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Where Can I Rent an Engine Hoist? (US Guide)

If you need an engine hoist for a one-time engine pull or install, renting is usually the fastest way to avoid storage and upfront cost. In the United States, the most reliable places to rent an engine hoist (also called an engine crane, shop crane, or cherry picker) are tool/equipment rental shops and national rental chains.

Auto parts stores are less consistent because many “rentals” are really refundable-deposit loaner tool programs, and engine hoists are often a purchase item, not a loaner. That’s why this guide is organized into: (1) best places to rent, then (2) the real store-by-store situation, with dedicated pages for each retailer.

Retailer pages (store-by-store)

If your search is brand-specific, start here. These pages are written to be “article-safe” (we won’t claim a retailer rents/loans a hoist unless the retailer’s own pages confirm it):

• AutoZone engine hoist rental
• O’Reilly engine hoist rental
• Advance Auto Parts engine hoist rental
• Home Depot engine hoist rental

Best places to rent an engine hoist (US)

1) Local tool and equipment rental shops (often best)

• Usually the best “near me” option for same-day availability.
• Often carry a 1,000–2,000 lb folding or knockdown engine hoist.
• May offer day/week pricing and sometimes delivery.

2) National rental chains (availability varies by location)

• Sunbelt Rentals and United Rentals commonly list knockdown engine hoists in many markets.
• These are typically reserve-by-location items, not guaranteed at every branch.

3) Auto parts stores (treat as store-specific)

Auto parts stores can be hit-or-miss for engine hoist rentals. Many stores offer a loaner tool program (refundable deposit) for specialty tools, but engine hoists are often sold as products rather than loaned out. Always call the specific store before driving over.

Store-by-store reality (what to expect)

Typical rental prices and deposits (realistic ranges)

Rates vary by ZIP, weekend rules, optional damage waivers, and delivery. Use these as planning ranges, then verify locally.

• 4-hour / half-day: roughly $25–$60
• Daily: roughly $30–$80 (some markets $100+)
• Weekend: often 1–2 daily rates, roughly $50–$140 (shop policy varies)
• Weekly: roughly $100–$180 common (can be higher)
• Auto parts “loaner tool” deposit: usually the full value of the tool (effectively paying for it up front, then getting refunded on return)
• Rental-yard deposit/hold: commonly $40–$150+ (or card hold/account-based)

What to ask before you drive over (phone script)

• “Do you have an engine hoist / shop crane / cherry picker available today?”
• “What is the capacity at each boom position, and what’s the max hook height?”
• “Is it a knockdown/folding unit? Will it fit in a pickup/SUV?”
• “Do you include a chain and/or load leveler, or do I need my own?”
• “What are the rental terms, deposit/hold, and weekend rules?”

Inspection checklist (before you leave with the hoist)

• Hydraulic ram: no visible leaks, lifts smoothly, doesn’t creep down.
• Boom + pins: pins present, locks secure, no bent parts.
• Chain + hook: hook safety latch present, chain/hardware rated and in good condition.
• Casters: roll smoothly; check your floor surface (rough concrete can be a problem).
• Capacity vs boom position: confirm which hole you’ll use and the rating at that position.

What if nobody rents one near me?

Buy used, then resell (often beats a weekly rental)

• Check Facebook Marketplace/Craigslist for folding shop cranes.
• Inspect for leaks, bent booms, missing pins, bad casters.
• Plan your exit: if you buy at a fair price, you can often resell after the job.

Pay for the lift (shop bay or mobile help)

• If you’re time-constrained, paying a shop to do the pull/install can be cheaper than multiple rental days plus delays.

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