Any ideas where I might get a decentish engine crane for not much money.

Cheapest I've found so far is a 1T sealey one for £145 delivered. (on fleabay)

Used ones go on ebay for about £80ish but they are normally collection only. Im sure iv seen plans somewhere for a build you own (for alot less than £250 )

I got one out of MACRO a few years ago. £100 + VAT

Aldi have 250kg electric winches for about 50 quid, there the same type as others like Sealey are asking twice as much for if not more

machine mart 1ton folding crane, had mine for 5-6 years and has been fantastic and it folds so just gets tucked in the corner

^ blimey I'd reweld that before use, totally unacceptable

you have u2u

Managed to (accidentally!) buy the sealey one overnight, not too fussed about the build quality. that's why I have a welder