Seeking Help with moving sandstone blocks

[roygul]

Have a small project of putting a single layer of sandstone blocks before a steep drop, about 25 stones. It will use either of these blocks. I 'm going to dig a shallow trench 8 inches deep fill with sand for a couple to make leveling easier.

16x16x40 inches 815 lb (400x400x1000mm 370 kg)
20x20x40 1278 lb (500x500x1000mm 580 kg)

I have a jd tlb 110 with 4 in bucket and thumb on the backhoe.


I'm a little concerned if I use the 4 in one bucket to grab stone with I will damage the edges.

I have some $$ in the kitty for tools maybe a grapple bucket. I think the backhoe will lift the smaller block but will struggle with the larger ones.

My better half of course likes the bigger blocks, and I am sure if this project is a success more blocks will turn up for other projects around the property

Thanks
Roy

 

[bcp]

Make one of these.

Stone Clamp - Stone Lifting Device

More ideas:

stone clamp - Google Search

rock tongs - Google Search

Bruce

 

[Wagtail]

I'm thinking that a good set of forklift forks on the FEL would be the way to go. Dedicated ones, not something attached to the 4in1.

Second method would be to remove the 4in1 and use strops off of the bare FEL. I say this because of the initial weight of the bucket itself.

And, of course, have the wife or a mate direct you from the ground.

 

[CurlyDave]

I'm thinking that a good set of forklift forks on the FEL would be the way to go. Dedicated ones, not something attached to the 4in1...

I have a set of dedicated forks for my 110 TLB and have moved large rocks with no difficulty.

Just be sure you have the bed prepared and the approach set up properly for the machine and all will go easily.

While moving the smaller ones with the BH and thumb is certainly possible, it is far easier to handle undressed stones where some chips won't matter. And, carrying larger items any distance with the BH is tedious at best.

 

[roygul]

I do have a set of dedicated forks. Place we are looking to get them from suggests dropping them on a pile of tan bark, or loose soil to prevent damage or unload a block at a time. I don't think they use pallets and was leaning towards just buying a few yards of tan bark and tipping them on that.

Not having any experience using forks to get under a load already on the ground, I'm guessing you just slip it under the block dig into the ground a little / tan bark then curl and let the block slip to the back of the forks ?

I have to transport the blocks only a couple of hundred feet, but the ground slopes about 15 to 20 degrees between the two pads.

Will post a few pictures when I work out how I will get this done.

I kinda like the idea of a rock clamp but a little worried about having the weight swing around while trans versing the slope. I sure the clamp would make positioning the block to the final spot a lot easier.

Thanks
Roy

 

[Wagtail]

Not having any experience using forks to get under a load already on the ground, I'm guessing you just slip it under the block dig into the ground a little / tan bark then curl and let the block slip to the back of the forks ?

I have to transport the blocks only a couple of hundred feet, but the ground slopes about 15 to 20 degrees between the two pads.

Thanks
Roy

I was thinking, yes, come under the block as you've said (with the forks positioned to support) and, perhaps with a 2x4 length of wood, working it up onto the front of the fork. Lift it level and then use a ratchet tie-down to secure the load.

You can then slowly, but confidently, drive the block (low to the ground) to where you want to place it and then reverse the procedure.

It will definitely be a two person job, especially for positioning the forks at first and then for positioning at the site.

 

[CurlyDave]

I do have a set of dedicated forks. Place we are looking to get them from suggests dropping them on a pile of tan bark, or loose soil to prevent damage or unload a block at a time. I don't think they use pallets and was leaning towards just buying a few yards of tan bark and tipping them on that...

Instead of tan bark, can you have the vendor unload them on "stickers". I would ask for them to be placed on 4"x4" pieces of lumber set on firm level ground. Maybe somewhere on your driveway. The optimum placement for your forks is going to be at 25% and 75% of the width of the stone , so use 3 "stickers" one at each end and one in the middle, all of them parallel to the direction the forks will go under the stones. This way they are clear of the forks when you pick up the stones. The 4"x4" s will place them high enough to easily get the forks under the individual stones.

What is the delivery charge? I would be inclined to have only a few delivered especially in a first load to be sure I had the handling all figured out before getting 25 of them and maybe breaking or scarring several.

 

[joefromga]

How about make a gantry crane but with turf tires and pulley? You could easily lift them and roll around the yard easily placing the stones where you want and safely. You could tow it with your tlb.

At 1278lb you could build one from 2x10s and it would hold. A 12v winch would lift and lower in place.

 

[roygul]

Instead of tan bark, can you have the vendor unload them on "stickers". I would ask for them to be placed on 4"x4" pieces of lumber set on firm level ground.

I think they just use a dump truck and let them slide out. placing them or getting equipment to place them is my problem.

Sandstone Blocks and Boulders | Brisbanesandstone here's the website of the blocks if it helps.

Delivery is around $500 aus.

Cheers
Roy

 

[roygul]

How about make a gantry crane but with turf tires and pulley? You could easily lift them and roll around the yard easily placing the stones where you want and safely. You could tow it with your tlb.

At 1278lb you could build one from 2x10s and it would hold. A 12v winch would lift and lower in place.

View attachment 461064

While a cool idea, the lifting of the blocks isn't too much of a problem the jd 110 can easily lift the load its grabbing the block without damaging it quickly and safely is the part I am figuring out.

Thanks Roy

 

[Wagtail]

So I take it we're not talking the 'precision cut' blocks when the truckie's going to dump them as opposed to using a hiab.

Which means that a wee chip here and there will add a rustic tone to the block. That simplifies things.

 

[roygul]

So I take it we're not talking the 'precision cut' blocks when the truckie's going to dump them as opposed to using a hiab.

Which means that a wee chip here and there will add a rustic tone to the block. That simplifies things.

Yeap we're looking at the b grade grade blocks.

 

[DJ54]

I'm assuming these are old foundation type stone you are referring to, like out of an old house, barn, or even bridge back wall..?? If this is the case, each stone should have divots/dimples carved into them, to place a set of lifting tongs, similar to the stone clamp in the plans above. When those stone were originally cut, those dimples were also cut into them, for the purpose of lifting/setting, and nearly at the balancing point.

Any chance of getting with the contractor you're getting them from, and see if you can borrow a set..?? They are near the perfect tool to set them with, allowing you to move it any direction to get them aligned to set.

 

[Ed of all trades]

Just be careful with the slope. A large stone slipping off of the forks would be dangerous to say the least. Ed

 

[jenkinsph]

I moved several 24"x24"x48" concrete blocks for the same purpose a few months ago with my 110 using forks. The smaller blocks should not be a problem but leveling might be tedious. Prepare the bedding for the blocks well before you set them. I suggest using a plate compactor to get the bottom smooth and flat before hand, then add a thin layer of loose bedding material to cushion the block if needed. To reduce scratching the front face of the block use a piece of thick cardboard cut to the size of the block.

Moving down the slope you need to be careful and take your time. Tilt the forks back and barely clear the ground and any scratches should be on the bottom which won't affect any thing.

 

[waycoolmarine]

last wall be built we used straps around the blocks and boomed into place with the backhoe . if the blocks get big you can take the bucket off for more lifting capacity .

 

[Wagtail]

I moved several 24"x24"x48" concrete blocks for the same purpose a few months ago with my 110 using forks. The smaller blocks should not be a problem but leveling might be tedious. Prepare the bedding for the blocks well before you set them. I suggest using a plate compactor to get the bottom smooth and flat before hand, then add a thin layer of loose bedding material to cushion the block if needed. To reduce scratching the front face of the block use a piece of thick cardboard cut to the size of the block.

Moving down the slope you need to be careful and take your time. Tilt the forks back and barely clear the ground and any scratches should be on the bottom which won't affect any thing.

This and, when going down-slope, reverse the entire tractor keeping the load up-slope, then slowly back down the slope. Any trouble = drop the load to brake & stabilise.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

In that website you linked there's a picture of them positioning a block with an bypass grapple on an excavator. Seem like a light touch with your 4in1 would also work.
Apart from that I have used forks to precisely place 1000lb granite rock to build walls.

 

[4570Man]

Those blocks weigh like half of what the loader is supposed to lift. If everything is functioning properly it shouldn't even notice they are there.

 

[Xfaxman]

Have a small project of putting a single layer of sandstone blocks before a steep drop, about 25 stones. It will use either of these blocks. I 'm going to dig a shallow trench 8 inches deep fill with sand for a couple to make leveling easier.

16x16x40 inches 815 lb (400x400x1000mm 370 kg)
20x20x40 1278 lb (500x500x1000mm 580 kg)

I have a jd tlb 110 with 4 in bucket and thumb on the backhoe.


I'm a little concerned if I use the 4 in one bucket to grab stone with I will damage the edges.

I have some $$ in the kitty for tools maybe a grapple bucket. I think the backhoe will lift the smaller block but will struggle with the larger ones.

My better half of course likes the bigger blocks, and I am sure if this project is a success more blocks will turn up for other projects around the property

Thanks
Roy

I vote for a grapple. The Rake Shop can make what you need: www.TheRakeShop.com / Root Rakes Grapples Attachments & Skid Steers

Mine is a heavy Gorilla Grapple, but they have one that is similar or could copy this design.

Could also put rubber pads on the tines to protect the rock.