Using Front End Loader for Personal Lift??

755inNY · Aug 24, 2005

Guilty. But I was smarter than the rest of you /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif . I did it alone. Position the tractor under the tree to be trimmed. Set the parking brake (must be thinking safety here after all I am on a slope). Stand in the bucket and using a long 1x3 push the loader lift lever back. Ride the bucket up to the desired position. Having thought ahead about the eventual need to come down, I had nailed a short piece of 1x3 at the end of the long 1x3 thus forming a "T". I used the "T" to pull the lift lever forward to lower myself back to the ground. Worked well but I would not recommend it.

Jeff

EddieWalker · Aug 24, 2005

I hate heights and ladders don't make me very comfortable. Since I work along most of the times, I've found the bucket to be a handy platform for lifting things with and to work from with a secure footing.

I lower the outriggers to lock myself into position. Then use my ladder to get into the bucket when it's in position.

See attached photo.

A guy I know was trimming branches along his fenceline last year with his grandson operating the tractor. He cut a branch with the chainsaw, the branch twisted around and swung at him, knocking him out of the bucket. The chainsaw went one way, he went strait down landing on a different branch with his ribs.

He lived, but the bruises were pretty severe.

Eddie

Spiffy · Aug 25, 2005

<font color="blue"> Be sure your wife's life insurance payments are up to date prior to getting her into the FEL bucket! </font>

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I just have to make sure that it's enough to cover one of those fancy self propelled man lift's and I'd be set. Ohhh, and a new tractor....and a dozer......and...and..... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

keeney · Aug 26, 2005

I see residential framing contractors using their construction forklifts (Lull or similar) as man-lifts more often than for lifting or moving materials. Almost every one I have ever seen has a hand-built wood platform/box that is typically three-sided and open on the working end. Some do have commercially-built steel patforms.

They do it so much, I am surprised that there is not a remote control kit available so they can drive around from up top. Its a pretty boring job for the poor guy stuck driving the thing who has to sit there waiting to take verbal orders to move every few minutes.

- Rick