Part 1. Preparation and safety
Objective
- Use an engine hoist and choose the correct attachments to lift an engine.
Personal safety
Whenever you perform a task in the workshop you must use personal protective clothing and equipment that is appropriate for the task and which conforms to your local safety regulations and policies. Among other items, this may include:
- Work clothing - such as coveralls and steel-capped footwear
- Eye protection - such as safety glasses and face masks
- Ear protection - such as earmuffs and earplugs
- Hand protection – such as rubber gloves and barrier cream
- Respiratory equipment – such as face masks and valved respirators
If you are not certain what is appropriate or required, ask your supervisor.
Safety check
- The weight rating of the crane or hoist must be greater than the weight of the object to be lifted.
- Never leave an unsupported engine hanging on a shop crane. Secure the engine on an engine stand, or on the ground, before starting to work on it.
- If using engine stands, make sure they are designed to support the weight of the object you are lifting.
- Always extend the legs of the engine hoist in relation to the lifting arm to ensure adequate stability.
- Make sure that you understand and observe all legislative and personal safety procedures when carrying out the following tasks. If you are unsure of what these are, ask your supervisor.
Points to note
- Mobile floor cranes are capable of lifting very heavy objects, which make them suitable for lifting engines.
- The lifting arm is moved by a hydraulic cylinder and is adjustable for length. If the arm is lengthened, the lifting capacity of the arm is reduced. The weight limit is usually marked on the arm so that the arm or the hydraulic mechanism is not damaged by attempting to lift too heavy a load.
- Make sure the lifting attachment at the end of the lifting arm is strong enough to lift the engine and is not damaged or cracked.
- When attaching the lifting chain, or sling, to an engine make sure it is firmly attached and that the hoist is configured to lift that weight. Make sure that the fasteners attaching the lifting chain, or sling, have a tensile strength that is in excess of the weight of the engine.
- Leave enough length in the sling so that when the engine is hanging, the angle at the top of the sling is close to 45 degrees and not exceeding 90 degrees.
- If removing an engine from an engine bay, once it is lifted free and away from the vehicle, lower the engine so that it is close to the ground. If the engine is lifted high in the air, the hoist will be unstable.
- When moving a suspended engine, move the hoist slowly. Do not change direction quickly because the engine will swing and may cause the whole apparatus to tumble.
Part 2: Step-by-step instruction
- Position the hoist
Make sure the weight rating of the lifting crane is greater than the weight of the object you’re lifting. In this case, you’ll be lifting and moving an engine. Lower the lifting arm and position the lifting end and chain over the center of the engine.
- Inspect the lifting attachments
Inspect the chain, steel cable or sling and bolts to make sure they are in sound condition. They must be strong enough to support the weight of the engine. The sling should be long enough so when you lift the engine the angle at the top of the sling is about forty-five degrees.
- Locate the lifting points
Look carefully around the engine to determine if it has lifting “eyes” or other anchor points
- Attach the hoist sling
If the engine has lifting eyes, attach the sling with “D” shackles or chain hooks. If you need to screw in bolts and spacer washers to lift the engine, make sure you use the correct bolt and spacer size for the chain or cable. Screw the bolts until the sling is held tight against the engine.
- Attach the hoist hook
Attach the hook of the hoist under the center of the sling and raise the hoist just enough to lift the engine an inch or two. Double-check the sling and attachment points for safety. The center of gravity of the engine should be directly under the hook of the hoist, and there should be no twists or kinks in the chain or sling.
- Raise the engine
Raise the hoist high enough so that the engine is clear of the ground and any obstacles. Slowly and gently move the hoist and engine to its new position.
- Lower the engine
Lower the engine until it touches the ground. Making sure it is positioned correctly. You may need to place spacers under the engine to stabilize it. Once you are sure the engine is stable lower the hoist, remove the sling and any securing fasteners, then return the equipment to its storage area.
