I like where you are headed Reg but the patent office is going to demand specifics before crowning you. I think we need to put a $50 budget limit on the project too minus any materials any self respecting DIY geek would have on hand.
As a "self respecting economist" might say; "First let us assume a fully equipped machine shop, also skills and access to welders ?".
***_u_ming economists HAVE self respect (-:
=======================================
Seriously, I don't think a shelf/table on front of an engine crane boom would be at all hard and (with the right geometry) a couple of links going back to the main lift post could keep it at a constant angle to horizontal.
I rarely lift more than 1,000 lbs with mine and I can do that with the boom all the way out, it doesn't QUITE tip forwards with a loaded 17.5L24 tire on it at max extension.
This is how I change my summer turfs to loaded R4s for winter on the little tractor and I have to line up the bolt holes fairly accurately, figure 900 plus pounds for those, true I do it on a concrete pathway.
If I pull it in to where it is rated for a ton the end of the boom is WAY inside the support wheels.
$50 in materials ? Maybe.
20 hours ? Maybe, ,,, Is that a "cost" at $75 an hour, or a "recreational pastime" valued by M/C as priceless ?
BTW, I have a ripper tooth that I got at Tractor supply.
It was my INTENTION to punch a couple of holes in the side of a backhoe bucket so I could use it for GENTLY picking and scratching at roots.
I still keep meaning to do that and if/when I do I might just put a set of holes on each side of the bucket.
Yeah, I know, I know; It will twist the B'Jeepers out of the sheet metal side of a bucket if I REALLY push/pull on it.
Not sure of the details for the backing strip; at least angle iron, more likely C section.
