Boom Poles

CVHoss · Nov 1, 2001

Bird,
With all the usual disclaimers, this falls into the "don't try this at home" category. Went to Atwoods on Tuesday and went on a shopping spree. Picked up a 72" KK rake and a 72" KK finish mower. While I was waiting for the guy to pull the bar codes so they could ring them up, I noticed the boom pole for $68.00. Figured "what to heck", so bought it too. KK's web site lists the shipping weight on the 72" mower at 650#, 150# over the rated limit of the boom pole. The pole plucked it off my trailer, maneuvered it around the yard and put it under my carport so I could finish putting it together. Didn't even seem to flex the pole.

Hoss

Anonymous Poster · Nov 1, 2001

In structural engineering factors of safety range from 1.75 to 3 times design load. Figuring that manufactures assume the general public to be idiots, they may go higher to allow for the guy reading in kilograms instead of pounds.

I wouldn't push the rated capacity--factors of safey are your oopsy room. From a design perspective, immediate failure occurs at that point. I'm gettin chills seeing my mower deck drop from 18 inches.

Don't forget---engineers designed the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

Bird · Nov 1, 2001

Hoss, for product liability reasons, the possibility of something bouncing up and down on the end of that pole, etc. I feel sure the manufacturer "rates" them for less than they'll actually handle. Can't blame them for that.

Bird

ronjhall · Nov 2, 2001

John
It's all set up for top link. Bird and I shortened this cylinder by 1 ½".
Here are the part numbers that I used.
They are from Birds post on how he installed Tip & Tilt on his tractor. Check out the thread on tip and tilt. It's one of the longest except for Chalkley Cup.

HTL2102 Top Link Cylinder
(2” diameter, 20” long, 8” stroke) $185.70 TSC

HTL2202 Side Link Cylinder $185.70 TSC
(2” diameter, 13.5” long, 3.5” stroke)

shade2u2 · Nov 2, 2001

Ron,
Thank you for the details. I have read through that link along time ago & will visit it again. I do recall very detailed info. I hope that it doesn't trigger the "to much imput" switch in my brain... I will visit the TSC in my hometown at my next visit there...

Rick Jay · Nov 2, 2001

Scruffy,

That is a good idea. I have a 12 volt winch kicking around somewhere. I might be able to weld a mounting plate on the end of the boom pole and create a "mini-crane".

Sounds like a good project for my spare time...if I ever get any/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif. Still, I think I could do it for a minimal investment.

Thanks for the idea.

~Rick

scruffy · Nov 2, 2001

Rick, don't forget to add a pulley for the tip of your boom! Don't want to stress the cable more than necessary. You could simply add it your existing 'eye' with a sturdy chain link, or some such adaption, but keep it removable for lessor projects. Looking at your boom, a steel plate with the mounting holes drilled for your winch, and two ubolts welded on the back to clamp to your upright would do the trick.
Have fun with your new fishin' pole!

Anonymous Poster · Nov 3, 2001

Re: Boom Poles by Howse

Boom Pole Specifications

MODEL APPROX. WEIGHT PRICE
BP800 53 LBS $63
BP1000 100 LBS $100

BP800 has a swing lift capacity at end of 800 lbs, short lift at midpoint hook capacity of 1000 lbs.

BP1000 has a swing lift capacity at end of 1000 lbs, short lift at midpoint hook capacity of 1500 lbs.

SmokyMtnMan · Nov 4, 2001

sounds like a great idea and good use of a boom pole here. Was wondering how this would work with a PTO winch
Northern has one in their catalog with worm gear, 8000# cap for under $600
anyone had any experience with PTO powered winches? better or worse than 12 volt?

scruffy · Nov 4, 2001

The only problem I see, is putting a winch on the boom pole that is rated at a greatly higher capacity than the boom! One could use a much lighter weight winch, double rig the cable, and still out lift what the boom is rated at. Cost would be much lower that way also, without any loss in capability for the overall unit.