I beam hoist

[Kurt Combs]

I saw a photo of a shop where the guy had an I-beam with two hoist that would move up and down the length of the beam. Does anyone have that type of set-up, and if so what size of I-beam did you use? I really like the idea, but I am trying to figure out how to lift and support the beam after building the garage???? I am planning to use scissors trusses and ten foot outside walls. I have this image of the beam going down the middle of the shop centered on the middle garage door. I could also have a two post lift in that same bay. I am concerned about it getting a little crowded in a 36x30 garage with that lift in the middle, but after talking to a professional lift installer, it seems putting it to one side in that narrow a garage would be a clearance problem. If I put the lift outside I need even more concrete....I hate decisions! If I just had an unlimited budget........

[averagef250]

Another thing the electric hoists are real handy for is pulling the engine and tranny from a junker before it's scrapped. You're not stopping a 2 ton chain hoist. Chain the motor up real good and it'll pull anything out without unbolting a thing. Usually takes some cutting torch work too, but 5 minute engine pulls aren't unrealistic.

[71PA_Highboy]

I have been looking at the HF gantry crane.. on Sale for $499 and with a 20% off coupon, you are looking at ~$400... it is portable, rolls, and for the price of steel, the time involved, I don't think I could build one at that price...

I like that it rolls around... I can push it out of the way when I need space.

Just another option....

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=41188
(that is the old style - new stlye has more robust base.)


hth,

Eric

[Kurt Combs]

I like the HF gantry crane. I would be easy to "install" and wouldn't require re-engineering the building! Thanks, Eric.

[71PA_Highboy]

Gee... does that mean you are gonna buy me one with the money you are saving????

I was looking for a way to swap cabs when I saw it... now to just save up enough to get one.

If you do buy one, please post a review so if there are any 'gotchas' we will know.

Regards (and best wishes),

Eric

[averagef250]

I use a HF load leveler for lifting engines. Had that bugger for years. Lifted many dozens of engines without issue.

Never really had an issue with HF stuff besides the junk pipe bender that wouldn't even bend pipe.

I will say the next cherry picker I buy will be a good OTC or snap-on/ Mac or I'll build it myself. The $120 one I've used for a very long time gets the job done, but It's also nearly killed me a few times. 4000 pound lift my *ss! A 5.9 cummins weighs 1100 and there's no way!

[gbrett]

shop in college had an ibeam the whole width of the shop with a hoist on it but it rode on 2 ibeams for the length so it would go anywhere in the shop

[Chaseman]

. My grandpa's shop/butchery has one of those.He got the steel for free back in the 80's. My dad was taking pics of my car not the beams so they're not the best pics , but I made arrows pointing toward the set up

[4th effie n counting]

O/T but chaseman, you replacing that trunk floor?

[Chaseman]

yeah... the trunk floor.

[71PA_Highboy]

Just to bring this back up, HF has a sale on their Gantry crane for $499.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=41188

That is $100 off - But you have to have the coupon in the advertisement.. They often have them at the store, so if you didn't get one yet, this may be a good place to get one.

I will be waiting for a week or so to look for the additional 10% off coupon (yes, HF coupons are additive) and see how I much I can save.

HTH,

Eric

[H-DFord]

I looked at the add but do not see it for 499.

[71PA_Highboy]

It is a coupon in their paper flier... I received mine in the mail earlier this week.

They may have them at a store near you...

Good luck!


Eric

[427]

I know this won,t help much but when I built my garage I put a 28ft 10in. I beam across the with of my garage.I have a 2ton trolley on it and a chain hoist.I work on farm tractors alot and it comes in handy for splitting them to change a clutch or just pulling a engine. Whatever you decide I know you will get lots of use from it.

[71PA_Highboy]

I bought the HF crane... and then an electric hoist for it... I am in it about $625.

I have already used it several times and I am pleased with it so far. Once I get the shop organized I will be using it to lift and maneuver a cab, bed, engine and frame around (all at different times), so I will give a further report once I have put 1100 lbs on it...

hth,

eric