Cherry Picker for Boom Pole?

[Superduper]

I have been running this over in my mind for some time now. Will be needing a boompole and just don't like what I see being offered. Was wondering whether anyone ever investigated using old engine hoists (cherry pickers) and modifying them to work on the 3PH (or even FEL) for use as a boom pole. Most have good capacity and I imagine even the manual ram could be substituted with a hydraulic ram for automatic (lazy) operation.

Anyone ever done this? Any comments (pluses or minus) for why this might not work?

 

[MrJimi]

I don't know the lift of your machine but mine will lift 200 pounds 29 feet up easy. see attachment and this is not my actual boom, the NOW boom is much stronger
Jim

 

[Superduper]

I don't know the lift of your machine but mine will lift 200 pounds 29 feet up easy. see attachment and this is not my actual boom, the NOW boom is much stronger
Jim

That'll work! Actually, my loader is rated at 1650lbs +/- lift but I don't need all of that capacity. I would like to be able to lift some beams (don't need reach, need height) to assist in building a future garage project. Last I looked, I didn't see your gizmo at the local TSC so I imagine it's custom all the way.

 

[MrJimi]

Yes, it's homemade all the way with a 4' main pole with a 3" inside, a little welding and you can be in business. And the best part is.. It's easy and mine will only lift 1,750 pounds
Jim
78 & 82 Vettes

 

[mfrost]

I think this is what you are looking for. Had this 2 ton engine crane not doing any thing so decided to make use of it. All it took was to weld on hookup for top link (I have T&T), take it off of the crane base and bolt it onto a draw bar and away you go. If you want to get fancy then you can paint it your tractor color. The T&T gives it more reach flexibility and the tilt gives you fine side to side adjustment. Now if you hook up hydraulic from tractor to crane cylinder that would be real sweet.

 

[EddieWalker]

I really like waht mfrost did, and think the paint job is awesome. Really cool.

I took the bar off my cherry picker and bolted it through some holes I drilled into the side of my FEL. I don't think the holes cause any strength issues, but that's just a guess on my part.

I've lifted engines this way and carried them to my shop across rough ground, so do know it works very well.

The best part is that it only takes a few minutes to install or remove.

Eddie

 

[bx23barry]

There have been a few posts of folks welding a piece of 2" square tubing on the back of engine hoists and sliding them on a receiver mounted either on the bucket or 3ph. Very quick and easy. Could also plug it into the back of the truck.

 

[mfrost]

There have been a few posts of folks welding a piece of 2" square tubing on the back of engine hoists and sliding them on a receiver mounted either on the bucket or 3ph. Very quick and easy. Could also plug it into the back of the truck.

Great idea!!

 

[streamin]

I took a receiver hitch and cut the square receiver away with a torch.Then I welded it to the top of fel.2" square tubing is universal for alot of attachments.I made a 4 ft boom with a hook so I could take beds off of trucks by myself.If you'd like a picture let me know.
Mfrost, great job on yours!

 

[cleatus]

Mine also has it's own receiver built in.

I just noticed these pics were before I added the reveiver to the bottom and widened to fit my VAC.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Here is what I did. I have a 2" receiver tube mounted to the top of my bucket, very handy. I use it to move trailers and many other things. I then made a boom pole to fit in like described before. It has a leg that contacts the cutting edge of the bucket to take the stress off. It has a grab hook for chain and a thang-a-ma-jig for straps and ropes, you will see in the pic. Anyway my little Jinma 284 will lift 1200# with the loader and I have lifted my bush hog and finish mower with this set up and never get the tractor close to the trailer or truck you are loading it on. I would guess it will safely lift 600-700#

Chris

 

[Superduper]

Thanks for all the creative examples. I especially like the one by mfrost. It is exactly what I had in mind. I thought that my engine hoist was bigger than that but perhaps it looks smaller once hooked up to the tractor.

 

[mjncad]

And if making one is not in your future, you can always buy one.

Ag Krane

I like Mfrost's crane too.

 

[jimmer2880]

Cleatus, that looks like a pretty-mean rig you have there. I like it But, your rear tires look a bit narrow. You may want to do something about that

 

[bjcsc]

I built mine with a similar design to the engine hoists, but with a few differences. I control the cylinder from my seat, and I have a foot that can be rested on the ground for pulling out trees/stumps/poles but can also be pinned horizontal. Te end also has a piece of angle to get under or bite into things.

 

[JB4310]

Here is what I did. I have a 2" receiver tube mounted to the top of my bucket, very handy. I use it to move trailers and many other things. I then made a boom pole to fit in like described before. It has a leg that contacts the cutting edge of the bucket to take the stress off. It has a grab hook for chain and a thang-a-ma-jig for straps and ropes, you will see in the pic. Anyway my little Jinma 284 will lift 1200# with the loader and I have lifted my bush hog and finish mower with this set up and never get the tractor close to the trailer or truck you are loading it on. I would guess it will safely lift 600-700#

Chris

looks familiar,

 

[Diamondpilot]

Nice setup. Yours looks a little better built than mine.

Chris

 

[Superduper]

And if making one is not in your future, you can always buy one.

Ag Krane

My Goodness! That is SO Cool -- it's exactly what I had in mind only better. Now I wonder if I should even bother building one when I could buy one of these!

Anyone have any idea whether a 3PH mounted pole or a loader mounted one would have better capacity?

 

[streamin]

those are great devices!!
I don't know about the better load front or rear but I would rather see what I'm doing in front of me than looking over my shoulder all the time.

 

[JB4310]

My Goodness! That is SO Cool -- it's exactly what I had in mind only better. Now I wonder if I should even bother building one when I could buy one of these!

Anyone have any idea whether a 3PH mounted pole or a loader mounted one would have better capacity?

I didn't read the specs on the AG crane but would guess you would be able to lift much more with the 3PH than the loader, then again it depends on the capacity of your loader, my 300cx is around 1500 at the pins so 6 ft out in front is much, much less, but it is handy for taking something off a truck that would be a ball buster for 2-3 guys though.
That ag crane looks nice, looks like it could go up and over things, with a long reach. I think it would be more of a necessity for tractors without front loaders with all the quick change options available now.