The more I see and hear about the various methods of lifting heavy marine engine parts, the more I think it may be money well spent to purchase a device like this. It has the benefit of working with low overhead clearances. In other words, you don’t have to suspect a hoist below an A-frame, because the hydraulic lift is what pushes the top bar up. In addition, you have room for the adjustable leveling device shown in the image.
I have not used one of these devices, but I have used the leveling device on more than one occasion and they’re great.
In the event I was going to pull motors, I would give this serious consideration. The unit looks like it would be safe if operated in an appropriate and safe manner, and it could be sold afterwards to recover some of the cash it took to buy it. In the end, when you consider the safety factor and the resale, this would appear to be economically feasible. Any A-frame built, would also cost money, the design and structure would be somewhat untested, and in the end you would be stuck with the A-frame without much of a chance to re-sell or ever re-use it.
Here is a link to Northern Tools (below), showing more detail on this “less than $200 investment”. I also saw one like it at the Tractor Supply Store (TSC) here in Tennessee last week-end, and looking at it in person gave me some level of confidence that it would work in a marine application, if plank runners were set up for the wheels accordingly. I would consider installing uni-directional casters on the rig, to assure it pulled straight out once it was loaded.
I have a use for my automotive projects as well, so this may be something I get into sometime in the future. Yes, I’m thinking about installing a V8 in that 1974 TVR some of you may have seen in my basement shop, and yes, there are two 427 motors sitting on crates right next to the car. I’m thinking about a hi-po 289 right at the moment, because that motor was an option in the car. It could hit 60-mph in first gear with one. However, if one of those 427 motors will fit……………..hmmmm, I better get out the measuring tape again, eh?
Anyone ever use something like this in a marine application? With a 4000 pound capacity, it should be able to lift out pieces of a marine powertrain with a good safety factor. I don’t think I would try hauling out the motor, manifolds, and transmission in one chunk, especially one of those big dogs, but stranger things have been done.
Here's that link to Northern
http://www2.northerntool.com/product/200305213.htm
Regards, Paul