Right Tool For The Job

[Spencer]

JohnMiller3, we are thinking alike on this one. I did leave the two ends open on my pole barn for just that reason. I have a 16' by 16' addition to the main structure and I left that open as well as the front of the main structure. They make some metal jigs that fold open as you set the trusses to keep them on 24" centers. I plan on using those to keep things lined up properly. Good thought on the 2" by 3"s that would be a cheaper way to go for the temporary bracing, I will look into that versus the 2" by 4"s. There is no real reason for me to work solo on this, your just on the other side of Canada, aren't you?

 

[Spencer]

ns_in_tex, I did plan on adding a winch to the setup but ran out of time and money. I didn't want to just get a cheapie winch so I decided to wait until later when I can justify purchasing a heavy duty one that will last a long time. I want to make it fit into a 2" receiver so I can use it in different locations. I have noticed quite a few of your innovative creations that you have posted on TBN and it means a lot to hear "great work" from you.

 

[Spencer]

wroughtn_harv, thanks for taking the time to post. I, like most TBN'ers, look up to you, even though your way down there in Texas. As you know your boom pole on your skid steer (Iris) that I viewed on your <A target="_blank" HREF=http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/wroughtnharv/lst?.dir=/Iris&.src=ph&.order=&.view=t&.done=http%3a//photos.yahoo.com//>website</A> was the original inspiration for my creation. You are right about the priorities, I would have loved to drop $600 to $800 on a nice winch but can't quite justify it at this time of the year.

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

<font color=blue>"I would have loved to drop $600 to $800 on a nice winch"</font color=blue>

I just did that this week but I didn't love it at all. /w3tcompact/icons/sad.gif I bought a Warn 8000 pound winch when my smaller one stopped and left me (and a truck I was loading) hanging, so to speak. It wouldn't pull in or release cable out so it had me in a real bind with the truck I was loading halfway up the tilt bed but not quite far enough for the rear wheels to catch on the end of the bed.

I swore right then that this would never happen to me with that winch again so I went out and got this one. The Warn 8000 was $600 at Tractor Supply but I was just PO'ed enough right then that I didn't care. Unhooking mine with all the weight of that truck at a 30 degree incline on the line by myself had taken it's toll on my normal good nature and reasoned thinking. /w3tcompact/icons/crazy.gif

Of course, I've already had time to reconsider spending the money and, when the credit card statement comes in and I have to write that check, I'm sure question the timing of the purchase, too. I just keep telling myself that I really needed it. /w3tcompact/icons/hmm.gif/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[hazmat]

Softwood weighs 25-35# per cubic foot

Lets use 35# to account for the glue

beam is 7.27ft^3

Weight = 255#

Many are concerned for Spencer's health while operating his crane. It does look a bit precarious.

I thought I'd share my concern & a Standard Operating Procedure that should keep him out of trouble.

When Spencer curls his crane he can adjust the angle of the boom from near vertical to horizontal. With this adustment, the lift point moves from near the tractor to far away. His safe lift capacity is greatest when the boom is close to the tractor (near vertical). Theoretically, Spencer could lift something up with the boom vertical, that he couldn't/shouldn't with the boom horizontal. If he were to lift the heavy load with the boom vertical & then curl it to horizontal, he could tip.

So here is the SOP. Always lift the load with the boom horizontal & then curl as needed for extra height. Spencer has already indicated that he uses his heaviest implement as a counterweight.

Another thing to keep in mind, is that the boom makes one heck of a lever, Spencer could also tip the tractor if he was to catch the boom on something just right. I'm sure he'll be careful as he is manuvering.

Overall, I'd say the crane is likely safer than two guys trying to lift a 250# beam up a ladder.

 

[jinman]

Hey Spencer, your unusual boompole mounting is really interesting to me because I did something unusual with a boompole about 8 years ago. I was putting in a fence and needed to lift crossties. Since my tractor had the auger on it, I mounted the boompole to my utility truck's hydraulic dump bed. It worked like a charm, but I could only lift two crossties without causing the front wheel to come off the ground. /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif. See the attachment for my "rig."