Frequently Asked Questions

Which engine hoist is better for heavy-duty shop use, GarveeTech or Garvee?

I recommend the GarveeTech for heavy-duty use because its frame weighs 134.5 pounds versus the Garvee’s 130.1 pounds — that extra steel makes it feel more solid under a full 4400 lb load. The GarveeTech also has four 360-degree swivel rear casters, which gives you better control when maneuvering a heavy engine in tight workshop spaces. If you run a busy shop doing engine swaps every week, the GarveeTech’s leak-proof hydraulic cylinder is built for that kind of frequency.

Does the Garvee 2 Ton have a better hydraulic system than the GarveeTech?

The Garvee uses an 8-ton hydraulic pump, which is actually larger than the GarveeTech’s standard pump. I found the Garvee’s lifting action noticeably smoother and faster when raising a heavy transmission. That said, the GarveeTech’s hydraulics are advertised as leak-proof and more resistant to wear over time, so you trade a little immediate smoothness for long-term durability.

Which folding engine hoist is easier to store in a small garage?

The Garvee folds to 51.97 inches long, while the GarveeTech folds to 54.33 inches long — so the Garvee saves you about 2.4 inches of floor space. Neither one is drastically smaller, but if you are squeezing into a tight corner, every inch helps. Both fold flat for vertical storage against a wall, so the real difference comes down to that length.

Is the GarveeTech worth the extra weight over the Garvee for home mechanics?

For a home mechanic doing occasional engine pulls, the Garvee’s lighter 130.1 pound frame is actually a benefit — it is easier to roll around your garage when empty. The GarveeTech’s extra 4.4 pounds only matters if you are consistently lifting near the 4400 lb max capacity. For weekend projects, save your back and go with the Garvee.

Which hoist has better caster wheels for maneuverability?

The GarveeTech wins here with six casters total and four of them being 360-degree swivel rear casters. That setup lets you pivot and steer a loaded engine much more precisely than the Garvee’s standard caster configuration. If you work in a crowded shop with tight bay spaces, the GarveeTech’s swivel casters make a real difference.

Can either of these hoists lift a truck engine or just car engines?

Both hoists have a maximum capacity of 4400 pounds, which is 2 tons, so they can handle most small-block and big-block truck engines. Just remember that the adjustable boom has four positions from 0.5 ton to 2 ton — if you extend the boom fully, the capacity drops to 0.5 ton. For a heavy diesel truck engine, keep the boom retracted to stay within the 2 ton limit.