The 5 Best Engine Stands On The Market | Reviews and Buyers Guide
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Engine Stands are designed to help in servicing your car, typically by lifting the engine off the ground; They’ve been around for a long time, and they continue to be popular tools for auto mechanics. Looking for an engine stand is a lot harder than you might think, don’t get scammed into buying the wrong one!
An engine stand is an essential tool for any workshop or garage. It makes it easy to work on your car, truck, bike, or machinery without risking injury and damage done by leaning over the engine block. Engine stands are also used for storing engines when they are not in use.
Engine stands are not commonly found in the average person’s garage, but they are essential for any serious car enthusiast who’s renovating an old car. The concept of them is simple, and they all look similar, which poses a problem when choosing which one to buy.
There are many different brands of engine stands available on the market today, from budget-friendly options to heavy-duty, high-end professional models with all sorts of features and benefits. In this post, we will go through 5 reviews of the best engine stands that you can buy to help make your selection process a little easier!
Here’s what to expect in our best engine stands review article:
- First, we showcase our top 5 picks in an easy-to-follow comparison table
- Next, we accurately describe the features and benefits of each model
- Then, we tell you about the drawbacks we think you should know about
- And finally, we give you a better insight into the product with our buyer’s guide
Sound good? Let’s see how they stacked up.
Buy on Amazon
Comparison of Our Favorite Engine Stands:
CLICK any image to see Ratings and Reviews on Amazon
| Image | Model | Price | Walts Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
Top  | Sunex 8300GB | Check Price | 4.8 / 5 (Best Overall) |
  | Performance Tool W41031 | Check Price | 4.6 / 5 (Best Value) |
  | BestEquip Engine Stand 2000LBS | Check Price | 4.4 / 5 |
  | JEGS 80041 | Check Price | 4.3 / 5 |
  | OEM TOOLS 24829 | Check Price | 4.2 / 5 |
5 Best Engine Stands – Reviews
1. Sunex 8300GB Foldable Engine Stand (Best Overall)
- Ever wished you had a space to work on your motor engine in the garage? Now, with Sunexs 8300GB 1/2 ton capacity foldable engine stand, it is possible! With this stand, engine rotation is made simple by turning the crank handle. This self-locking feature ensures that once positioned, the engine stand will not move without coercion providing much greater functionality.
- The gears are sealed which helps prevent the invasion of dirt and dust particles which can lead to eventual damage or malfunction of the engine mount time. A ball bearing mounted swivel caster wheels make for easy mobility and features safety locks so you won't disturb loose items present around your workspace as well as accidental spills that might compromise your overall success with repairs or maintenance.
- The Sunex 8300GB is an easy to use, time-saving tool that gives mechanics fast access to hard-to-reach areas of a vehicle. The 63:1 ratio worm drive gearbox allows you to rotate the engine easily and its self-locking feature will keep the engine in any desired position.
- Its compact design for storage makes this essential tool great for small garages or mobile service technicians on the go. Ball-bearing mounted swivel caster wheels enable this stand to be maneuvered with ease while safety locks allow it remains still when needed.
- We are confident anyone would find this product to be a worthwhile investment for the garage or shop. This is a favorite amongst experienced automotive engineers and the only issue we found was some units were sent out missing the base plate.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
2. Performance Tool W41031 (Best Value)
- This Performance Tool 1,250 lbs. capacity engine stand is perfect for hobbyists and professionals alike. With the stable 4 wheel design that moves 360 degrees lock in 6 positions, this stand can securely hold most foreign and domestic engine blocks while also being fully adjustable.
- Whats more? The sturdy metal parts tray holds those hard-to-see accessories and attachments you need for your engines as well.
- This engine stand from Performance Tool will keep your engines in one safe place while you work on them with ease! The sturdy metal tray carries most foreign and domestic engine blocks with a weight capacity of up to 1200 lbs. And with a 360-degree rotating head and 6 locking positions, your needs are more than met.
- Plus the fully adjustable mounting head assembly is backed by Performance Tools strong warranty so you know itll last as long as that awesome motor in the garage!
- The frame sits on 4 caster wheels and it can be a bit wobbly without an engine attached. An issue we found was the locking pin position holes are misaligned and so you'll either need to drill your own or return it. The problem is the return shipping cost will come from your pocket, not theirs.
- Overall, this is a great product for engine work, with some added design features that aren't much more than other models we tested. If you can afford to spend up to $50 more then this is a contender.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
3. BestEquip Engine Stand 1250lbs Capacity
- The BestEquip Engine stand is a 1250lbs capacity motor stand and engine hoist for automobile, truck, or any heavy-duty engine maintenance. Your car repair will never be the same!
- The product has 4 iron caster wheels that provide extreme stability in uneven grounds-making it perfect to utilize when moving around your workshop. It also rotates engines by a simple turn of a handle while offering a positioning lock buckle for easy adjustment.
- In addition, this incredible automotive equipment is designed with an adjustable mounting head that allows you to rotate engines. Along with 2 swivel wheels and 2 directional wheels, transportation is super easy!
- An issue you may have is the assembly instructions leave a lot to be desired and it's not big enough for all engine types, such as Chrysler.
- Overall, this is a good bit of kit for a race cars hobbyist but if youre a professional automotive engineer, you'll need to look for a more heavy duty engine stand.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
4. JEGS Engine Stand (Model 80041)
- JEGS Engine Stand is the perfect tool for any home mechanic. It can hold up to 1250 LBS of weight, giving you a safe place while working on your engine. It's easy to assemble and it disassembles in just seconds, making storage even more convenient.
- The 360-degree adjustable mounting head will fit most engines and with four ball-bearing swivel caster wheels, no matter which angle or direction youre working on your car from, it's easy to wheel around!
- Make engine maintenance and rebuilding more efficient with this easy-to-use adjustable JEGS Engine Stand. The heavy-duty square steel frame makes the stand sturdy, yet lightweight at just 64 pounds.
- This shop dependable also has 4 ball-bearing swivel caster wheels so it rolls conveniently virtually anywhere in your garage or workspace. The 1250 pound capacity allows for engines from manufacturers such as Ford Dodge, and Chevrolet. So upgrading your rebuild project just got a little easier!
- However, it is not foldable and so flat storage means disassembling the mounting head. This may not be a problem for the occasional user, but for more regular use this is time-consuming and a problem. An issue to be aware of is the frame may flex the heavier the engine and the unit is hard to rotate, even after lubrication.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
5. OEM TOOLS 24829
- Lastly, we have the OEM Tools engine stand which is almost identical in design to the Performance Tools model, but without a parts tray.
- The frame sits on four 3.5 inch ball-bearing caster wheels so you can easily transport it around your garage, and the head rotates 360 degrees. The lock pin keeps the engine fixed in place.
- This engine stand has a maximum capacity of 1250lb although it may flex when you mount a large engine. We dont recommend you pushing the weight limits to the max!
- It's durable and heavy-duty and is suitable for nearly all types of engines, but there is no way of checking exactly before purchasing. It's also on the more expensive side and for the price, we believe there are better choices available.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Video: How to Mount an Engine Stand:
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Engine Stands Buyers Guide
As we advised in our introduction, engine stands have a similar appearance, and their features don’t vary. We concentrated on reviewing 4 or 6 wheel models, but you can also buy 3-wheel models.
Features to look for on engine stands:
Balance
Probably the essential feature is the engine stands balance. You don’t want one to be so unsteady it’s unsafe to use. If it topples, severe injury and damage can occur. The main feature to aid balance is the number of wheels the engine stand has.
Three wheels:
These stands are not too typical as there are more disadvantages to buying one. They have a triangle shape with two wheels at the rear and one out front. They’re only designed for small engines, and once you get near the weight limit, they become unstable and are more prone to tipping over.
Four wheels:
These are far and away the most common engine stands available. The wheels are positioned in the four corners of the frame. Some models have two fixed casters and two rotating ones that can also be locked into position. Because of the design and weight distribution, they are less likely to tip.
Six wheels:
For added peace of mind, there is the six-wheel option. We reviewed the BestEquip engine stand that had two other wheels in the center of the frame. Because of the added wheels, they are more significant than their counterparts and take up more space. The rear part of the frame narrows and the legs widen toward the front.
Weight capacity
Every engine stand will have a maximum weight capacity, ultimately deciding whether the model is suitable for you. We did not review any three-wheel engine stands because their weight limit is under 1000lbs, and there are four-wheel engine stands available at nearly the same price. If in doubt, opt for a four-wheel engine stand.
Folding engine stands
For most people, space in their workshop or garage is limited, and engine stands are not exactly small. To get around this, some engine stands are foldable, which means better storage options. We reviewed the Sunex 8300GB, which has this excellent design feature.
Not every budget can stretch that far, though. If you are limited on space and funds, look for a four-wheel compact engine stand or one that is quickly taken apart, such as the BestEquip model.
Rotation and locking heads
We deliberately only reviewed engine stands that have a rotating head. These are a must. That’s non-negotiable. Imagine trying to work on a hard-to-reach part of an engine and the angle your body would be at. Get an engine stand that’ll turn the machine to make life easy.
Portability
All engine stands are portable to a degree, but some are way better than others. This is due to the size and quality of their caster wheels. Larger ones work best because they don’t get stuck, incredibly underweight as heavy as an engine. Ensure that at least two wheels lock in place, as this will keep the frame still under a load and make it way easier to move around.
Ease of use
All of the engine stands we reviewed are easy to use. They are big enough that a cherry picker can hoist the engine from the car to the frame, and once at the same level, the machine can be mounted onto the stand. The issue with cherry pickers is they are not designed to lift and hold the engine for a prolonged period, so ensure the engine stand you purchase allows easy access for your cherry picker.
Conclusion
If you are renovating an old car or an automotive mechanic, you will need an engine stand. There’s not a lot of features to choose from, but the key points to remember are:
- Know the weight of your engine
- Opt for at least a four-wheel model
- 360-degree rotation and locking mechanism
Of the five we reviewed, the Sunex 8300GB won our Best Overall pick. It has a lot of features that make this engine stand better to use than the others. Its design means it’s foldable, sturdy, and durable.
Our Best Value choice went to Performance Tool W41031. Again, this had additional features the other didn’t, and it won’t break the bank to buy it.
We hope you have found our engine stand review helpful, and it has given you fresh insight into what to look for when making a buying decision. You don’t need to opt for the most expensive!
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When I’m not testing and reviewing tools, you’ll find me in front of a hot BBQ, cold drink in hand, cooking up something big, and spending quality time with my wife and two boys. I’m also often found in my workshop working on my next project!
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