Engine Crane

[Hemi]

I want to be able to work on an engine e.g. change a clutch whilst suspended from the jib but all the folding cranes I have seen have a limited amount of time you can let the ram take the strain, about 30 mins. Could a locking device be used to take the strain off the ram, maybe someone has done it......
I don`t have the room to use an engine stand.

 

[Gareth0123]

Yes, it can be done and easily. All you need is a suitable piece of heavy angle iron or make up a U channel shaped stop to suit the extended ram at the height you want work at.

 

[Wendelspanswick]

As Gareth suggested use a suitable length of steel or timber the same length as the exposed rod of the ram and fix it on with cable ties.

 

[CompoSimmonite]

I always work on engines suspended by engine crane without additional support. Sometimes the engine can be suspended for several days without moving even a tiny bit.

 

[Gareth0123]

I always work on engines suspended by engine crane without additional support. Sometimes the engine can be suspended for several days without moving even a tiny bit.

It really isn't worth the risk, especially if you are going to be working on a suspended load.

All that is holding the load up is a set of ram seals supplied by the lowest bidding supplier and a dubious closing on the pump valve.

For the cost of a bit of angle iron and a few cable ties it's not worth risking fingers & toes, hands and feet, legs and arms etc.

 

[Swift&Bold]

Why can't you just lower it to the ground, take off the gearbox and work on it there or lower it onto a set of ramps or axle stands, they can take the weight but use the crane to keep it upright?
Knock up a timber box to lower it onto?