The Handiest Thing I ever Built (Manlift)

[bx24]

A while back I bought a fork lift mast off of eBay for a couple of hundred bucks. I had intended to modify it to work on the back of my BX24.

I got busy so I never got around to it, but then I came up with an idea for a manlift. Mounting it to the back of the tractor (using the tractor as a counterweight), I am now planning on using it with the forks like the attached picture from Gizmo2, but instead of mounting on the FEL, I will use the mast from the forklift.

Because the hydraulic cylinder is single acting and would drain the Kubota's tank of fluid, I plan on using a separate 12v single acting hydraulic pump. Not only does this solve the fluid issue, but it also enables the operator to control the vertical movement. Because of the weight of the mast, I am also planning on adding some sort of manual outriggers to keep the machine from popping a wheelie.

 

[Robert128]

That is Awesome! Great Idea and build!

 

[Stampeder]

o2batsea:
I do not nor will I ever use two people to operate my manlift. I either drive it and put it into position where I need it or I'm in it and it is parked in place. I understand your concern and I share it about the operator to manlift person communications.
One must use common sense (I'm not sure how much is out there anymore) to govern one's exposure to risk in such a venture.
I for one am very cautious and watchful whenever I am operating my tractor no matter what is on the end of the FEL.

That said, my manlift is indeed the handiest thing I have ever built. Although until it's raised about another 36 inches it's just a bit too short.

Glenn.

 

[tglass]

what I understand from OSHA the ruling is more from if the hyd fails without the built in safety valves to stop the cyl. from failing in case of breakage of hyd. lines etc. is the main concern where a cherry picker/manlift has this failsafe built in. A forklift with the proper OSHA aproved cage can be used with an operator in the seat. I'm sure someone knows quite abit more on the reasoning behind this.

 

[spo307]

I would like to mount a smaller man lift to a FEL boom, to get some more height

 

[Bedlam]

Awhile back (couple years) someone posted one on a pole and was immediately shot down as to safe to even have displayed.I would think it was pushing the safety factor a bit further. But to me if people assume the risk then, ...Same as standing in the bucket. What are the Odds??

 

[glastron23]

Man instead of the "HANDIEST THING I EVER BUILT" it should read the DEADLIEST THING I EVER BUILT. I build build,service and certify bucket trucks for the hydro/telephone companies here, we test to CSA225-00 and ANSI specs and it really makes me cringe when i see things like this.
Some one like jimgerken who is going to replace the 1" pins with 3/8 bolts??? are you NUTS, why not go and cut 5/8 of steel out of the the FEL arms and go and use it???
I,m happy to see MJNCAD saying that their should be lockouts on the joysticks in case something (a big branch you just cut, or that loose 2x4 you were trying to nail in place but you tried to use your finger for a nail) drops on the controls, **** it happens in my field when we have ALL the RIGHT safety items in place.
Or Stampeder saying that he keeps his equipment to top shape and that a "blown hose is WAY over blown"??? we were on a road call for a BLOWN hose in a boom truck and we sent the operator to go and get the replacement hoses while we removed the old ones, he went to one of the shops that use the largest suppliers of hydraulic hoses/ fittings in the world and had a set of hoses made to spec, we installed these NEW hoses and were testing the unit and adjusting the "HOLDING VALVES" (OH did i mention that it's REQUIRED to use these on ANY machine that is used for lifting a person in a basket)on the cylinder, the pressure just hit 2100 psi when the hose F**k off from the fitting, these hoses were rated for 3600 psi, thank god for the "HOLDING VALVES" on the cylinders. Except for 3 gallons of oil on the deck and some wet coveralls everyone was Ok. After a while we found out just what happened, the failure was caused by a worn set of crimping dies that the shop used to assembly the hoses, how worn less than .0015 of in inch???
Now lets talk about STABILITY and STABILITY FACTORS, or how about engineered stresses and safety factors on steel?? **** i don't have time or battery enough in me laptop!!!!
So people you can do what you want but when **** happens it's the widows and lawyers that take over.... Jim

 

[Kubota 2350]

Good job, that thing will come in very handy.

 

[GE222]

Without a pilot operated check valve in the hydraulic system, using a front end loader is asking for trouble. You may get away without one, but that doesn't justify the risk.

Riding in a raised bucket is just plain foolish.

 

[Mace Canute]

Where's OSHA when ya need em?