I'm tired of using my flexi-flier engine stand and in lieu of building my own ( I do have blueprints for a nice one) I was wondering if any of you have a very nice engine stand that you're happy with. Hot Rod did a stand comparo a few years ago with some nice stands, but I can't seem to reach any of these companies. OTC sells one for $600 but it appears to be a POS and Snap-on sells a crank one for $700 which looks suspiciously similar to the one Matco sells for $260. any input would be appreciated-----Thanks, Mark.
Harbor freight 2000# stand Mark, It depends on what features you are looking for. I've borrowed plenty of stands (I'm too cheap to buy one, and I have lots of friends who have them sitting in their garages un-used), and they are defintely not built the same. I've never used one with the crank to turn the motor, that might be handy. If you are looking for a plain Jane, but rugged model I'd recommend the Harbor Freight 2000# stand. part 4420-1vga. $109.99. This thing is a tank. I've used it with Big Block Buicks, Chryslers, Pontiac and Cadillac on it. This thing was still rock solid. You could put diesels on it, and it wouldn't flinch. Throw in the fact that the cost is pretty good, and I think it's a winner. Just my opinion. Brett
a few years ago i treated myself to a MATCO one with the crank it was onsale for $200 a few tips. NEVER buy / use one with only three wheels :blast: scarry . 4 wheels front and rear the same width. the shaft on the head should go all the way though the coller and past it on the stand . no point it have your blood sweat and tears tip over and go boom an a substandard piece of equipment. best sturdy and safe . i realy like my matco stand if your considering it :TU:
I bought mine at Harbor Freight and so did several friends when they opened up a local store here. It is a good engine stand and like the prior post stated, it will hold 1500 lbs......no problem! Can't beat it for the price. They had them on sale here when the store opened for $89. Now they are $109.
eNGINE sTANDS Hey Mark ,what Sean mentioned is great advice . Another plus with 4 leg stands besides the safety is you can put large flat pans down to catch the funk for whatever work your doing . My stand has 4 legs but its got the middle lower support with a wide section at the front with the wheels (H-shaped) I've never come close to tipping but it's a PITA to balance a pan under it . I guess if was smarter I'd just make up a set of blocks , eh ? The Crank ones sound nice , :Brow: but I don't do enough engines to warrant the expense . Steve
If you have a Sams club in your neck of the woods, you should check out their folding engine stand. I have a Harbor Freight stand rated @ 1500# , but the folding model at Sams looks like a better design. Plus it folds horizontal so you can roll it under your workbench instead of taking up space in a corner. http://search.samsclub.com/eclub/se...&searchtype=simple&action=search&logged_in=No
Does the Harbor Freight 1500 lb model have the gusset straps on the vertical mast for reinforcment like the 2000lb model? What about the frame design? Does it have the wide "V" shaped lower frame for stability? I've never seen the 1500 lb model, so I'm curious. Thanks, Brett
I believe they use the base from the engine hoist and just install an engine stand upright to it. They are very nice and very stable. Oooops, my mistake ....they are rated at 2000 lbs. Still $109 http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=4420
Click on the link that George put in his last post. (post # 8) They have a link to the 1500# model. I have the 1500# unit and I am happy with it. Its been storing my 464 project motor for a couple years now without any problems. It seems plenty steady. Now if I were working on a Chrysler Hemi that would be a different story, they don't call them elephant motors for no reason.
...just a thought - if you are just looking to store your motor, you might consider an engine cradle instead of a stand.
