engine hoist info please

[edie heller <edieh@zzzzzzzzzzzzz>]

hello all - someone suggested i look into getting an "engine hoist",
aka "cherrypicker", to move stone around my studio.

my studio is teeny, about 300 sq.ft.
the largest pieces i've worked with to date are life sized torsos, so
generally between 300-600 pounds, and i have no plans to work larger
any time soon.
i need to move pieces off and onto my work benches, and also be able to
turn them on their sides, etc.

does anyone know if an engine hoist would do the trick?  if so, what
precautions would i need to take to ensure not marring the stone while
moving (e.g. some sort of soft covered chain, etc)?  any suggestions on
brand and/or model?  hopefully i can find one that would fold up to be
very small so that it would fit in my studio and still allow me room to
work.  i looked on ebay for engine hoists but i don't feel comfortable
dealing with these until i have a little more info on how it might work
with marble.

i absolutely adore being on this stone list and read every single post,
no matter how esoteric they get - actually i love the esoterics, as
well as all the real hands-on info  and so appreciate having this
access to all you wonderful stone lovers out there - thanks in advance
- edie