Boompole, shoompole

johnday · Dec 4, 2004

I think I've figured out a way to attach a boompole to my frontend loader.
1st. Does anyone know the capacity of the boompole that TSC sells?
2nd. I plan on using the grab hook welded to top center of my bucket to grab a chain, run that down thru a shackle
mounted in the top link space on the boompole. Then weldup some brackets for the liftarm pins to wedge against the cutting edge of my bucket. [ Might even try some grab hooks there instead of brackets] With this method one would need no welding at all unless the hook an the bucket isn't already there.
Is this plausible to anyone besides me? Hope I'm clear enogh that someone understands what I'm talking about. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

JohninCT · Dec 4, 2004

Yeah that should work OK. With the flexible chain top link it might have a tendency to pop off the bottom edge of the bucket when travelling over bumps without a load. Maybe not if there is enough overhung weight from the pole itself to keep the chain taught and bottom against the bucket edge. Looks like a quick and easy way to put it on and off the tractor. Good idea /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

John

johnday · Dec 4, 2004

John; Thanks. If the wedges started working loose, I could drill a hole, weld a nut over the hole, and use a bolt for a clamp. I wonder if this setup might have any severe safety concerns?

beenthere · Dec 4, 2004

( I wonder if this setup might have any severe safety concerns? )

(edited version)
Without a doubt there are safety concerns with a boom pole extended out from your bucket on the loader arms. I was assuming that you were well aware of what they are (until you raised the 'wonder' quoted above).
Have you had any 'tipping' feelings using the FEL? If you have, then compound them by the (edited out "square of the") length of the boom (or shoom) that you are adding. It will allow tipping much easier.
/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

johnday · Dec 4, 2004

beenthere; Oh yeah, I'm well aware of that tippy feeling. I used to run a 580B, and have used other fullsized TLB's. The front on those things are real light. I've also been on two and three wheels at times. I've learned to watch for the situations that cause those things to happen. I'm a little more concerned with the boompole becoming detached from the loader more than anything. I've always got at least 500# on the tph when using a loader, and the max load I "plan" on lifting is 28' foot gable trusses. I guesstimate the weight of a truss that size to be around 330#, and I think I'm guessing high. But, even with that kind of load, I WILL take it slow. Sure don't want anyone getting hurt, including my machine. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

TMcD_in_MI · Dec 4, 2004

( If you have, then compound them by the square of the length of the boom (or shoom) that you are adding. )

 Hi beenthere,
I was just wondering about your idea that the square of the length will rule the tendency of the boom pole to tip the tractor forward. Are you pretty sure about this? It seems to me that if you move the load twice as far forward, it will only cause twice the tipping tendency rather than four times. I think we're just talking about a basic lever here, right? Or am I missing something?

Tom

beenthere · Dec 5, 2004

You are right, and I shouldn't have used that term that way. I was aiming to just make the point that as the arm gets longer, the trickier carrying a load will be. I should have indicated that a different way. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Sounds like johnday is well aware of the load out at the end too. Thanks.

SPIKER · Dec 5, 2004

I would say that this would work in a pinch to get soemthing form point at to the ground or vice a versa... I would not try to lift it very high as the boom pole angle would not be securly attached to the FEL as it could twist or slide sideways and the hole load could topple over to one side or the other as it twists around the chain, or worse causes the chain to pop loose. like someone mentioned the movement of driving around could cause some pop loose of the pole from the lower lip. bolting the thing on would make for better but the chain idea is not a good one. a chain used to LIFT or PULL is fine a chain for a brace is when lifting is asking for problems. anyhow it may work 99 out of 100 times, but I would hate to be around for the 100th time... /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Mark M

Gary_in_Indiana · Dec 6, 2004

"Does anyone know the capacity of the boompole that TSC sells?" 

If it's the King Kutter boom pole, it weighs 60 pounds and has a lift capacity of 500 pounds.

Please post some pictues of your setup. Good luck with your project. I hope this helps. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

johnday · Dec 6, 2004

Thanks for all the input. I think I'm going to rethink this. I looked at the KK boompole yesterday and thought of instead of adapting it to my bucket, why not build one from scratch and fit it to the bucket. I have no idea what 2"X2"X1/4 steel costs, but I know that 3" rigid conduit would be cheaper. Any ideas on the conduit ?

And yes, when/if I do this photos will be forthcoming. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif