The Handiest Thing I ever Built (Manlift)

[curly]

Better yet a slide down ladder, as in a small extension ladder mounted to the side.

Even a ladder that goes up and down hydralically

Course, I'm mechanically and hydralically challenged so I'd have to go with leaning one one a borrowed man (or wife) lift.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

Even a ladder that goes up and down hydralically

Fully enclosed elevator. ...For safety

 

[Stampeder]

Yea, I can reach 18 feet. Loader reaches 6 feet, basket floor is 4 above that, I am six feet tall, my arms reach 2 feet over my head. Stabilty is great, once the basket is placed where you want it, you lower the boxblade just to touch the ground. It sure aint going to tip over, but I wouldnt use it on a sidehill either.
Extension ladder of some kind would be a great idea. Maybe a rope ladder or chain ladder or something flexible.
Here's an action shot, and a closeup of the caster wheel idea.

Jimgerken:

Can you post some more pictures of your man (or rather woman) lift?
I like the extension on the bottom and I would like to duplictate it. Did you put it on a skid steer quick adaptor plate as well? I am planning on doing this with mine as I can get one of Ebay for about $75.00.

Thanks.
Glenn

 

[jimgerken]

(After the helpful PM message) I just noticed the request for better pics. I can do that, but will need to take the pics first. Give me a week or so. Hope this helps.

BTW, the manlift now fits my newest tractor, a 3720. So now I can reach 20 feet, due to the loader reach improvement.

 

[Stampeder]

Thanks a lot. We're going to be painting (well at least the wife is) the front gate which is 15 feet in the air and with the manlift the way it is she can't quite reach. I also have to do some limb trimming on a bunch of pines and I will also need the extra height.
I'm also tinkering with the idea of making the extension removable. I'd be interested in your thoughts on that.
Looking forward to the pics.

 

[Sprocket1]

It would be possible to put adjustable flow controls on the lift cylinders to prevent the sudden loss of fluid due to a blown hose. Granted these would have to be adjusted frequently depending on how often you raised and lowered the lift. These work by restricting the flow of oil out of the cylinders depending on where you have the knobs adjusted. These would offer some peace of mind.
I would be more concerned about being tipped out the front of the "basket" in a blown hose predictament. When the lift comes down the tilt cylinders won't keep the "basket" level, but will in fact tip you out the front. I would suggest that the safety lanyard be kept short enough to keep you in the "basket". Just my 2 pennies worth.

 

[Stampeder]

Sprocket1:

I've had my tractor over three years now and believe me it gets serious work. I keep my hoses in excellent condition and have never had one blow out. Secondly, this lift isn't for daily use. It is intermittent useage for the odd painting job or tree trimming. So there is as much to worry about when using this as crossing a street and worrying about getting hit by a car, so you don't cross.

I've been using my manlift for over a year now and it has worked just great!!! Given that neighbours of mine get into their front end loader bucks with step ladders to reach, I'll take my manlift anytime, any day.

This thing about blow hydraulic hoses is WAY over blown....pun intended. BTW, I also keep the tractor running while I'm up in the lift and I don't move the tractor while I am in it.

These are my experiences with it.

Regards.
Glenn.

 

[Sprocket1]

I trust my equipment too. I was just pointing out there are some things that one could do if he so desired. I know a catastrophic hose failure is extremely unlikely and don't even consider it when working around my fel.
I think someone in a previous post said they leave their boxblade on the ground when working in their lift. I wouldn't do that. It would be elevated. Maybe I misunderstood what they are saying, but in my opinion, that would be a false sense of security.

BTW, I keep my stuff in tiptop shape too.

 

[mjncad]

If your FEL has a lockout feature for the joystick, I'd use it to prevent accidental movement of the stick by a curious child, adult or pet.

 

[jimgerken]

FINALLY I have a few detail pics. Currently the quick attach fittings on this man lift need a bit of attention. The upper hook features need to have an added new super-gusset added to make escape impossible, and the lower pins are a bit too short for the 300CX loader, so the linch pins won't quite go in (I've been using 3/8 bolts instead). Maybe I will straighten up the bent upper rail tube too.