Choosing among engine hoists for trucks depends on more than rated capacity. Clearance, boom reach, portability, and the way you work on your vehicle all affect whether a hoist is genuinely useful.
We selected 10 hydraulic truck cranes and folding engine hoists covering compact pickup use, garage repairs, and heavier-duty lifting. Use the guide below to narrow the list by capacity, mobility, storage, and safety features.
Best 10 Engine Hoists for Trucks Picks for 2026
Best Hitch-Mounted Value
- Hydraulic operation supports one-person lifting
- 36.2- to 56.7-inch adjustable boom with 360° swivel
- Fits standard 2-inch receiver hitches
Best For: Pickup owners handling lighter engines and watercraft
Best Shop Capacity
2-Ton Foldable Hydraulic Cherry Picker
- Four boom positions from 0.5 to 2 tons
- Six swivel and locking steel casters
- Folds without tools for storage
Best For: Garages and mobile mechanics handling heavy components
Best Truck-Bed Reach
- 500-, 800-, and 1,200-pound capacity settings
- Three-position telescopic boom
- 360° swivel for truck-bed positioning
Best For: Pickup owners lifting machinery and engines on-site
Best Folding Home-Workshop Pick
- Lifts up to 4,400 pounds with hydraulic operation
- Four adjustable boom positions
- Folding design with retractable outriggers
Best For: Home garages lifting engines and transmissions
Heavy-Duty Pick
- 4,400-pound maximum capacity
- Four adjustable boom positions
- Six casters and foldable storage design
Best For: Truck and workshop lifting with high-capacity storage flexibility
Balanced Workshop Choice
Garvee Folding Hoist with Leveler
- 4,400-pound lifting capacity
- Included leveler for balanced loads
- 38- to 57-inch adjustable boom range
Best For: Controlled engine removal in home or professional garages
Mobile Heavy-Duty Option
- 4,400-pound capacity with four settings
- Six steel casters with locking support
- Foldable, corrosion-resistant steel design
Best For: Truck, marine, farm, and mobile lifting applications
Best Portable Pick
1.5-Ton Telescoping Engine Hoist
- 3,000-pound hydraulic lifting capacity
- Telescoping boom with multiple hook points
- Four swivel casters for shop mobility
Best For: DIY mechanics needing a mobile 1.5-ton hoist
Best Value 2-Ton Option
Folding Engine Hoist with Lever
- 4,400-pound lifting capacity
- Four adjustable boom positions
- Folds and rolls on six casters
Best For: Workshops needing capacity and multifunctional handling
Best Heavy-Duty Folding Pick
- 4,400-pound hydraulic capacity
- Adjustable boom and telescopic arm
- Folding reinforced-steel frame with six casters
Best For: Frequent heavy lifting in space-conscious workshops
Best Hitch-Mounted Value – Portable 500-Lb Truck Crane
For buyers comparing engine hoists for trucks, this hitch-mounted crane offers a compact option for lighter lifting jobs. Its hydraulic operation, adjustable boom, and 360-degree swivel are suited to pickup-bed work where portability and tailgate clearance matter.
Best For: Pickup owners lifting engines, PWC watercraft, and other loads up to 500 pounds.
Pros:
- Hydraulic lifting is designed for one-person operation.
- Adjustable 36.2- to 56.7-inch boom and 360-degree rotation improve positioning flexibility.
- Fits a standard 2-inch receiver hitch and preserves tailgate clearance.
- Adjustable support legs help distribute the load.
Cons:
- Its 500-pound capacity is lower than the other cranes in this roundup.
- At 72 pounds, it may be less convenient to handle than a smaller fixed lifting accessory.
This is a practical choice for occasional pickup-truck lifting when a receiver-mounted design is more useful than a full shop crane. Stay within the 500-pound rating and use the support legs as intended.
Best Shop Capacity – 2-Ton Foldable Hydraulic Cherry Picker
Among engine hoists for trucks, this foldable cherry picker is aimed at mechanics who need substantially more capacity than a hitch-mounted crane. Its marked boom positions, six casters, and tool-free folding design make it suitable for moving heavy components around a garage or service area.
Best For: Mechanics and DIY vehicle owners lifting truck engines, transmissions, boat motors, and farm components up to 2 tons.
Pros:
- Hydraulic pump and four boom positions support 0.5-, 1-, 1.5-, and 2-ton loads.
- Six steel casters include swivel and locking functions for shop mobility.
- Folds without tools for more compact storage.
- 4 mm steel construction and triple-layer anti-rust coating support demanding work environments.
Cons:
- Its 100-pound weight and large operating dimensions may be cumbersome in tight spaces.
- Capacity depends on the selected boom position and approved lifting points.
This is the more versatile shop-oriented option for users who regularly remove engines or move heavy machinery. Its folding frame helps offset the larger footprint when the hoist is not in use.
Best Truck-Bed Reach – 1,200-Lb Rotating Truck Crane
If you need engine hoists for trucks that can position loads across a pickup bed, this hydraulic crane combines receiver mounting with a telescopic boom and full rotation. Three capacity settings let you match the lift to the load rather than using its maximum rating for every job.
Best For: Pickup-based lifting of engines, generators, machinery, and cargo up to 1,200 pounds.
Pros:
- Three boom capacities—500, 800, and 1,200 pounds—provide load-specific flexibility.
- Telescopic boom offers three length adjustments.
- 360-degree swivel helps position loads throughout the truck bed.
- Receiver hitch mounting supports use across workshops, farms, and job sites.
Cons:
- No manufacturer warranty is listed in the supplied details.
- It is intended for pickup-truck installation, so it is less suitable as a freestanding shop crane.
This crane is a strong match for truck owners who want more lifting range and reach than a basic hitch hoist provides. Select the appropriate boom capacity for each load and follow safe lifting practices.
Best Folding Home-Workshop Pick – Garvee 2-Ton Engine Hoist
For buyers seeking engine hoists for trucks but working mainly in a garage, this Garvee cherry picker provides 2-ton capacity in a foldable shop-crane format. Its hydraulic system, adjustable boom, retractable outriggers, and six-caster base support controlled lifting and repositioning.
Best For: Home mechanics, garages, and repair shops lifting engines, axles, transmissions, and motorcycles under 4,400 pounds.
Pros:
- High-strength steel frame and 8-ton hydraulic pump support lifting up to 4,400 pounds.
- Four boom settings cover 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 tons.
- Retractable outriggers and a folding design help adapt to different workspaces.
- Hydraulic operation allows controlled raising and lowering.
Cons:
- At 130.1 pounds, it is the heaviest product in this selection.
- Its freestanding shop-crane design is not a direct substitute for a receiver-mounted truck crane.
This model makes sense when storage space is limited but full-size lifting capacity is still important. It is best used on a stable workshop floor with the boom setting matched to the load.
Heavy-Duty Pick – Maxsa 2-Ton Folding Hoist
For shoppers comparing engine hoists for trucks, the Maxsa Innovations 2 Ton Hydraulic Engine Hoist offers up to 4,400 pounds of lifting capacity, four boom positions, and six 360-degree swivel casters. Its foldable frame also makes storage easier in a garage, workshop, or truck bed.
Best For: Truck, SUV, and general workshop lifting where high capacity, adjustable reach, and compact storage matter.
Pros:
- Supports loads up to 4,400 pounds.
- Four boom settings range from 0.5 to 2 tons.
- Six swivel casters aid movement across concrete, gravel, and uneven workshop surfaces.
- Foldable design saves storage space.
Cons:
- At 134.5 pounds, it is a substantial piece of equipment to move or position.
- The supplied details do not specify a separate load-leveling accessory.
This is a strong all-around choice when your projects include truck engines, transmissions, or other heavy equipment. The adjustable boom and foldable construction balance lifting capability with practical garage storage.
Balanced Workshop Choice – Garvee Folding Hoist with Leveler
Among engine hoists for trucks, this Garvee 2 Ton Folding Engine Hoist stands out for combining a 4,400-pound capacity with an included leveler. The four-position boom adjusts from 38 to 57 inches, while six swivel casters help with positioning in a garage or professional shop.
Best For: Mechanics and DIY users who want balanced engine handling, adjustable reach, and a built-in leveler.
Pros:
- Reinforced frame and hydraulic system support up to 4,400 pounds.
- Included leveler helps keep loads balanced during lifting.
- Four boom positions suit sedans, SUVs, and light trucks.
- Folds flat without disassembly to reclaim workshop floor space.
Cons:
- Its 147-pound weight may make solo repositioning more demanding.
- The supplied information does not provide a specific folded-storage dimension.
The included leveler makes this model especially practical for engine removal and placement tasks. It is a sensible pick for users who prioritize controlled load positioning as much as lifting capacity.
Mobile Heavy-Duty Option – Garvee Portable 2-Ton Hoist
If you need engine hoists for trucks that can also handle boat motors or farm equipment, this Garvee 2 Ton Cherry Picker is designed for broad utility. It combines a 4,400-pound capacity with four height settings, six steel casters, and a foldable frame for mobile or space-conscious work.
Best For: Serious DIYers and professionals lifting truck engines, transmissions, marine motors, or farm equipment.
Pros:
- Four adjustable settings cover 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 tons.
- Six steel casters provide mobility, including dual swivel and central locking types.
- Foldable design is intended for quick, tool-free storage.
- 4mm steel construction and a triple-layer anti-rust coating support demanding use.
Cons:
- The supplied notes do not specify the boom’s reach range.
- Although listed as portable, its suitability for a particular vehicle or trunk should be checked against available space.
With its stated corrosion protection, versatile capacity settings, and caster configuration, this model is aimed at demanding multi-purpose work. It is particularly compelling for users who move beyond standard automotive engine jobs.
Best Portable Pick – 1.5-Ton Telescoping Engine Hoist
For shoppers comparing engine hoists for trucks, this 1.5-ton hydraulic cherry picker offers a practical balance of lifting strength, adjustability, and mobility. Its 3,000-pound capacity, telescoping boom, multiple hook points, and four swivel casters make it suited to garage repairs and other heavy-duty lifting tasks.
Best For: DIY mechanics and garage owners who need a portable 3,000-pound hoist for engines, machinery, or property-maintenance tasks.
Pros:
- Supports loads up to 3,000 pounds.
- Telescoping boom and multiple hook points help improve load positioning.
- Four swivel casters support movement around the workspace.
- Heavy-gauge steel construction includes a protective coating.
Cons:
- Its 1.5-ton capacity is lower than the 2-ton models in this roundup.
- At 98.1 pounds, it still requires room for setup and storage.
This Garvee hoist is a straightforward choice when portability and controlled positioning matter more than maximum capacity. Verify that its 3,000-pound rating meets your truck-engine lifting needs before buying.
Best Value 2-Ton Option – Folding Engine Hoist with Lever
This 2-ton hydraulic cherry picker is a versatile option for engine hoists for trucks, especially when you want adjustable capacity and compact storage. The high-strength steel frame, 4,400-pound rating, six casters, and folding design support a range of garage and workshop jobs.
Best For: Home mechanics and repair shops handling engines, axles, transmissions, motorcycles, and other loads under 4,400 pounds.
Pros:
- Lifts up to 4,400 pounds with an 8-ton hydraulic pump.
- Four boom positions accommodate loads from 1/2 ton to 2 tons.
- Combines an engine crane with a leveling tool.
- Folds for more compact storage and rolls on six casters.
Cons:
- At 141.1 pounds, it is substantially heavier than the 1.5-ton option.
- The larger capacity and six-caster frame may require more setup space.
Choose this model if you want maximum versatility from a single shop crane. Its adjustable boom and integrated leveling function can simplify varied lifting tasks, while the folding frame helps manage storage.
Best Heavy-Duty Folding Pick – 2-Ton Hoist with Leveler
Among engine hoists for trucks, this Garvee 2-ton folding model stands out for its reinforced construction, adjustable positioning, and six-caster mobility. It is designed for lifting engines and transmissions up to 4,400 pounds while folding down for storage in a garage, workshop, or warehouse.
Best For: Mechanics who need a heavy-duty, foldable shop crane with flexible boom positioning and a built-in leveler.
Pros:
- Hydraulic system handles loads up to 4,400 pounds.
- Four adjustable boom heights and a telescopic arm support flexible positioning.
- Reinforced carbon steel construction has professional welds and a protective coating.
- Six swivel casters help move the loaded crane across the floor.
Cons:
- Its 145.5-pound weight makes it the heaviest model listed here.
- Folded dimensions still require dedicated storage space.
This is a strong fit for frequent heavy lifting where durability, positioning control, and storage flexibility are priorities. Its capacity matches the other 2-ton model, so compare the frame weight and folding requirements for your workspace.
How We Picked the Best Engine Hoists for Trucks
We focused on the specifications that matter during real engine-removal and installation work: rated lifting capacity, boom adjustability, hydraulic operation, caster configuration, folding or storage design, and overall portability. The lineup includes compact hitch-mounted equipment as well as full-size shop cranes, so it covers different truck setups and working environments.
Because product listings can vary by configuration, verify the manufacturer’s current capacity chart, boom position limits, included hardware, and assembly requirements before purchase. Never exceed the rated capacity or use a hoist on unstable ground.
Quick Comparison
| Type | Typical capacity in this roundup | Best suited to | Main advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hitch-mounted truck crane | Up to 1,200 lb | Pickup beds and roadside lifting | Compact transport and direct truck access |
| 1.5-ton folding hoist | Up to 3,000 lb | Smaller garages and moderate repairs | Good balance of capacity and footprint |
| 2-ton folding cherry picker | Up to 4,400 lb | Engine removal and shop work | Higher capacity with adjustable boom positions |
Key Buying Factors for Engine Hoists for Trucks
Capacity and Working Position
A 2-ton rating does not mean the hoist lifts that amount at every boom extension. Capacity commonly decreases as reach increases, so check the rating for the exact position you need. Include the engine, accessories, chains, leveler, and any attached load when calculating total weight.
Boom Reach and Clearance
Measure the distance from the front of the truck or work area to the engine’s lifting points. Telescoping or multi-position booms provide flexibility, but a longer extension usually reduces capacity. Confirm maximum lift height as well, particularly when working over tall truck grilles or engine bays.
Mobility and Floor Conditions
Four or six swivel casters can make positioning easier, while larger steel casters may roll better over seams and shop floors. These hoists are intended for firm, level surfaces; they are not substitutes for lifting equipment designed for uneven outdoor terrain.
Storage, Hydraulics, and Control
Folding frames are valuable in smaller garages and can simplify transport. Look for a stable base, accessible hydraulic controls, secure boom pins, and clear instructions. A load leveler can improve control when aligning an engine, but it does not increase the hoist’s rated capacity.
Who Should Buy Which Engine Hoists for Trucks?
Choose a Hitch-Mounted Crane for Pickup-Bed Tasks
A compact swivel hitch crane is the practical choice for loading equipment, handling smaller engines, or working directly from a truck bed. Confirm the hitch size, receiver rating, truck payload, and mounting requirements before use.
Choose a 1.5-Ton Model for Moderate Garage Work
This category suits DIY mechanics who need more capacity than a compact crane but have limited floor space. It can be a sensible option for lighter engines and occasional repairs when its reach and lift height meet your needs.
Choose a 2-Ton Folding Hoist for Frequent Engine Work
Most full-size cherry pickers here are best for garages, repair shops, and truck owners removing larger engines. Select the model with the boom range, caster layout, folding footprint, and included leveler that match your workspace. Before every lift, inspect the frame, hydraulic system, pins, chains, and load balance, then move the load slowly and keep people clear.