The best engine removal tool available in Australia

Removing an engine is one of the most challenging tasks that any mechanic will face, a difficult operation that requires considerable lifting power, control of the product and the ability to use the right tools to lift very large loads. When you purchase quality engine removal tools, you will be able to complete the task quickly, efficiently and most importantly, with the safest means possible, whether you are working on your daily drivers or high-performance engines.

When you are looking to invest in high-quality tools that will hold up against repetitive use, it is important to know what features to look for in order to find the highest quality products. This guide will break down the most popular types of engine removal tools available in Australia and point out the important features to pay close attention to while doing your job.

Keys to good engine removal tools

Engine removal tools are not just heavy-duty; they must also be safe, dependable, and ready for use in a shop environment. The primary categories include:

• Engine cranes/engine hoists are used to lift the engines out of the engine bay.
• Engine stands support the engines when they are removed from the vehicle (engines are typically supported horizontally on the engine stands).
• Load levellers and other accessories help with the control of engine positioning.
• Support equipment, such as chains, brackets and trolleys, is used with the engine hoists to establish the engine’s exact location.

Each of these items has a role in the successful removal of an engine with no strain or risk of injury.

 

 

Engine Cranes/Hoists: the “first step” of your engine removal process

For most mechanics, the first piece of equipment necessary to remove an engine is the engine crane (also referred to as an engine hoist). Engine cranes typically consist of a hydraulic boom and a heavy metal frame that lifts the engine out of the chassis and lowers it back onto the ground in a safe manner.

When choosing an engine crane, consider these important features:

• Hydraulic capacity to lift engine weights above what you typically carry
• Telescopic boom for reaching into deeper engine bays
• Mobility through castor wheels for easy positioning
• Getting the crane folded up for storage when space is limited

Look for cranes rated for a minimum of 1 tonne or more on specialist Aussie supply sites, which allow for lifting larger engines above smaller 4-cylinder engines.

Load Levellers 

Load levellers connect to the engine and crane hook, allowing you to control the angle of the engine while it is coming out of the car. Without a load leveller, you may have parts such as the gearbox housing or mounts snag on the inside of the car when you are removing it or misaligning it.

Although load levellers are often underestimated, having a quality load leveller will provide:

• Smooth and controlled tilting action
• Ability to adjust the angle in fine increments
• Ability to provide safe clearance through and above troublesome obstructions

Load levellers can typically carry hundreds of kilograms or more, depending on the engine size.

Engine Stands Support the Heart of Your Vehicle

Once you have removed your engine from your vehicle, your engine stand will become your working surface. The stand will support your engine at a safe working height and usually rotates, enabling you to work on all sides of the engine without making the job difficult with excessive lifting.

The following are features of top-performing engine stands:

• Welded solid construction, which allows for the best strength and durability, as well as easy movement with four castor wheels
• Adjustable mounting arms that are easy to adjust and lock in place while you are working
• A locking rotational mechanism that allows you to move the engine after it has been mounted without having to unmount it first

The rated weights of engine stands match the capacity of the cranes that you are using them with. If you lift heavy engines, you will need larger and/ or stronger engine stands.

Essential Accessories to Aid in Engine Removal

In addition to the larger tools necessary to remove an engine, there are a number of accessories that make engine removal much easier.

• Support bars and brackets that hold the engine while it is being removed, and also while it is in a tight space.
• Load chains and sling sets are used as a durable link. Load chains and sling sets are rated to lift more than the weight of your engine.
• Trolley dollies allow you to easily roll your engine or any other components across the shop floor or your workbench.
• Using load-rated gear that is rated for more than the expected load provides you with a margin of safety for a minimal investment.

Quality is More Important Than You Think

Many engine removal tools look similar on paper; however, when it comes to actual use, the quality of construction is what matters. Cheap hydraulic components, thin metal construction, and poor welding make tools less stable, particularly when they are being used repetitively or in a professional setting. Over time, these weaknesses will show up as leaks, uneven lifts, and alignment problems.

Products that are designed for use in workshop environments hold up under load, glide smoothly, and last longer than cheaper versions.

Choosing the Proper Tools for Your Garage

There are many options when you set up your garage for engine removal; however, not all garages are created equal. Here is a quick reference for what tools will work best for your setup. If you have a home garage and will be using the tools occa­sionally, consider purchasing a mid-capacity engine crane, a basic leveller and an engine stand.

If you are operating a professional automotive workshop, you may wish to purchase a high-capacity engine hoist, a heavy-duty leveller, multiple engine stands, and tools that support the tools already mentioned.

Matching your tools to the job ensures that you will not be under-equipped when removing large, heavy engines.

Where to Buy the Best Engine Removal Tools

Need quality engine removal tools to remove heavy engines? You’ll find tools that confidently support the weight of the engine while giving you the control you require for successful removals and engine-related duties at Joel’s garage. Finding quality-built engine removal tools can be a tiring effort, especially when concerns of safety and efficiency are at the forefront when working on vehicles.

Joel’s Garage Gear has a complete selection of quality engine removal tools in Australia, including tough engine cranes, practical levellers, sturdy engine stands, and support brackets designed to support the real-world demands of a workshop.