Rock Jaws
- Thread starter JimMorrissey
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inveresk
Platinum Member
Looks to be a pretty useful tool. Like log tongs except bigger. Any idea of the cost?
EddieWalker
Epic Contributor
I agree, it looks like log tongs. Big ones with flat tips.
Since they only grab the rock from either side, I wonder how many twist off from not being balanced right??
Eddie
Since they only grab the rock from either side, I wonder how many twist off from not being balanced right??
Eddie
inveresk
Platinum Member
I agree slippage looks like it could be a concern. I've sent off for the dvd which will hopefully explain why it isn't a problem.
I've some rock wall building to do here and for a one-off job, this might just do the trick cheaply. A thumb on the loader would be a better option but I can't justify the cost.
Thanks, JM, for posting.
I've some rock wall building to do here and for a one-off job, this might just do the trick cheaply. A thumb on the loader would be a better option but I can't justify the cost.
Thanks, JM, for posting.
inveresk
Platinum Member
Just had an email from the manufacturer. Cost is $950 plus shipping, in my case $160. Seems expensive compared to, say, my bb which cost about half but I guess the volume of sales is quite low. Lift capacity is 4500# which my FEL can't come close to.
At that kind of money, I might just struggle away with the FEL on it's own.
At that kind of money, I might just struggle away with the FEL on it's own.
OP
JimMorrissey
Veteran Member
Yep....definitely expensive for that. I had no idea what they cost.
I'd imagine the flat steel on tips of the hooks is what keeps the rock from rolling off the tongs. I'm going to look at some looking sites and see if I can modify what available.
I'd imagine the flat steel on tips of the hooks is what keeps the rock from rolling off the tongs. I'm going to look at some looking sites and see if I can modify what available.
OP
JimMorrissey
Veteran Member
If these things has major slippage problems he'd be in for some serious liability issues. I doubt it's as bad as it looks.
A thumb for transporting my size rocks is not an option. I'm moving multiple "rocks" in the 1500lb range for a retaining wall. What I need is somthing that keeps the rock close to the linkage to get maximum lift from the loader. Carrying rocks from the loader also allows you to move big stuff a distance. It's one thing to place rocks with your hoe, but I don't think it's a good idea to carry really heavy rocks long distances hanging off the back....just MO.
The only logging tongs I can find that are similar open to max 25". Might have to have some fabricated with 1/4" plate and a plasma cutter. Maybe a three prong would be better for large stone.
A thumb for transporting my size rocks is not an option. I'm moving multiple "rocks" in the 1500lb range for a retaining wall. What I need is somthing that keeps the rock close to the linkage to get maximum lift from the loader. Carrying rocks from the loader also allows you to move big stuff a distance. It's one thing to place rocks with your hoe, but I don't think it's a good idea to carry really heavy rocks long distances hanging off the back....just MO.
The only logging tongs I can find that are similar open to max 25". Might have to have some fabricated with 1/4" plate and a plasma cutter. Maybe a three prong would be better for large stone.
jmc
Elite Member
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At a glance, that looks a lot like what they use in the quarries around here to pick up limestone blocks. You might be able to scrounge something useable at scrap metal prices.
inveresk
Platinum Member
Good point about the liability issue.
Baileys-online.com have 32" skidding tongs for $160 that could probably be adapted.
An option that occured to me is to rig up some sort of chain sling but I haven't quite got my head around how I'd remove it once the rock is in place . . .
Baileys-online.com have 32" skidding tongs for $160 that could probably be adapted.
An option that occured to me is to rig up some sort of chain sling but I haven't quite got my head around how I'd remove it once the rock is in place . . .
