I used a standard two-ton engine crane adapted for a 3PT hookup. There is a little welding involved but mostly I used grade 5 half inch bolts. If needed, I can use this crane as it was intended by disconnecting it and put the casters back, but I really do not have any forceable reasons to do that.
I leave this implement mounted all the time unless I have to use a blade or a rake. Because of the limited length of my tractor shelter, I needed to make this implement as short as possible and with the boom lowered suits my purpose perfectly.
I could use the short platform to load ballast for my loader. Also this platform has a 2 receiver at the bottom to be used for pulling trailers or whatever. This platform can be removed with two pins.
The two original horizontal runners are now positioned vertically (with the original pins) and are used for tool storage. After removing the short platform, they can however, be positioned flat for a large platform.
In addition, I mounted a 3500 lb. winch, that in conjunction with the ram cylinder would provide a very precise material lifting alignment, if needed.
This boom has a retracted capacity of two tons, one ton fully extended. You can, however, remove the existing tubing and insert a longer one for an extended range. I have not done this because I did not have a need. Of course by doing that you limit the capacity but I usually do not lift anything more than 500 lb. anyway.
Three years ago I purchased the engine crane from HF at a reasonable sale price. I figured that by the time you buy the metal to make a boom, you are not really saving that much, and in my opinion, you are not getting anything that versatile. Again this may not be for everybody, but it sure works for me.
I leave this implement mounted all the time unless I have to use a blade or a rake. Because of the limited length of my tractor shelter, I needed to make this implement as short as possible and with the boom lowered suits my purpose perfectly.
I could use the short platform to load ballast for my loader. Also this platform has a 2 receiver at the bottom to be used for pulling trailers or whatever. This platform can be removed with two pins.
The two original horizontal runners are now positioned vertically (with the original pins) and are used for tool storage. After removing the short platform, they can however, be positioned flat for a large platform.
In addition, I mounted a 3500 lb. winch, that in conjunction with the ram cylinder would provide a very precise material lifting alignment, if needed.
This boom has a retracted capacity of two tons, one ton fully extended. You can, however, remove the existing tubing and insert a longer one for an extended range. I have not done this because I did not have a need. Of course by doing that you limit the capacity but I usually do not lift anything more than 500 lb. anyway.
Three years ago I purchased the engine crane from HF at a reasonable sale price. I figured that by the time you buy the metal to make a boom, you are not really saving that much, and in my opinion, you are not getting anything that versatile. Again this may not be for everybody, but it sure works for me.
