How much is a used engine hoist (cherry picker) worth?

Most used engine hoists resell for about $50–$300, and before any of that price matters, there's one practical test that decides whether a given unit is worth anything at all: does the hydraulic ram hold a load without drifting down? An engine hoist that slowly sinks under weight isn't a discount item — it's a machine you can't trust with an engine or transmission hanging from it, which is exactly the job it exists to do.

Test the hydraulic ram before trusting it with anything heavy

Pump the ram up under some load — even just the boom's own weight extended out, or a modest test weight if you have one — and watch it over a minute or two. It should hold its position. If it visibly creeps or drops on its own, the seals are worn and the unit needs a rebuild or a fresh hydraulic ram before it's safe to load with anything heavy like an engine or transmission. Also check the weight rating, usually stamped on the ram or a plate near the boom (commonly 1–2 ton), against what you'd actually be lifting — a hoist rated below what you plan to pull isn't a corner worth cutting.

Used engine hoist value range

Estimates only — actual resale depends on hydraulic function, weight rating, folding/storage design, boom adjustability, and brand. Not guaranteed.

What drives an engine hoist's resale value

• Hydraulic function. This is the single biggest factor. A ram that holds a load without leaking or drifting down is what makes the hoist actually usable — and sellable at a real price. A leaking or drifting ram turns the same hoist into a repair project worth a fraction as much.
• Weight rating. Usually 1–2 tons, stamped on the ram housing or a plate near the boom. This determines whether the hoist can handle a small four-cylinder engine or a full transmission-and-engine combo, and buyers shop specifically by this number.
• Folding/storage design. Most engine hoists are designed to fold flat or collapse for storage between uses — a unit that folds properly and isn't bent out of shape is easier to store and move, which matters to buyers with limited garage space.
• Boom-length adjustability. Many hoists let you adjust the boom to several positions, trading reach for lift height depending on the job. A hoist where the adjustment pins and holes still line up cleanly is worth more than one that's been forced or bent.
• Brand. Harbor Freight/Pittsburgh Automotive and Torin are the names most commonly seen in this category, and buyers recognize them for parts availability and general reliability at their price point.

Is an engine hoist worth flipping?

Yes, when the hydraulic ram checks out — this is genuinely useful, not-cheap-to-buy-new equipment that DIY mechanics and small shops actively look for used. The test is simple and fast to run, which makes this a low-effort category to evaluate correctly. The one thing not to do is take the ram's performance on faith just because the frame looks solid — a hoist that looks fine but sinks under load is a liability, not a bargain, for whoever ends up using it.

What to grab: any hoist where the ram holds load without drifting, folds properly for storage, and has a legible weight rating that matches what you or a buyer would realistically lift. What to skip: any unit with a ram that leaks fluid or visibly sinks under test load, bent boom-adjustment hardware, or a rating too low for typical engine-pull jobs (well under 1 ton).

How to flip a free engine hoist

1. Test the hydraulic ram under load first, before anything else — pump it up, watch for drift or leaks over a minute or two.
2. Check the weight rating stamped on the ram or boom plate, and note it clearly for the listing.
3. Fold it (or unfold it) to confirm the storage mechanism works without forcing anything or binding up.
4. Check the boom-adjustment pins and holes for wear or bending that would limit position options.
5. Look for a leveler bar or included accessories (chains, hooks) that would sweeten the listing.
6. List with weight rating, brand, and confirmation the hydraulic ram was tested and holds load — that's the first thing a buyer checks before driving over for something this bulky.

Where free engine hoists come from

People give these away when they finish a one-off engine swap or transmission job and don't want to store a bulky piece of equipment they may never use again, during garage cleanouts, or in estate sales where a home mechanic's tools are being cleared out. Because they're large and infrequently used by most owners, sellers often price them free or cheap rather than keep one taking up floor space.

That's the gap Freebox closes — it surfaces free finds near you with an estimated resale value already attached, so you can judge whether an engine hoist is worth the trip and the hydraulic test before you commit to hauling one home. The same category of garage-lifting equipment includes floor jacks, which face a similar "verify it actually holds" evaluation.

Find free engine hoists worth flipping near you

Freebox shows free stuff being given away near your ZIP, each with an estimated resale value and profit, and pings you when a high-value find drops. See what free engine hoists and garage equipment near you are worth — then grab the good ones before someone else does.

Freebox is a paid app. Resale figures are estimates, not guarantees. Never trust an engine hoist with a heavy load until you've verified the hydraulic ram holds under test.

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FAQ

How much is a used engine hoist worth? Most resell for $50–$300. Basic 1-ton units with a verified-working ram run $50–$110, 2-ton units with adjustable booms land around $100–$200, and name-brand 2-ton hoists with extra accessories can reach $300. Any unit with a leaking or drifting ram drops to $30–$60 as a repair project only.

How do I test the hydraulic ram before trusting it? Pump the ram up under some load — even just the boom extended out — and watch it for a minute or two. It should hold its position without sinking or leaking fluid. If it drifts down on its own, treat that as a real defect, not a quirk.

What weight rating should I look for? Most engine hoists are rated 1–2 tons. Match the rating to what you'd actually lift — a small four-cylinder engine is fine on a 1-ton unit, but anything heavier, like an engine-and-transmission combo, calls for a verified 2-ton hoist.

Does a bent or hard-to-fold frame matter? Yes — most hoists are designed to fold flat for storage, and a frame that's been bent or forced out of shape can make that harder or compromise the boom-adjustment holes, which is a real (if secondary) deduction.

Where do people give away free engine hoists? After finishing a one-off engine or transmission job, during garage cleanouts, and in estate sales where a home mechanic's equipment is being cleared out.

Related: How much is a floor jack worth? · Free stuff near you