Best way to vertically lift phone poles for fence

[hal2001]

I have a Kubota 7800 30 HP and a set of forks and a logging chain. I want to lift 16 inch diameter nine foot long poles into the ground to anchor my grape vines. Very heavy. The weight is not a problem I can lift them horizontally but I'm hoping to hover them over the 3 foot hole and place them from a vertical position. Many years ago I helped a neighbor do this and he had figured out a way to do this using one chain wrapped in such a way that it would not slip or move about much. He's gone and other than trial and error (dangerous) I'm hoping someone knows the best way to accomplish this. I can place lag bolts or anything else I need to do this safely.

_"I may not do good work....but I sure am slow"

 

[Jim Nelson]

To attach a chain with minimum slippage you wrap the chain around and instead of hooking to it,wrap the tag end around the main chain and hook it to itself forming a loop. This creates a choker that gets tighter as you lift. Then you figure out placement to get it as vertical as you can.

 

[bcp]

To attach a chain with minimum slippage you wrap the chain around and instead of hooking to it,wrap the tag end around the main chain and hook it to itself forming a loop. This creates a choker that gets tighter as you lift. Then you figure out placement to get it as vertical as you can.

Then run the long end over the top of the post and hook it to the other side of the loop. Lift from this section of the chain at the end of the post. Then it will probable hang vertically.

Bruce


Bruce

 

[hal2001]

Yes, that sounds familiar and like it will work. Next day off is Wednesday so I hope to try it then. Thanks! Hal

 

[Ranger Rick]

When I was setting my 16 foot post for my workshop I lift one end of the pole over the back of the forks on my tractor. With the forks close together to help steady it when it was vertical. I used part of the chain to hook to the post under the forks and do the lifting. The other end I used to steady the top of the pole with a simple loop to the top of the back part of the forks to keep the post from falling forward. After putting the post in the hole I would undo the lower chain and plumb the post and put my concrete around it. Then undo the top chain and get another post. Rick

 

[chim]

Then run the long end over the top of the post and hook it to the other side of the loop. Lift from this section of the chain at the end of the post. Then it will probable hang vertically.

Or more likely - slide right off.

 

[AGRIMAN]

We set corner post made from old utility poles all the time. Ours range up to 23 inches and we normally just use a nylon chocker.

A chain will work, but the choker hold better with no slip.

 

[Gitche Gumee Kid]

When the crew set the steel posts for my solar panels, I snapped a photo. I don't know if it's of any benefit to you but here it is.


GGK

 

[MossRoad]

Instead of hanging them, have you considered just elongating the upper 1/3 of the hole, pushing one end of the pipe over the elongated hole, then lifting the other end of the pipe with the forks close together as a cradle and just drop it in the hole? No chain needed.

 

[Cord]

The problem will be the taper of the pole. If the cable slips it will loosen allowing it to slip further. What you need is a choker. You can do this with a chain if you use a slip hook. A slip hook has a opening larger enough to allow the links to slide through. You can also do the same thing using a logging cable.

Pre-Made Fse Choker 3/8"X12' (5 Lbs) | Chokers | Chains, Cables & Grapplers | www.baileysonline.com

3/8" Chain Choker System - Complete System | Chokers | Chains, Cables & Grapplers | www.baileysonline.com

 

[AHNC]

Having put a great deal of pipe and steel into the air, and into the hole, I would suggest that you get a wire rope choker for this. Will you tractor pick and control this load with some margin of error? That is the first consideration. To much equipment on the business is never enough. You can choke the post and put a hardwood softener between the choker and the post. It improves the bite. Then as noted make another loop with the same choker higher up on the post. Assuming you have adequate lifting capacity you can then lift and set. If there is any question of controlling the piece, tie that sucker off from the sides. If there is more than one person involved, make sure you have your signals together. Once things go sideways everyone must know how to move and react. Good luck

 

[MossRoad]

Holy cow folks... its only a 9' pole going into a hole in the ground. Just get two guys and tip it into the hole!

 

[BHD]

if you want get a slip hook, https://www.google.com/search?q=sli...iVyATQwIKIDQ&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAg&biw=1024&bih=640 ( would not think it would be necessary), hook about a 1/3 from the top and lift and have a helper guide it in the hole,

 

[Mace Canute]

We set corner post made from old utility poles all the time. Ours range up to 23 inches and we normally just use a nylon chocker.

A chain will work, but the choker hold better with no slip.

:thumbsup: A nylon sling is the way to go.

When I was a Lineman on a construction and maintenance crew we set hundreds of poles. Various methods were used over the years from a sliding hook on the steel winch cable to just a clevis when we started using woven rope winch cable to steel or nylon chokers if using a crane. Here's a pic of the sliding cable hook which hooked into the eye splice on the end of the winch cable...very handy but occasionally came undone if the weight came off.

 

[TomSeller]

Holy cow folks... its only a 9' pole going into a hole in the ground. Just get two guys and tip it into the hole!

And waste a "good reason" to buy more gear? These opportunities don't come around every day.

 

[bcp]

This is what I was trying to describe earlier.




Bruce

 

[Happy Gilmore]

And waste a "good reason" to buy more gear? These opportunities don't come around every day.

I'm with Tom, haha

 

[Egon]

What works well depends on the diameter of what is being lifted, the type of material and weight that is being lifted and the type of sling, rope, cable being used. What works well in one situation will not work in another.

 

[Brad_Blazer]

I use 2 wraps of the chain and a grab hook. Never had a problem.

 

[Leejohn]

Holy cow folks... its only a 9' pole going into a hole in the ground. Just get two guys and tip it into the hole!

You are right!!!!!!