When I converted the old feed store I'm using for a shop, I used an I beam at the roof line across the width of the shop to to eliminate the load bearing center post that holds the roof up. It didn't take me too long after that to install a trolley and 2 ton chain hoist.

I don't know how it would work with your layout but for me it was about the best thing I ever did to the shop. Especially working alone it sure beats the heck out of a cherry picker both from a ease and safety standpoint. Besides installing engines I've used it to pull pickup beds and even whole bodies during frame offs.

Believe me I would not have wanted to do these 2 swaps with a cherry picker especially working alone.


eng 37 by M Patterson, on Flickr



going in by M Patterson, on Flickr