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Spent $200 on a used engine hoist and it almost killed me last weekend
Last Saturday I finally got around to pulling the seized 2.5L out of my 1997 Ford Ranger in the driveway. Found a used 3-ton hoist on Craigslist for $200 from a guy in Akron, seemed like a steal. Got the engine unbolted and started cranking it up, then I heard this LOUD cracking noise from the boom arm. Turns out the weld on the main pivot point was cracked halfway through and the PO just painted over it. Had to scramble and lower it down real fast while my neighbor held the chain, felt like a total idiot. Now I'm out $200 and the engine is still sitting on the stands, gotta find a different hoist or try renting one. Anyone else buy used shop equipment that turned out to be junk?
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finley93929d ago
Yo for real, that's wild. People really out here selling death traps painted over like it's nothing. I've seen way too many stories like this where used gear is basically a ticking time bomb. That weld crack could've snapped clean off and dropped a couple hundred pounds right on you or your truck. Honestly, I'd say you got lucky it cracked when it did and not when the engine was fully up in the air. A 3-ton hoist is overkill for a Ranger anyway, but still, a cheap used hoist is always a gamble. Next time maybe borrow one from a buddy or rent from AutoZone for like 40 bucks, it's not worth the risk. Glad you're still in one piece to tell the tale.
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