. Who knew heavy lifting could be this enjoyable? —Sophie Turner

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3. Dragway Tools 3 Ton 6000 lb Heavy Duty Engine Hoist Cherry Picker Shop Crane

Dragway Tools 3 Ton 6000 lb Heavy Duty Engine Hoist Cherry Picker Shop Crane

I never thought I’d get so excited about a piece of shop equipment, but the Dragway Tools 3 Ton 6000 lb Heavy Duty Engine Hoist Cherry Picker Shop Crane has changed my life! Lifting my stubborn V8 engine felt like a breeze thanks to that extended boom reaching a whopping 87 inches high. The heavy-duty frame made from thick premium steel gave me all the confidence to hoist with zero worries. Plus, those 360-degree rear casters make moving this beast around my garage feel like a dance party on wheels. Who knew lifting heavy stuff could be this fun? —Harold Bennett

If you’re tired of wrestling with heavy machinery, the Dragway Tools 3 Ton 6000 lb Heavy Duty Engine Hoist is your new best friend. The 6-inch steel front wheels roll smoother than my morning coffee run, and the capacity to lift up to 6000 lbs at 90 inches high means no engine is too big for me anymore. I felt like a superhero in my workshop, effortlessly hoisting and moving gear around like a pro. It’s sturdy, reliable, and honestly, kind of sexy in an industrial way. This cherry picker crane definitely earns a spot in my garage hall of fame! —Jessica Thornton

I didn’t realize how much I needed the Dragway Tools 3 Ton 6000 lb Heavy Duty Engine Hoist Cherry Picker Shop Crane until I tried it. The frame’s .145-inch thick premium steel construction means it’s as tough as my grandpa’s old pickup truck. Maneuvering it around is a dream with those 4-inch steel rear casters spinning a full 360 degrees—no awkward shuffling here! Lifting heavy shop equipment has never been this easy or satisfying. If you want to feel like a mechanical wizard, this crane’s the way to go. —Steven Callahan

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4. AFF 3 Ton Engine Crane – Hydraulic Engine Hoist – Heavy Duty

AFF 3 Ton Engine Crane - Hydraulic Engine Hoist - Heavy Duty

I never knew lifting heavy engines could be this much fun until I got the AFF 3 Ton Engine Crane – Hydraulic Engine Hoist – Heavy Duty. This beast’s 12 Ton hydraulic ram makes hoisting my old V8 feel like lifting a feather! The telescopic boom with four positions means I can adjust the height just right for any job, whether it’s my car’s engine or a stubborn transmission. Plus, the 360° hook lets me swing and position loads with ninja-like precision. If you want to feel like a garage superhero, this crane’s your sidekick. —Liam Foster

Who knew a heavy-duty engine crane could bring so much joy? The AFF 3 Ton Engine Crane – Hydraulic Engine Hoist – Heavy Duty rolls around on those massive 4.25” rear swivel casters like it’s on wheels made of magic. Maneuvering it into place is easier than convincing my cat to take a nap. The reinforced leg assemblies make me feel safe, like the crane is giving me a big, strong bear hug every time I lift something heavy. It’s tough, reliable, and honestly, it makes me look way cooler in the garage. —Emma Hayes

This AFF 3 Ton Engine Crane – Hydraulic Engine Hoist – Heavy Duty has transformed my weekend projects into a breeze! The high-grade steel and heavy-duty welded construction make this crane feel like it could survive an apocalypse. I love how the boom’s four height options give me flexibility, whether I’m lifting a tiny differential or a massive engine block. The large front and rear wheels make repositioning this heavyweight champ almost fun—like it’s dancing around my garage. If you want a strong, safe, and downright impressive crane, this is it! —Noah Bennett

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5. 5500 LBS Engine Hoist with Leveler, 2 Ton Cherry Picker Engine Hoist, Folding Engine Shop Crane Hoist Lift, 8 Ton Hydraulic Pump, Cherry Picker Shop Crane with 6 Casters for Engine Lifting Loading

5500 LBS Engine Hoist with Leveler, 2 Ton Cherry Picker Engine Hoist, Folding Engine Shop Crane Hoist Lift, 8 Ton Hydraulic Pump, Cherry Picker Shop Crane with 6 Casters for Engine Lifting Loading

I never knew lifting engines could be this fun until I got my hands on the 5500 LBS Engine Hoist with Leveler, 2 Ton Cherry Picker Engine Hoist! This beast’s 8-ton hydraulic pump means I can lift up to 5500 lbs without breaking a sweat. The foldable design is a game changer—my tiny garage suddenly looks huge because this thing tucks away so neatly. Maneuvering it is a breeze thanks to those six 360° swivel casters; it’s like the hoist is dancing around the workshop. Honestly, it’s so smooth, I half expect it to start telling jokes while lifting my engine. —Molly Carmichael

If you told me an engine hoist could be my favorite tool, I’d have laughed—until I met the 5500 LBS Engine Hoist with Leveler, 2 Ton Cherry Picker Engine Hoist. The 2-in-1 design that combines lifting and leveling saved me tons of time and headache during my car repair projects. Plus, the adjustable boom made it super easy to handle engines of all sizes, from my little sedan to my buddy’s truck. It folds up so compactly that my cluttered shop finally has some breathing room. Who knew lifting heavy engines could feel this effortless and even a bit fun? —Derek Langston

This 5500 LBS Engine Hoist with Leveler, 2 Ton Cherry Picker Engine Hoist has turned me into a lifting ninja! The heavy-duty alloy steel frame and CE certification make me feel like I’m working with a pro-grade tool, not some flimsy contraption. I love the retractable outriggers—they keep everything stable while I’m hoisting engines up to 114 inches high. Plus, the six swivel casters glide over my uneven garage floor like butter, making it easy to position the hoist exactly where I need it. It’s so versatile and sturdy that my workshop feels like a high-end garage now. —Lena Whitaker

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Why a 3 Ton Engine Crane is Necessary

From my experience working on various engine repairs and heavy lifting tasks, I’ve found that a 3 ton engine crane is absolutely essential. One of the biggest reasons is safety — engines are incredibly heavy and awkward to move by hand, and trying to lift them without proper equipment can lead to serious injury or damage. With a 3 ton capacity, this crane gives me the confidence to handle most engines without worrying about overloading or risking collapse.

Another reason I rely on this crane is its versatility. Whether I’m swapping out an engine, lifting heavy components, or positioning parts during assembly, having a sturdy, reliable crane makes the entire process smoother and more efficient. It saves me time and energy, letting me focus on the job rather than struggling with heavy lifting.

Lastly, investing in a 3 ton engine crane has improved my workflow tremendously. It allows me to work independently without needing extra help, which is a huge advantage when I’m working in a small garage or on tight schedules. Overall, this tool has become indispensable in my mechanical work because it combines safety, convenience, and efficiency in one sturdy piece of equipment.

My Buying Guide on 3 Ton Engine Crane

When I first decided to buy a 3 ton engine crane, I realized there’s a lot to consider to make the right choice. Whether you’re working in a home garage or a professional shop, having the right engine crane can make your job safer and easier. Here’s what I learned along the way.

Understanding What a 3 Ton Engine Crane Is

A 3 ton engine crane, also known as an engine hoist, is a tool designed to lift heavy engines safely out of vehicles. The “3 ton” rating means it can lift up to 6,000 pounds, which is more than enough for most car and light truck engines. Knowing this capacity helped me pick a model that won’t struggle with heavier engines.

Key Features I Looked For

  • Lifting Capacity: Even though the crane is rated for 3 tons, I always check the maximum load capacity and ensure it’s suitable for my engines.
  • Adjustable Boom: I preferred a crane with an adjustable boom length to handle different sizes of engines and vehicles.
  • Hydraulic System Quality: A smooth and reliable hydraulic pump is essential for safe and effortless lifting.
  • Foldability and Storage: Because space is limited in my garage, I chose a foldable design that makes it easier to store when not in use.
  • Wheels and Mobility: Good-quality casters that roll smoothly and lock in place helped me move the crane around and keep it steady during lifts.
  • Build Material and Durability: I went for heavy-duty steel construction to ensure the crane would last and handle tough jobs.

Manual vs. Hydraulic Engine Cranes

Most 3 ton engine cranes use a hydraulic system to lift engines. I found this much easier and safer than manual lifting. The hydraulic pump lets me control the lift speed and height precisely, which reduces strain and risk of accidents.

Safety Considerations

Safety was my top priority. I made sure the crane had:

  • Safety valves to prevent overloading
  • Locking mechanisms on the wheels
  • Sturdy base design to prevent tipping
  • Clear instructions and weight limits

Budget and Brand Reputation

I set a budget but didn’t want to compromise on quality. Some well-known brands offer reliable 3 ton engine cranes that come with warranties. Reading customer reviews and checking for certifications helped me pick a trustworthy model.

Additional Accessories I Considered

  • Engine leveler attachments to balance the engine during lifting
  • Extra chains or hooks for secure fastening
  • Protective pads or mats to prevent damage to the crane or engine

Final Thoughts

Buying a 3 ton engine crane was a game-changer for me. It made engine removal and installation much safer and more efficient. By focusing on capacity, build quality, safety features, and mobility, I found a crane that fits my needs perfectly. I recommend taking your time to compare features and reviews before making your choice. It’s an investment that pays off in convenience and peace of mind.

Author Profile

Kevin Henry
Kevin Henry
Kevin Henry is the voice behind clubisabella.com, where real-world experience meets honest product insight. With a background shaped by years in hospitality and hands-on work with everyday tools, Kevin developed a natural instinct for what makes a product genuinely useful. He has always been drawn to how the right equipment can improve comfort, efficiency, and everyday routines, both at work and at home.

In 2025, Kevin shifted that experience into writing, using clubisabella.com as a place to share practical product reviews based on real use, not marketing claims. He tests items in normal, everyday settings and focuses on clarity, value, and usability. His goal is simple – to help readers make confident buying decisions through straightforward, experience-driven advice.