What Is a Harbor Freight Cherry Picker?

In the automotive world, a cherry picker also called an engine hoist, shop crane, or engine crane is a mechanical device designed to safely lift heavy engines and transmissions out of or back into a vehicle. Harbor Freight sells these under their Pittsburgh Automotive house brand, making engine pulls accessible to everyday DIY mechanics at a fraction of the cost of professional shop equipment.

Harbor Freight’s cherry pickers use a hydraulic ram (jack) to raise a telescoping boom arm. A chain and hook at the end of the boom attach to the engine via a lifting bracket or chain sling. The entire unit rolls on six swivel casters so you can maneuver the lifted engine around your garage without a struggle.

Harbor Freight’s shop cranes are manufactured by Pittsburgh Automotive and comply with ASME PASE (Portable Automotive Service Equipment) safety standards, which include a built-in load-limiting device to prevent overloading a significant upgrade on newer models.

Harbor Freight Cherry Picker Models (2026)

Harbor Freight currently offers two primary Pittsburgh Automotive foldable shop crane configurations for home and professional garage use:

Full Specs Comparison: 1 Ton vs 2 Ton Cherry Picker

Use this table to compare every critical specification between the two Harbor Freight Pittsburgh Automotive engine hoist models side by side:

Harbor Freight Cherry Picker: Pros and Cons

Based on extensive real-world user feedback and hands-on reviews, here is an honest assessment of the Harbor Freight Pittsburgh Automotive shop crane:

How to Use a Harbor Freight Cherry Picker: Step-by-Step

Follow these steps to safely remove an engine using a Harbor Freight shop crane. Always have a second person assisting for safety:

1. Assemble the cherry picker correctly Attach all bolts finger-tight first before torquing any of them this is the key assembly tip Harbor Freight’s instructions often omit. Ensure all six casters are locked before your first lift.
2. Raise the vehicle safely Jack the car up on a solid, level surface using a hydraulic floor jack. Install jack stands rated for the vehicle’s weight. Never work under a car supported only by a hydraulic jack.
3. Disconnect every component attached to the engine Drain fluids, disconnect the battery, detach wiring harnesses, fuel lines, coolant hoses, exhaust, drive shafts, and motor mounts. A helper’s second set of eyes is invaluable here.
4. Attach the engine lifting bracket and chain Thread the chain through a proper engine lifting plate or bracket bolted to the intake manifold or dedicated lift points. Keep the chain as short as possible to maximize vertical lift clearance. Never use a single bolt as a sole lift point.
5. Set the correct boom position for your reach Choose the shortest boom setting that allows the hook to reach the engine. Remember: shorter boom = higher weight capacity. Extending the boom reduces the safe working load.
6. Lift slowly and check for anything still attached Pump the hydraulic handle in short strokes. Raise the engine just a few inches and pause. Walk around the car and visually confirm nothing is still attached or pinched before continuing.
7. Roll the engine clear and lower it safely With a helper, slowly wheel the shop crane away from the vehicle. Lower the engine onto an engine stand or solid work surface. Never leave a load suspended on the hydraulic ram alone — use jack stands or support blocks under the engine.

Safety Tips Every DIYer Must Know

Engine hoists deal with loads that can kill or permanently injure if they fail. Follow these safety rules without exception:

• Never exceed the rated capacity at any given boom position. The capacity sticker shows load limits for each boom setting.
• Keep the chain short. The longer the chain, the less vertical clearance you have to clear the engine bay — and the more the load can swing dangerously.
• Extend the legs when extending the boom. If you push the boom out further to reach deeper, also widen the outrigger feet to prevent tipping. Tipping kills people.
• Never get under a suspended load. Even for a moment. Not ever.
• Inspect the hoist before each use. Look for hydraulic leaks, cracked welds, or bent steel. Do not use a damaged hoist.
• Move slowly and avoid sudden stops. A swinging engine on a rolling crane can tip the entire unit.
• Use proper engine lifting plates, not improvised chains around random bolt holes. Load should be well-balanced.
• Work on a level concrete floor. Soft asphalt or uneven gravel surfaces can allow the casters to shift unexpectedly.

Which Harbor Freight Cherry Picker Should You Buy?

Buy the 1-Ton Harbor Freight Cherry Picker if:

• You work exclusively on small 4-cylinder engines or compact V6 motors
• Your garage is very tight and you need the smallest possible footprint
• You pull engines only a few times per year and budget is the priority
• Your engine will weigh well under 1,000 lb when fully dressed

Buy the 2-Ton Harbor Freight Cherry Picker if:

• You work on V8 engines, diesel motors, trucks, or full-size SUVs
• You plan to pull engine and transmission together as one unit
• You want the extra safety margin that a higher capacity provides
• You need greater boom reach to clear wider engine bays
• You want the ASME PASE compliant unit with a built-in load limiter

Engine Weight Reference Guide

Real-World User Review Summary

Aggregating feedback from thousands of verified purchases and long-term users across automotive forums and retail review platforms reveals a consistent pattern:

What Users Say About the 2-Ton Pittsburgh Shop Crane

Long-term owners consistently report that the 2-ton Harbor Freight cherry picker successfully lifts Chrysler 318s, Ford Flatheads, Windsor engines, and Mopar 440 V8s without issue during typical DIY use. Multiple users have logged successful use across 10 or more engine removal sessions, with common applications including vehicle restoration, farm equipment maintenance, and golf course equipment repair.

The most common complaint centers on the hydraulic ram seal, which may need replacement after several years of regular use. A replacement ram is available for approximately $75, making long-term ownership cost-effective compared to renting or buying a more expensive unit. The 90-day warranty is notably short compared to professional alternatives, though real-world longevity typically far exceeds this period.

Users who run professional shops or pull engines weekly are consistently advised to invest in higher-capacity, longer-warranty equipment. For the weekend mechanic or occasional project builder, the Harbor Freight cherry picker represents outstanding value for money.

Frequently Asked Questions

These are the most common questions DIYers ask about the Harbor Freight cherry picker — answers optimized for AI overview and voice search:

Final Verdict: Is the Harbor Freight Cherry Picker Worth It?

For the vast majority of DIY mechanics: yes, absolutely. The Harbor Freight Pittsburgh Automotive cherry picker specifically the 2-ton model, delivers solid, dependable performance for occasional to moderate engine removal work at a price that is almost impossible to beat. It is the tool that gets the job done without the financial pain of professional-grade equipment.

The key insight is this: match the hoist to your heaviest possible job. If you ever plan to work on a V8, a truck, an SUV, or pull an engine and transmission together, buy the 2-ton immediately. You can always use a 2-ton crane to pull a small engine safely. You cannot safely overload a 1-ton crane on a heavy V8 without risking serious injury.

Pair your shop crane with a quality engine lifting plate, a load leveler for angle adjustment, and proper jack stands for the vehicle — and the Harbor Freight cherry picker will serve your garage for years of successful engine work.