3 pt boom poles. which to buy? maximum height?

[Tractor Seabee]

I do not have a boom pole but have thought about and considered making one to attach to my carry all. I have a Kubota BX 25. In reviewing the physics and dynamics involved, reinforced with my experience with using the FEL as a weight handling device, I can see a lot of potential risks especially on the smaller tractors. I never lift a suspended load and travel, always lower close to the ground as soon as clear to do so. Slow and easy and no turning with that 500# pendulum swinging. I always use a helper with a tag line to keep the load steady. A slight tilt sends that weight swinging in a large arc. I have 400#s of suitcase weights I use up front even with the FEL on. Suitcase weights are great as they are in 50# increments. Seeing that thread on the log lift sparked an idea to make several length booms that pin to the carry all to customize for various scenarios. My mind is now running a mile a minute and my shop is calling.

Ron

 

[PhysAssist]

2x

I bought mine used for $75 from CL last summer, with minor surface rust but it works great, and gives me a way to lift in tight spaces where the FEL can't reach.

We don't generally max it out, or at least haven't yet, but we do take great care with elevated loads whether on it or FEL.

Keep looking on CL and E-Bay, and you'll find one eventually.

BTW, as BG said, it may be a good thing to buy and then beef up later if needed.

Thomas

My 500/1000# TSC model will put the L3240 into bypass.
I have been using/abusing it for 6 years.
Probably time to bust out the welder and convert it to an HD model.
CountyLineｮ Boom Pole - Tractor Supply Co.

 

[garacuda]

I just picked one up today from a CL ad. This one is definitely not "store bought" and was supposedly built by the Corp of Engineers. It is certainly reinforced (over engineered) enough to be true. There are adjustments for lifting heights and it appears that it swivels, or did at one time. I gave the guy $45 for it, surface rust and all. I'll be using it for lifting duties around the yard and the woods anywhere I can't utilize the bucket.

I was looking at the local TSC where they sell for around $140 when I decided to try CL. I'll bet there were 15-20 listed within 50 miles. This one was actually the closest and cheapest..............and I am a tight....wad. I know I couldn't buy the materials to build it for $45. My vote it to search Craigslist for one.

 

[bcp]

I'll bet there were 15-20 listed within 50 miles. ... My vote it to search Craigslist for one.

Not like that here. I've seen two in 3 years. One was too heavy, the other was bent.

Searched 7+ counties.



If I don't limit it to "Farm - Garden", I get big trucks, microphone poles, and sail boats.

Bruce

 

[Buggs67]

I just picked one up today from a CL ad. This one is definitely not "store bought" and was supposedly built by the Corp of Engineers. It is certainly reinforced (over engineered) enough to be true. There are adjustments for lifting heights and it appears that it swivels, or did at one time. I gave the guy $45 for it, surface rust and all. I'll be using it for lifting duties around the yard and the woods anywhere I can't utilize the bucket.

I'd like to see a pic. I'm planning on buying one to skid logs, lift stuff, etc.

 

[PhysAssist]

TBN's unofficial rules state that without pictures, it never happened...

I just picked one up today from a CL ad. This one is definitely not "store bought" and was supposedly built by the Corp of Engineers. It is certainly reinforced (over engineered) enough to be true. There are adjustments for lifting heights and it appears that it swivels, or did at one time. I gave the guy $45 for it, surface rust and all. I'll be using it for lifting duties around the yard and the woods anywhere I can't utilize the bucket.

I was looking at the local TSC where they sell for around $140 when I decided to try CL. I'll bet there were 15-20 listed within 50 miles. This one was actually the closest and cheapest..............and I am a tight....wad. I know I couldn't buy the materials to build it for $45. My vote it to search Craigslist for one.

 

[bullbreaker]

Heres mine I've posted these pics before. Its a cat 1 or 2. Built by the old World Agritech Corp or also known as "International" not same people as IH. Came red I painted it JD green .

 

[garacuda]

TBN's unofficial rules state that without pictures, it never happened...

HA! Good Point! She's not pretty, but I'll try to get her to pose this afternoon and post it tomorrow.

 

[PhysAssist]

Pretty is highly over rated in implements, I like mine sturdy and well built, them pretty things never seem to hold up for long around here.

As my uncle always said, pretty is only skin deep, but sturdy and ugly go to the bone!



Thomas

HA! Good Point! She's not pretty, but I'll try to get her to pose this afternoon and post it tomorrow.

 

[jrclark]

I bought the cheaper County Line model a couple weeks back. It has been really useful with skidding logs. I've been able to pick a couple of fat hickory and oak logs with it and had no issues. There's a really fat poplar that needs to be moved, that should test the limits of what this thing will take. Fwiw, it looks nothing like the picture on Tractor Supply's website. Build quality is not terrible, but could have better welds.

So far, it's been worth twice what I paid. Lot should be cleared in a few more trips!