using a boom pole as a cherry picker

[Mosey]

Next time I go to Lowes I look for a step ladder with a real wide base. Maybe I could just attach a 2x4 across the bottom of each side to keep the legs from poking into the ground. But, the problem still remains that at the top of the tree the branches get shorter, so I have to be able to reach in, which will be hard on a ladder since it goes straight up. That's one of the problems I was hoping the boom pole would solve. But, maybe the upside down carry all idea would be better than a boom pole, since there's not as much leverage and it won't go too high and be dangerous.

 

[theboman]

How about one of those funky ladders that you can fold over like an upside down U ? Or find a set of old scaffolding that is eazy to move around on, but a bit harder to move than a ladder but lots safer.

Or, just shake the devil outta that tree!

 

[MossRoad]

Try and <A target="_blank" HREF=http://henryfields.com/item_disp.asp?pn=07776>find one of thesefruit pickers</A> from a local garden supply place or you can order from Henry Fields or some other source. You don't have to leave the ground or you can use it to extend your reach while on a ladder.

 

[BB_TX]

I am going against the grain here. /w3tcompact/icons/hmm.gif If you have verified that the pole can handle the weight, with a little thought you could make a fairly light weight basket to use as a man lift. You could weld it up out of angle iron and expanded metal. I assume you are talking about your feet not being more than 6 or 8 feet off the ground since you are talking ladders. I don't see that being any more unsafe than standing near the top of a ladder on soft ground.
My thought would be a U shaped attachment to the end of the pole to support a basket on 2 sides, in the center so it could swivel. The top of the basket would be at least waist high for safety. Darn, there I go thinking again./w3tcompact/icons/tongue.gif

 

[n6ckv]

Remember thata boom pole has limited travel. As it gets higher it is more vertical, so the pole would tend to push you out of the sling. Look for an orchard ladder - they are 3 leged so they can be set up on neven ground. That iswat is used around here for the cherry and aparcot orchards.

 

[ewoss3]

Mosey since you don't have an fel for raising a lift platform use a fall restraint harness that attaches on the back. follow the link for a whole bunch of choices. <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.mscdirect.com/IWCatSectionView.process?RestartFlow=t&Merchant_Id=1&p_section_Id=2000173&Section_Id=2000173&p_product_type_Id=1300&ShowProductList=t&SelectedAtt.length=0&pbegin=0&pcount=15&NameVector.length=0&View.x.x=111&View.x.y=14>http://www.mscdirect.com/IWCatSectionView.process?RestartFlow=t&Merchant_Id=1&p_section_Id=2000173&Section_Id=2000173&p_product_type_Id=1300&ShowProductList=t&SelectedAtt.length=0&pbegin=0&pcount=15&NameVector.length=0&View.x.x=111&View.x.y=14</A>

 

[bgott]

"Or, just shake the devil outta that tree! "

That's how they pick almonds.

 

[BB_TX]

I agree with you on the travel issue. I am thinking a sling shot shaped frame. The "handle" would be a pipe that would slide over the end of the boom pole and be secured by screws. The basket would be supported on each side by the "arms" of the slingshot frame. The arms would attach to the center of each side of the basket with pins to allow it to swivel to remain level as it was raised.
I'm sorry. My engineer mind does these things to me. /w3tcompact/icons/crazy.gif