Hi, I looking for a recommendation for a long reach engine crane suitable for a plus2, a fold up one as I have limited space for working
Thanks in advance John
I had one from a local US parts house but the legs were too wide to fit inside or outside the “baby” Elan’s front wheels. I got it to work but it was a hassle. I sold it off afterwards. Just something to be aware of.
Yes, finding an engine crane with a long enough arm reach to use on a +2 I too have found difficult. I too would be interested to hear of a suitable crane here in the UK to buy.
I have borrowed and used a ‘Clarke’ ( Machine Mart) 1 tonne folding one a couple of times from a relative but it is not easy using it because the arm isn’t quite long enough and I find I have to take a front wheel off and use it at an angle sideways on in relation to the car which makes things quite awkward.
A portable gantry frame with a block and tackle on it may work better?
Alan.
Hi John,
I bought a Clarke crane years ago and found the same issue. To improve things I got a longer length of square steel box section to match the inner (extending) part of the unit and then drilled it to suit the hook and pins. I think it was 2m long, and I cut it down to give an extra 30cm or so of reach Vs the standard length. Obviously you have to be careful about how far you extend it (stability) but it does the job nicely now. You could always cast a counterbalance out of concrete if you wanted.
Will
I’ve had good results using a Clarke on a Plus 2. But as stated before, you have to put the forward legs either side of a front wheel, and this can make things difficult. A load leveller device is invaluable for changing the angle of the enine / gearbox while lifting - as you might imagine, you need a pretty steep angle to clear the front of the engine bay.
Thanks for all the replies, I nearly decided on the Clarke one but checked the measurements, just as well.
I am now looking on ebay but realise you have to be careful as there are some ‘cheap & cheerful’ ones on there
John
I have 2 ton Pittsburgh crane, which just has enough reach if your careful with how you hook it up and use it.
I make sure to remove the anti roll bar and raise the front of the car on a couple bricks.If you don’t do that the legs foul on the anti roll bar and lower suspension arms.
I am debating drilling some extra holes just to give it slightly more reach for next time the engine comes out.
I have purchased a second hand no-name 2 tonne crane. As noted, the legs will foul the shocker/ARB mounts so my intention is to cut a V into each leg and then bend them inwards until they run parallel (and inside) to the mounts, and then weld up the V.
How wide is your garage
Mine is 8ft
I made a lift from two 4inch angle brackets 5 inch long with 3 x 12mm holes and bolted them to the wall with 12mm through bolts
I then got a piece of oak to straddle the brackets 6x3 and coach bolted together. Got on to eBay and bought a brand new 2 ton block and tackle for £30 and wrapped a sling around the top to hook the block onto
whipped the engine out easily.Once you have cleared the car just push the car out of the way and lower to ground
No need to worry about costly engine lifts that fowl the wheels
the whole lot cost me £50
I will try to send a pic
Regards
G
Block & Tackle for me every time, tried eng cranes but I find them too much of a faff …then you have to store it and its in the way unless you sell or loan it out … 
Similar to my lift much easier and more versatile
Struggling to upload pics
Regards
G
Very good idea…
However not at all possible for me. My roof trusses are only very thin and small I wouldn’t dare attach a block and tackle to them for lifting an engine.
Alan.
Alan
You come off the wall not the roof trusses with angle brackets. Ive tried to post a pic but cannot seem to do it on my Mac.Anyone wants a pic of my set up send a PM.
Regards
G
Thanks for the info.
However in addition to having thin feeble roof trusses my double garage is also 18ft 6inches wide!
I think a crane like checkrail is looking for is the only solution for me. We just need to find one with an extra long arm.
I have always managed the couple of times I have had my +2 engine in/out but it is a bit of a bun fight.
Alan
Im a bit spoilt because I use ramps and an A frame (with block and tackle) both of which I bought second hand and refurbished (with help for the ramps)
Have you considered a bolt together A frame as an alternative? Mine has wheels and was from an ex hire shop. Obviously it depends on height and available space but might be worth a thought
Gavin
I made “A” frame bolt together Gantry from Angle Iron. Use small Chain Lift and no problem.
Alan
Engine crane converted to a body crane.
I was wrong assuming c of g of the body was half-ways between the jacking points, hence to two concrete blocks on the bonnet. 
But Foxie,
You didn’t need to lift it with the spare wheel and your tool kit in the boot lol.
Alan
I visited a professional Elan +2 restorer last week and they had modified a Clarke crane exactly the same as Will.
Dave
If i extended the top lifting Arm 30 cms i would extend the 2 bottom Spreader Legs also.
Otherwise you are looking for it to topple over. If they haven’t extended the Spreader Legs imho it’s not very professional.
Alan