Engine Transport



So how do you get an engine from you shop to a dyno? Well, there are probably many different ways, but this is my solution. I built this cradle out of 1" square steel tube. I made the plates to bolt to the engine first and built the frame right on the engine. I just measured and cut all the pieces and tack welded them right on the engine. I pulled it off the engine to avoid weld spatter and welded it complete including the gussets. The wheels are 4" swivels from Harbor Freight. What this does is it allows me to lift the engine off the stand and set it right on the ground. The wheels give me the flexibility to roll it up ramps into my vehicle without using a hoist to drop in a truck bed, which would leave opportunity for damage. I made the entire assembly wide enough and have the flexibility to put on other mounts for any engine type up to a big block 454. Since I work on all type of engines I can't restrict tools like this or make them for one engine only. It would take way too much time to build one for every engine I work on. Flexibility is the key. Now I have a nice cradle to put a motor on and roll it around the shop as I need it which is a huge convenience. Engine hoists are very clumsy and I only have one direction to move things on my trolley and hoist.

This is just one idea of many I have that can help you be more productive in your shop. The more time you spend hooking up and moving things around the less time you have your hands on the vehicle actually working.