OP here - And I never thought that there would be so many different types of lifting devices .... or that so many TBNers already had one in their shop.
Not sure what our final solution here will be, but I now know a lot more about what is available. My machine/fab shop is small but high ceilings. Vehicle work is done outside where the backhoe can lift anything. However, anything in the shop needs to fold up and store away.
Needing something today, it was off to HF yesterday to purchase their heavier two ton shop crane. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the one they had on display. Same size as their 1 ton. It comes disassembled in boxes - so hope this one is as nice. $320.
The plan is for the folding crane to buy time to design an overhead trolley system.
rScotty