moving cut stone

[Marshal9]

I was able to obtain the remains of an old root cellar which was built out of cut sandstone blocks 10"hx12"wx36"-48"l. My cousins and I dismantled the foundation and walls by moving the stones in the bucket of the loader (JD4410 w/430 loader). That was not much of a problem. I will be using the stones to rebuild another cellar house. I was wondering if using the loader with a heavy duty style log tong attached would work to set the stones as they have cut dimples on either side which look as if that was used as a mark to lift them originally. Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Mousefield]

We have used logging tongs for hauling out trees but not rocks. If the dimple is deep enough so the thongs will grab the sandstone securely it sounds like it should work. The weight of the blocks should be ok for lifting as well, your JD4410 w/430 is a decent size. While doing this think safety, hate to drop one of those blocks at the wrong time. Post some pics of your project when you get it going.

 

[Egon]

Abaco Scissor Clamp :: $228.00

This site shows a grapple for handling stone.

 

[Marshal9]

thanks guys for the replies. if the tongs don't work, maybe I can set up some type of pallet forks and slide the stone into position.

 

[forgeblast]

would love to see some pics of the cellar when your done. How big is it? what type of roof?
thanks

 

[Topstrap]

Pallet forks work well if you are in a positon to slide the stones off into position. I have a set of tongs a friend made for me that we both used to set stones around our ponds with my mini excavator. I think they open to about 3ft and have worked pretty good.



The wife said she'd carry them over if I'd place them



Topstrap

 

[Whitey]

Get a set of forks for your loader. There are plenty for sale on the internet. What kind of tractor do you have?

 

[Dirthog]

The log tongs should work just fine if they are heavy enough I have a set of regular stone tongs and they are about the same thing only heavier

 

[Marshal9]

Topstrap, nice job on setting the stones. Those look like the same ones I have. My project this year will be to move the stones from WV to NJ. It will give me more of an excuse to visit relatives. It will take a few trips I am sure but in the end it will be worth it. The original building was approximately 12'x16' and took about two days to dismantle with my JD4410.

 

[Topstrap]

The forks would prob work but it seems that when stacking them up for walls like they were initially laid making or using a set of tongs would work better. Easier to pick up and place instead of sliding them off and wiggling them around to get in place. It's amazing how heavy they are and being able to pivot and swing them to place them made it a lot easier.

Can't wait to see the your finished job, I just love these big stones and have been accumulating them over the years from jobs I've done tearing down old houses or just finding old foundations in the woods. These came from an old house foundation nearby that was on the original National Road that is now RT 40 from an old drugstore/tobaccoshop. Nice to recycle and not waste things that took so much work to make.

Topstrap

 

[PA hayseed]

The forks would prob work but it seems that when stacking them up for walls like they were initially laid making or using a set of tongs would work better. Easier to pick up and place instead of sliding them off and wiggling them around to get in place. It's amazing how heavy they are and being able to pivot and swing them to place them made it a lot easier.
Topstrap

I agree. I used pallet forks at first and it was ok for the bottom row. On the second and third rows it became a PITA wiggling them off the pallet forks. I did not have the luxury of purchasing tongs at the time, so instead I used cargo straps like you get from tractor trailer flat beds. They worked pretty good. I double looped mine and used it on the pallet forks. After a little bit you can actually kinda lasso the stone you want and move it. Some stones required the straps to be double looped.

I got all my straps for free off the interstate.

 

[shane]

I got all my straps for free off the interstate.

How's that? Wouldn't mind having some free straps.

 

[PA hayseed]

How's that? Wouldn't mind having some free straps.

When I drive interstate 80, 76, 83, 81, 99, etc, the trucks seem to lose them all the time. I stop and pick them up. You have to be careful and inspect them before use. I have bunches of them. Seems like as soon as spring hits, and the snow melts, you will see the sides of the road littered with em.

Yeah, I should also warn you that not all straps are rated the same. Some will have loads listed on them and some will not. I look for the material it is made from, thickness, overall length, and of corse the stiching that adds the strength to the strap.

If you drive enough you will find them. I have found alot of stuff on the interstate, it never ceases to amaze me what I find. e.g. fishing nets, plywood, 2x4, 6's, 8's, trusses, I beams, chains galore, flashlights, straps, gas cans, 2'x2' stepping stones, and my most favorite find of all time - cash. Exercise extreme caution when stopping on the interstate, and pull off as far as you can. My best place is I80, loaded with trucks all year long.

lol - You probably won't find one if you look for it. The second you stop looking for them you will find them all over.

 

[Mousefield]

When you drive a lot it is interesting what you find on the road. Couple of years ago found a new Tilly hat, just my size.