Working on an engine, especially a complete rebuild, can be a back-breaking, frustrating affair if you don’t have the right setup. I’ve spent countless hours hunched over engines precariously balanced on crates or blocks, struggling to reach bolts or rotate the block for access. This not only makes the job incredibly difficult and time-consuming but also significantly increases the risk of injury or damaging components. The need for a stable, rotatable platform is paramount, and that’s where a good engine stand comes in. It would have saved me so much grief and allowed me to work more efficiently and safely.
- Constructed with heavy-duty steel, coated red and black finish on the surface, providing long term durability with an industrial luster
- Built-in steel tray helps you to keep essential tools and parts nearby and organized
- The weight capacity of this engine stand is up to 5/8 ton (1,250 lb),which can securely holds most foreign and domestic engine blocks
What to Consider Before Getting an Engine Stand
Engine stands fundamentally solve the problem of how to safely and effectively hold an engine block or complete engine assembly off the ground while you work on it. They are essential pieces of equipment for anyone undertaking significant engine repair, rebuilding, or even just detailed maintenance that requires awkward access.
The ideal customer for an engine stand is the dedicated DIY mechanic, automotive enthusiast, or a small professional garage. If you plan on pulling an engine out of a vehicle for anything more than a quick oil pan gasket replacement, an engine stand is practically non-negotiable. You gain 360-degree access, the ability to rotate the engine for comfortable working angles, and a stable base that won’t tip over.
Who shouldn’t buy an engine stand? Someone who only does minor car maintenance, like fluid changes or brake jobs, and has no intention of removing an engine. For those tasks, an engine stand would just be unnecessary shop clutter. If you’re dealing with extremely large industrial engines or very specific engine types (like aircraft engines), you might need a highly specialized or heavier-duty stand than typical automotive ones.
Before buying an engine stand, you need to think about several key factors:
1. Weight Capacity: This is crucial. Know the approximate weight of the heaviest engine you plan to work on and ensure the stand’s capacity exceeds that safely.
2. Stability: The stand needs a wide, sturdy base to prevent tipping, especially when supporting a heavy, unbalanced load.
3. Rotation: Does the mounting head rotate 360 degrees? Is it easy to lock and unlock the rotation? This is a major ergonomic benefit.
4. Mounting Arms: Are the arms adjustable to fit various bolt patterns on different engine blocks?
5. Mobility: Does it have casters, and are they robust enough to roll the stand around your workspace, even on less-than-perfect surfaces? Swivel casters are a big plus for maneuverability.
6. Features: Are there any extra features like a tool tray that could improve your workflow?
7. Construction Quality: Look for heavy-duty steel, good welds, and a durable finish.
Considering these points helps you choose the right engine stand for your specific needs and avoid potential frustrations down the line.
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Meet the BIG RED TAM25671
Let me introduce you to the subject of this review: the BIG RED TAM25671 Torin Steel Rotating Engine Stand. This stand is designed to hold your engine securely off the ground, giving you full access to every angle for rebuilding, cleaning, or inspection. It promises stability, flexibility, and durability for handling most common automotive engines. When you purchase it, you get the main stand frame, the rotating mounting head with adjustable arms, the tool tray, and the necessary hardware and casters for assembly.
This particular model, the TAM25671, seems geared towards serious home mechanics and smaller professional shops who work on a variety of engine types. Its 1250 lb capacity is ample for a wide range of foreign and domestic V6 and V8 engines, including some heavier big blocks, though always check your specific engine’s weight. It’s likely a step up in features like the included tool tray and possibly construction quality compared to some entry-level, bare-bones stands on the market, while potentially being more affordable than high-end professional stands with much larger capacities or more complex features. Compared to older, fixed-head stands, the 360-degree rotation is a massive ergonomic improvement.
Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons based on my experience and general observations:
Pros:
* Solid 1250 lb (5/8 Ton) capacity handles many common engines.
* 360-degree rotating head allows for easy access to all engine sides.
* Adjustable mounting arms fit various engine bolt patterns.
* Integrated steel tool storage tray is surprisingly handy.
* Heavy-duty steel construction feels robust and durable.
* Swivel casters provide decent mobility.
Cons:
* Assembly can sometimes be complicated by manufacturing quirks (burrs, alignment).
* Packaging issues during shipping have been reported, leading to damaged or missing parts.
* Some users note a bit of “slop” or play in the rotating head mechanism.
* Maneuvering with a very heavy engine mounted can still be challenging on uneven floors.
* Weld quality could be inconsistent on some units.
Exploring the Stand’s Capabilities
Having used the BIG RED TAM25671 for a while now, I can delve into what makes it a functional piece of equipment for engine work. Each feature contributes to making the challenging task of engine assembly or disassembly more manageable.
Robust Steel Construction
The foundation of any good engine stand is its build quality. The BIG RED TAM25671 is constructed with heavy-duty steel, which is immediately apparent when you assemble it and feel the weight of the components. The main frame pieces are substantial, providing a solid base for supporting significant weight. The red and black coated finish isn’t just for looks; it offers a layer of protection against rust and corrosion, which is important in a garage environment where grease, oil, and possibly moisture are present. This industrial-grade construction gives you confidence that the stand won’t buckle or fail under load, which is arguably the most critical aspect of an engine stand – safety. A flimsy stand is not only inefficient but downright dangerous. The sturdy steel ensures long-term durability, meaning this isn’t a tool you’ll likely have to replace anytime soon under normal use.
Dependable 1250 lb Weight Capacity
Rated at 5/8 ton, which translates to 1250 pounds, this engine stand offers a respectable capacity suitable for a vast majority of consumer automotive engines. Think standard small block and big block V8s, inline-sixes, V6s, and four-cylinder engines found in most cars and trucks. While it might not handle the absolutely heaviest diesel engines or some massive industrial powerplants, it’s more than adequate for common projects like rebuilding a Chevy 350, a Ford 302, or even something a bit heavier like a big block Ford 390 or a BBC (Big Block Chevy). Knowing the stand can securely hold the engine you’re working on is essential for peace of mind. Attempting to put an engine heavier than the stand’s rating is incredibly risky and should never be done. The 1250 lb capacity strikes a good balance for the enthusiast or small shop, offering versatility without the significant cost jump associated with stands designed for much heavier loads. It securely holds most foreign and domestic engine blocks, allowing you to focus on the task at hand rather than worrying about stability.
360-Degree Rotating Mounting Head
This is where the BIG RED TAM25671 really shines in terms of functionality and ergonomics. The mounting head, equipped with four adjustable arms, attaches directly to the engine block’s motor mount holes or bellhousing bolt pattern. Once the engine is securely bolted on, the head can be rotated a full 360 degrees. This rotation is controlled by a handle and can be locked at various positions. Why is this important? It allows you to literally spin the engine to the most convenient angle for whatever task you’re performing. Need to access the oil pan bolts? Flip it upside down. Working on the cylinder heads? Rotate it to the side. Installing the timing cover? Position it horizontally. This feature drastically improves accessibility to all sides of the engine, reducing the need to awkwardly bend or stretch, and makes tasks much quicker and less physically demanding. You can hoist, rotate, position, and hold the engine for long periods in the optimal orientation for your work. The adjustable arms are also key, as engine block mounting points vary widely between manufacturers and engine families. These arms slide and adjust to accommodate different bolt patterns, adding to the stand’s versatility. While some users mentioned a bit of play in the head mechanism, I found that once locked in position, it held the engine securely enough for typical wrenching.
Integrated Tool Storage Tray
This might seem like a minor addition, but the built-in steel tray is incredibly useful. It sits conveniently below the engine mount. How many times have you been working on an engine, setting bolts, washers, and small components down on the floor, workbench, or an old rag, only to lose track of them? The tray provides a dedicated spot right there on the stand itself to keep essential tools, fasteners, and small parts within easy reach and organized. This saves time rummaging around, prevents losing critical components, and keeps your workspace tidier. It’s a simple feature, but one that greatly improves workflow during a complex engine project.
Smooth-Rolling Swivel Casters
Moving a heavy engine around a garage, even a clean one, can be a challenge. The BIG RED TAM25671 is equipped with casters to provide mobility. Specifically, it has two 360-degree swivel casters at the front and typically two fixed casters at the rear (though only the swivels are explicitly mentioned in the description, this is the standard configuration for stability). The swivel casters allow you to steer and maneuver the stand, even when loaded. This is useful for repositioning the stand in your workspace, moving it closer to your workbench, or tucking it away when not in use. The description mentions “making the operation more flexible, smooth, and stable.” While no stand with a heavy engine on it will glide effortlessly like a shopping cart, the casters on this unit are reasonably robust and perform adequately, allowing you to roll the engine around on typical concrete floors without feeling like it’s about to tip over, even on slightly uneven surfaces. However, be aware that heavily loaded stands are still difficult to push, and rough or cluttered floors will pose a challenge for any caster system.
Overall, the combination of these features makes the BIG RED TAM25671 a highly functional tool for engine work. The sturdy frame and adequate capacity handle the weight, the rotating head provides essential access, the tool tray keeps you organized, and the casters offer useful mobility. While some minor manufacturing inconsistencies might be present, the core design and features deliver significant value for undertaking engine projects.
What Users Are Saying
Based on feedback from other users who have purchased the BIG RED TAM25671, the general consensus seems quite positive, though with some common critiques. Many users appreciate the stand’s ability to handle heavy engines without issues, noting its sturdiness even with big blocks mounted. The swivel tool tray is frequently mentioned as a valuable extra feature. Assembly is generally described as straightforward, despite the unit’s significant weight. Users feel confident rolling the stand around their garage, even on slightly uneven floors, without stability concerns. The 360-degree rotation is highlighted as greatly improving accessibility and flexibility for adding components. However, a recurring issue involves the packaging, with several reports of damaged boxes and missing parts upon arrival. Some reviewers also point out potential quality control issues like poor-looking welds, metal burrs that need filing for proper fit, and a slight looseness or “slop” in the rotating head pin mechanism, although this doesn’t necessarily compromise its load-bearing ability once locked. Despite these drawbacks, many feel it’s a solid purchase, especially when bought on sale, and would recommend it based on its core function of securely holding and allowing access to engines. One user even stated it was the sturdiest stand among several they own.
Final Thoughts
Working on an engine without proper support is a recipe for discomfort, inefficiency, and potential safety hazards. The fatigue from awkward positions and the constant struggle for access can turn a project into a miserable experience, potentially leading to mistakes or injuries. An engine stand is the essential tool to solve these problems.
The BIG RED TAM25671 Torin Steel Rotating Engine Stand presents a compelling solution for anyone needing to work on automotive engines. Its 1250 lb capacity makes it suitable for a wide range of popular engine types. The 360-degree rotating head with adjustable arms provides unparalleled access and ergonomic benefits, making engine work significantly easier and more comfortable. Finally, the robust steel construction offers the stability and durability needed for peace of mind when dealing with heavy loads. While there might be minor frustrations with potential shipping damage or small manufacturing imperfections, the core functionality and value offered by this stand make it a great fit for solving the challenges of engine work.
If you’re ready to tackle your engine projects with confidence and comfort, Click here to check out the BIG RED TAM25671 Torin Steel Rotating Engine Stand.
Last update on 2025-08-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API