Boom Pole Build

[kenmac]

I see you are using sq. tubing. I just built 1 out of 1 1/2 '' round pipe I had .Mine has the side braces like the 1 in post #8 It works great ! Should have built it a long time ago

 

[greasemonkeyok]

Jbooth, even though you are a skidsteer person, your observation is certainly interesting to me. I see many advantages in the versatility of your design and it is simple to make.

Couple of questions: Would you recommend using a chain as the cross piece of the A frame, and what would you use to thread or attach the chain to the top or point of the A frame? Just a hook would be bothersome to me. Maybe a clevis to thread the chain through and then have long bolts through the chain on both sides of the clevis as stops?

 

[jbooth]

I would use a solid hook-up of some type so it was secure. Probably shackles. (clevis to us farm raised guys) Most chains never were secure on the winch trucks. Chains were ran through loops and hooked back into the chains for infinite angle adjustment The A poles might be a better fit on a front loader, but with some inovation with the lift point would work OK on the back to. All the lift will be in compression with the exception of the chains so it will be much stonger for a given weight of material. The only reason I am suggesting solid hook-up for the chains-- I've got old and am no longer bullet proof.

 

[jbooth]

Not sure I addressed your questions properly, so will add a little more. Most poles were very simple with just a straight pipe with a plate and pin fixture on the bottom. The top portion of the poles just had an eye on each for the chain to be attached. The very top section just slid in the pipes with an arrangements for the cable sheave to be added. I think you would definitely want some kind of restraint on the bottom to keep from spreading your 3 point arms. One could make this as simple or as elaborate as you want including adding a winch. If a winch is added a snatch block wil be required at the base of the poles. Please be careful with anything I might suggest as it has been a lot of years since I worked in the oilfield and may have left out some important detail. Don't think so as simplicity is the beauty of A poles.

 

[jbooth]

I posted another blurb, but it is out in cyberspace somewhere. I reread your questions and need to elaborate a bit more. Yes, you definitely would need a chain or cross bar across the bottom on a 3 point set up to keep from spreading and/or bending the lower arms of a 3 point. phantom 309 has a picture he posted of an front mounted A frame. 309's set up looks good and very useful. A poles can be as simple or as elaborate as you want to make them. Just 2 pieces of pipe with a plate and pin for the bottoms. Eyes/loops at the top for chain attatchment. A peice to slide in the pipe at the top and you are done. Beauty of the simple method is it will break down into a compact package. Be careful with anything I suggest as I am getting old and acussed of being senile.

sure glad this is a paperles environment or I would have killed another tree. I see my other post has returned from cyber space.

 

[greasemonkeyok]

Thanks. I will try out your idea.

Just guessing, how long do you think the poles should be to use on the 3point? Maybe 10 feet?

 

[BayouMan]

Hey Guys,
Thanks for all the input. I still have a concern as to whether or not to put some kind of lateral bracing on the pole.
My forks will just exceed verticle when I raise the forks up as high as they will go and have the curl sucked all the way in, I had planned on just making the boom pole parrarel (spelling) to the forks. I don't have a problem making the boom pole be more of an angle upward, but is it necessary?

I have been gone on a camping trip this weekend and will post pictures of what I have gotten done, prior to leaving. I have drilled all of the holes necessary and now need to cuut into the backrest of the carriage, to allow for a hook up point for the boom. I have not cut the support legs yet and am open to comments on maintaining the poel level with the forks or raising the pole up.

I love this sight and all the ideas that are generated.

Mike

 

[BayouMan]

Jerry/MT
I will take a picture tomorrow of the position that my forks are in at full up position and full curl back. I think you will see where I am coming from.

Let me know what you think after I post the pictures.

Mike

 

[BayouMan]

Didn't get to take pictures of the forks in the raised position and full curl. Ended up cutting out the slot, on the fork lift frame, to be able to pin the boom pole to the backrest, this evening.



Still have to weld the angle iron clips in place, just behind the backrest, to accept the boom pole. The other three pictures show the set-up I used to drill the 1" holes and the other two show the finished product.

 

[BayouMan]

OK guys,
Not getting many responses lately. I have been welding on the boom portion as of today. I completed the connection to the fork frame, for the main boom section and the two lift points on the boom.

My next big decision is how to brace and support the boom on the forks. I am already venturing away from my sketch.

My question is, should I put the bottom supports all the way back to the bend in the forks, or should I go out about 18 - 24"s? Also how much bracing should I do for lateral movement on the boom? Any input is very much appreciated at this point. I will post pictures of progress later tomorrow.

Mike