[Harryc]

I want to install a ceiling hoist for lifting heavy objects so that I can work on them (like a snowblower attachment or cutting deck) and move them from one side of the garage to another. I was thinking about an 800 to 1000 lb electric hoist, but I want to have it moveable along an 8ft track or so. What can I use for the track and trolley? If I tied something into ceiling joists am I asking for trouble? Cranes made for this task are expensive, otherwise I'd just go that route. What is being used in this video? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFscvFfYuBQ

 

[Cat385B]

At first glance, that looks to be tied into two consecutive trusses at two different points with the metal piping. But I am guessing that is more than that. Probably some bracing added above what we can see. I would not lift a motorcycle with a winch tied to 2x4's.

Simplest set up, imo, is a chainfall with a trolley on an I-beam. But the beam won't be cheap.

That set up is temporary, You could do it with a longer beam that spans wall to wall, and support and brace each end with a post in your walls.

 

[Harryc]

Thanks for the reply. I'd only be spanning half the garage width-wise. Today there is a 2x10 triple beam sitting on (3) steel posts running lengthwise right down the middle of the garage (covered in sheetrock right now). It basically supports my house . The side walls are concrete block. The joists themselves are 2x10's, and run width-wise. The steel I-beam with steel posts is doable, but like you said, I'll have to look into pricing.

 

[username]

You might consider a cannonball garage door track if you are not going to be lifting very heavy objects.

 

[Harryc]

I'll take a look at the garage door track thanks. Deals like this one seem to pop up on Craigslist.
http://newjersey.craigslist.org/pts/2794391079.html

Edit:. Come to think of it, a portable 'might' be more useful. Something like this one -

 

[username]

Those cranes are nice if you keep a nice runway open so they would not work good for me.

I have an 18" jib crane in my garage and I don't know how I would get along without it.

 

[hamman]

The older I get the harder it is for me to get the heavy lifting done. Having delt with cancer doesn't help either. I just bought a 1 1/2 ton chainfall for $25. and I have a 8' 6" X 6" strapped across 3 of the ceiling joist (trusses). It works well but it is on e location only. I do have a 2000# hand winch to mount on the wall with 10,000# stainless 3/16 cable to lift with. It has a snatch block to give it more lifting power. Again it is stationary. It would be nice to have something like what harryc is talking about to use. So far you guys have given him some great ideas.