Engine hoist spreader bar

[jagnut66]

Hi,
I am looking at getting a spreader bar for my engine crane, I have been advised that they are a better way of lifting my engine out, rather than just using the chains on my hoist alone.
Anyway I've been on the lookout and spotted this on eBay:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1500LB-750KG- ... 3ccd5158ce
So my question is: Will this be strong enough to lift the 1275 midget engine in my car?
Many thanks,
Mike.

[mike.perry]

750kg will lift the whole car. The limiting factor is what you have it attached to

[philthehill]

Machine Mart do a load leveller more suited to your needs Order Code: 020110900 @ £33.59 inc VAT and there is a branch in Mansfield - 169 Chesterfield Road South NG197AR as well so you can view before purchase.
a most useful piece of equipment.

[bmcecosse]

A simple length of angle iron will do the job...doesn't need to be anything fancy.

[philthehill]

a simple piece of angle iron will bend!
It needs to be at least 50mm x 50mm x 5mm thick (and the thicker the better.
You will then have to work out the centre of gravity for the lifting eye and buy suitable eyes and chain.
See attached BMC engine lifting beam and the lifting point is off centre.
The Machine Mart lifting beam replicates the ability to get the centre of gravity just right.
Better to buy the proper thing and be done with it.
If it is not made properly and collapses you will not be a happy bunny.
The whole idea of the adjustable lifting beam is that you are able to get the centre of gravity right and can angle the engine and/or gearbox as required.
Whilst home made things may be alright in the right circumstances when it comes to lifting a weight such as a MG Midget engine you cannot be too careful.
I know what I would do in the circumstances and that is buy the proper tool [frame][/frame]

[bmcecosse]

Well -I was assuming common sense would see that sort of size would be required.... And drill a row of holes along the top to take a shackle at different dangle angles . Job done!

[jagnut66]

Thanks for all of the above. I shall contact my local Machine Mart (go and have a look).

[whyperion]

My local Mini specialist uses an alleged BMC dealer crane/hoist which the main lifting brackets (angled) appear to bolt to the head to block studs ( those external to the rocker box ). It is an angle piece of metalwork that the crane attaches to approx over the centre of gravity over the rocker box line.

[philthehill]

Whilst not having seen the lifting bracket/frame you refer too it does seem very much like the correct BMC Mini engine/gearbox lifting bracket/frame. It does fit under the front studs and is then angled upwards. Because it fits under the front studs it allows the Mini engine to tilt down at the back so making it easier to remove the engine/gearbox unit.
The Mini engine has a different centre of gravity to the Minor engine so that is why the lifting point is more central to the rocker cover.
There is a repro BMC Mini engine/gearbox lifting bracket/frame currently for sale on 'e' Bay item No: 171011868189.
On the original Mini lifting bracket/frame I am certain instead of the chain there was a solid bar similar to the Minor one pictured above that slid in the slots either side of the lifting bracket/frame.