Why won’t your workshop crane lift? 6 most common causes and quick fixes
You’ve got the car on the stand, the engine is ready to be lifted out, everyone’s waiting, and you start lifting the engine with the workshop crane… and nothing. It doesn’t move at all. Or it goes up a little and then starts lowering itself. Sounds familiar?
Don’t worry – everyone has dealt with this at some point. Or almost everyone. The good news? In most cases, you can sort it out yourself, without taking the entire hydraulic system apart.
Below you’ll find the most common symptoms and quick fixes. This way, you’ll locate the problem faster and get back to work.
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Problem 1: The crane doesn’t lift
If you pump the arm of the workshop crane and it stays still, it’s usually caused by simple, easy-to-fix issues.
- The release valve is open:
The release valve must be tightened clockwise. This is the most common problem.
- The load is too heavy:
Check whether the load exceeds the crane’s maximum lifting capacity, or whether the hook is set to a reach that is too long.
- The hydraulic system is air-locked:
You need to bleed the hydraulic system according to the procedure described in the user manual.
- Low oil level:
Refill the hydraulic oil to the level specified by the manufacturer.
Where should you start when diagnosing a crane that won’t lift?
REDATS expert advises:
“Customers come in with a crane that ‘won’t lift’, and the problem turns out to be… the release valve not tightened by half a turn. Always start with the basics – it saves a lot of time.”
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Problem 2 – The crane doesn’t hold the load
A situation where the crane arm lifts but then slowly lowers usually indicates an issue with maintaining pressure in the hydraulic system.
- The release valve is not fully closed:
This is the most common cause. To fix the problem, tighten the valve lever clockwise, making sure it is fully closed.
- Low hydraulic oil level:
If the oil level is too low, the system cannot maintain stable pressure. Refill the oil to the required level.
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Problem 3 – The crane doesn’t lower
If the crane arm reacts only slightly or doesn’t lower at all, you should check two main causes:
- Oil level too high (Overfilled):
Drain the excess hydraulic oil to the correct level, then lubricate all moving parts.
- Cylinder blockage:
Check whether the cylinder is physically blocked by accumulated dirt, mechanical damage, or part of the load.
Does a workshop crane that won’t lower require a complicated repair?
No, the issue of the crane not lowering usually comes from overfilled oil or a blocked cylinder. Both problems are easy to check and resolve without disassembling the entire hydraulic system.
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Problem 4 – Weak lifting
If the crane lifts but “without power”, stops halfway, or reacts with a delay, check these four points:
- The release valve is not fully closed – turn the lever clockwise.
- Air in the hydraulic system – bleed the system according to the manual.
- Low oil level – refill the oil to the correct level.
REDATS expert advises:
“Weak lifting is usually a matter of oil or air in the system. In practice – if the crane works ‘at half strength’, always start with these two things. Most of the time it solves the issue in a few minutes.”
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Problem 5 – The crane doesn’t lift to full height
If the workshop crane doesn’t reach its full lifting height, there is usually just one reason:
- Low oil level: Refill the hydraulic oil to the correct level indicated by the manufacturer.
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Same causes, different symptoms
Most crane issues come from a few recurring causes: the valve, the oil level, or air in the system. That’s why it’s always worth starting with the basics – in 9 out of 10 cases, they solve the problem.
Also remember to regularly check the user manual. The manufacturer clearly explains what to do in specific situations, and following those guidelines really makes things easier and saves you a lot of stress.
If you still have doubts after checking the basics – don’t force anything. It’s better to call the service team and consult the problem than to risk damaging the equipment or the load.
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How to extend the crane’s lifespan and work safely?
A workshop crane will operate for a long time – and most importantly, safely – if you follow a few simple rules. Nothing complicated.
Below is a short checklist that genuinely extends the crane’s lifespan and reduces the risk of accidents during lifting.
| What to do | Why it matters |
| Do not overload the crane | Exceeding the lifting capacity can damage the structure or cause uncontrolled lowering. |
| Set the crane on a hard and level surface | A crane is designed to work only on stable ground – uneven surfaces increase the risk of tipping. |
| Stabilize the car (handbrake + wheel chocks) | The car must not move during lifting – not even slightly. |
| Center the load before lifting | A misaligned engine overloads the cylinder and the boom, increasing the risk of damage. |
| Watch out for others! | Objects and people should stay at least 180 cm away from the equipment. You protect yourself and others if the load shifts or drops. |
| Do not use the crane to support or stabilize the car | This may cause crushing, tipping of the load, or damage to the crane’s structure. |
| Regularly check the condition of the equipment | Make sure there are no damages, missing parts, or leaks. |
| Clean the crane after work | Dirt and rust can block moving components. |
| Lubricate the moving parts (once a month, or once a week when lifting heavy parts) | You maintain smooth operation and reduce wear. |
| Store in a dry place | Moisture accelerates corrosion and shortens the crane’s lifespan. |
We’re not reinventing the wheel here. A crane is a simple machine, but if you take care of it, it will reward you with trouble-free work for years. A few minutes of inspection every now and then – and you’re safe.
And if something starts acting suspicious, it’s better to stop for a moment and check it than risk a 200-kilogram engine surprising you.
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Summary
Most crane issues come back like a boomerang: the valve, the oil level, or air in the system. That’s why you should always start with the basics and check the manual – it really saves time and nerves. And if something still doesn’t seem right after checking the basics, it’s better to call the service team than risk damaging the crane or the load.
And if you need equipment that simply works and doesn’t complain – take a look at the REDATS H-120 crane or the H-120 + load leveler set. These are solid, easy-to-use solutions for removing engines and gearboxes, proven in hundreds of car services.
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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What are the most common reasons why a hydraulic workshop crane won’t lift?
The most common causes of a crane not lifting are: an open release valve, air in the hydraulic system, a low oil level, or exceeding the maximum lifting capacity.
2. What should you check first when the crane stops lifting the load?
Always start with the release valve. Make sure it is fully tightened clockwise, because being half a turn loose is the most common cause of problems.
3. Why does the workshop crane lift and then slowly lower the load?
Slow lowering is usually caused by a release valve that is not fully closed or a low hydraulic oil level, which prevents the system from maintaining stable pressure.
4. What should you do if the crane arm refuses to lower?
If the arm doesn’t lower, it is usually due to an oil level that is too high (overfilled) or a physical blockage of the cylinder (e.g., dirt). Both issues are easy to fix without disassembling the entire system.
5. What simple maintenance tasks extend the lifespan of a workshop crane?
To extend the crane’s lifespan, regularly lubricate moving parts, clean the device after use, inspect for corrosion, and store it in a dry place.
6. Can I use the crane to stabilize a car during work?
No, the crane must not be used to support or stabilize a car. This may cause crushing, tipping of the load, or damage to the crane’s structure.
7. When is it necessary to contact the service team instead of repairing the crane yourself?
If, after checking all basic causes (valve, oil, air in the system), the problem still persists, it’s better to consult the service team than risk damaging the equipment or the load.
8. What are the key safety rules for using a workshop crane?
Key rules include: not overloading the crane, placing it on a hard and level surface, and stabilizing the vehicle being worked on.