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MG MGA - Engine crane/hoist

Hello,
Happy new year to all.
I am looking to buy an engine crane/hoist? Any recommendations on lifting capacity/jib length/make? Any advice would be most welcome. I will need one suitable for removing the MGB engine and Ford box from my 1600 Mk II. Thanks in advance.
Richard
Richard Atkinson

A good leveler is quite important, the Clarke one I got is a pain to use and sheds paint flakes. As the angle is quite steep for lifting the engine out of a A, then the handle to adjust level angle fouls on the crane.
mog

Richard,

The instructions for "installation" of the Ford gearbox is to install it separately from the engine. Which I did.
To "remove" the engine/gearbox I would separate the engine from the gearbox,... remove the engine, .....then the gearbox.
I recall the problem was lifting the Ford gearbox over the original gearbox mount if the engine was attached.

Ray
Ray Ammeter

The ones at about $150.00 are all about the same. Pull pins at the legs allow it to be stored without complete disassembly. More than enough capacity to lift and engine and/or the body!!!!

I use mine to hoist my Zero-turn to change blades.

Once you own one.....

...
MAndrus

Richard

I use the Clarke Strongarm CFC1000 hoist with my 1800V. Served me well for 20 ears with a dozen in and outs or so. Never had a reason to try and take the Type 9 out with it. Always taken the engine out on its own. I just sling a couple of straps round the engine; never used a leveller.

Steve

Steve Gyles

The one I have, it turned out the legs are too far apart to fit between the front wheels. IIRC, I had to do a lot of jockeying, and I seem to recall putting a jack under the frame and removing a wheel, too. Can't remember if that helped, or if it was just one of the things that I tried.

-Del
D Rawlins

Agree with Del. With most cranes you need to remove car front wheels and jack car up (our use a hoist) as leg spread is too wide and height of legs too high due to trolley wheels mounted underneath legs. There are cranes available with lower profile legs that may fit but are not common.

Mike Ellsmore

You have be carefull the engine doesnt fall out when you use this method!
Mike Ellsmore

Mike

You have just confirmed what we always thought about Australia!

The Clarke hoist in my post fits quite happily under the MGA.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Thank you all for your advice and comments - much appreciated.

Steve, the Clarke one was the one I had in mind - it is reassuring that it has served you well over many years.

Cheers
Richard






Richard Atkinson

Richard

Worth checking the feet spread before you buy - as highlighted above. Clarke may have changed the spec in the last 20 years. Mine fits between the wheels, but not a lot to spare. It folds up neatly for storage.

Steve

Steve Gyles

I also have the Clarke CFC1000 and it fits between the front wheels on a Spridget, too.

One tip I read from someone refitting an engine and gearbox to an MGC as one unit was to raise the rear of the car to reduce the angle of tilt.
Dave O'Neill 2

Thanks Steve, good point - will do.
Cheers
Richard
Richard Atkinson

The Clarke hoist that Steve has is the way to go - its support legs are kinked at the end so will fit between MGA front wheels and also castor wheels are located in the stabiliser arms giving it a lower profile so you don't have to jack you car up to get it underneath! See close up of my hoist and offending wheels.


Mike Ellsmore

My hoist is similar to the Habor Freight crane shown on
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-ton-capacity-foldable-shop-crane-69512.html
While these will do the job the Clarke would be so much easier.
I cannot see any difference between the 1 tonne and the 2 tonne cranes on the Harbor Freight site - maybe it is just different Safety Factors!
Mike
Mike Ellsmore

This thread was discussed between 02/01/2016 and 05/01/2016

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