Gantry crane vs engine hoist for full size tractor repair

[2manyrocks]

mahindra 3525 needs internal seals replaced on brake shafts. The seat, fenders, hydraulic assembly and tires will need to be removed. Tires are loaded and weigh 480 lbs.

already own a good engine hoist, but do I need a gantry crane for this job?

HF gantry is $849 without the coupon these days plus trolley and chain hoist.

having trouble finding local tractor mechanic to do the job.

 

[nyone]

Unless you have a cab to take off I think a engine hoist will work fine.

 

[LD1]

Either should work fine as long as its rated for the load.

May want to just do one side at a time if you can. Leave the other wheel on and it will help a little with stability. Less chance of something going wrong and falling off jackstands/hoist.

 

[2manyrocks]

No cab. Not sure of my engine hoist rating, but it’s made of 4 inch square tube.

I think both axles have to be removed to get enough play in the pinion gear assembly to remove it and replace the seals inside that assembly.

I am wondering if the overhead gantry would be easier to work with or if there is no real advantage for this repair? an overhead trolly would allow sliding parts on the trolly but the engine joist is more compact. I am wondering if the wheels and legs on the hoist will get in the way?

 

[ptsg]

I'm more a fan of a gantry crane. No legs to get in the way or terrible casters that never go where you want it to go and usually a lot more lifting height available. The trolley will also allow for heavy parts to slide a lot easier, like sliding the axle housings to align with the dowel pins.

If I already had a hoist like you have, I would probably just go with that instead.