Using Tractor Shovel as a manlift

[SeattlePioneer]

Here you go. You just need to have forks for your tractor. If you have a skid steer quick attach it's a piece of cake.
Forklift Safety Cage Work Platform Collapsible Lift Basket Aerial Rails 36"x36"
View attachment 525050

Thanks for all the replies ----that was fast!

The illustration of what looks like a commercially made safety cage looks like the kind of gear I was offered and was used on a forklift.

Never thought about a broken hose when I was using that gear. I imagine that hits the ground with quite a thud if it happens! Thanks for the warnings!

 

[Z-Michigan]

Thanks for all the replies ----that was fast!
The illustration of what looks like a commercially made safety cage looks like the kind of gear I was offered and was used on a forklift.
Never thought about a broken hose when I was using that gear. I imagine that hits the ground with quite a thud if it happens! Thanks for the warnings!

Not knowledgeable about forklifts, but considering what they are used for I'm going to guess they have a safety mechanism that prevents the load from dropping if hydraulic pressure fails. Think of spring brakes on a commercial truck or the safety brakes on an elevator.

 

[kthompson]

I have no idea on a forklift but would assume they have some safety device to stop the mast from lowering if the hyd system is off or were to fail. But whether they do or not I know such as cranes and excavators have what is called a holding valve that will prevent the cylinder retracting without pressure on it. So if a hose or the system failed as long as the cylinder does not fail the load will not drop or can not be lowered either. Easy to test, extend the cylinder cut off the machine and work the system. You need it switched on to have the electric over hyd to work. Cylinder should have no drift in them. I am not 100% it is required to be on those machines but think it is, for they all lift loads and a sudden drop could be a major disaster. Now have limited experience on fel on tractors but not aware of any safety valve in those systems to prevent a sudden drop if there is a failure of hose or such in the hyd system, their load can drop suddenly and with full fall. Not good situation for person (or some materials) to be in or under.

 

[travlitt]

Ever see how fast a front end loader can drop with a busted hose?

That would depend on which hose busted.

 

[4570Man]

I have no idea on a forklift but would assume they have some safety device to stop the mast from lowering if the hyd system is off or were to fail. But whether they do or not I know such as cranes and excavators have what is called a holding valve that will prevent the cylinder retracting without pressure on it. So if a hose or the system failed as long as the cylinder does not fail the load will not drop or can not be lowered either. Easy to test, extend the cylinder cut off the machine and work the system. You need it switched on to have the electric over hyd to work. Cylinder should have no drift in them. I am not 100% it is required to be on those machines but think it is, for they all lift loads and a sudden drop could be a major disaster. Now have limited experience on fel on tractors but not aware of any safety valve in those systems to prevent a sudden drop if there is a failure of hose or such in the hyd system, their load can drop suddenly and with full fall. Not good situation for person (or some materials) to be in or under.

I've never seen a forklift that did. They're going to drop with a busted lift hose. But I'd be surprised if they drop very fast. A forklift has a pretty big lift cylinder and not a huge hole for the hose. The fluid can only get out so fast. A tractor FEL is going to drop a lot faster and it's not a vertical drop.

 

[chim]

......................I am a staunch believer in people being responsible for their own actions......................

I also believe we are way too over-regulated as a whole. However, it's one thing to have this discussion here, opining on how easily we'll accept the consequences for our actions. Kind of like an ambulance showing up at a motorcycle wreck, and seeing the (helmetless) rider with his head split open. "OK guys, kill the siren and lights. Let's go grab a burger and leave him to deal with his decision".

 

[kthompson]

I've never seen a forklift that did. They're going to drop with a busted lift hose. But I'd be surprised if they drop very fast. A forklift has a pretty big lift cylinder and not a huge hole for the hose. The fluid can only get out so fast. A tractor FEL is going to drop a lot faster and it's not a vertical drop.

Good points.


I do understand we all take risk and we all have to face the results of those risk at times not good. But often if well thought out the risk can be planned or reduced to an acceptable level. God gave every body a brain, biggest problem is not all are used. Some have low thinking time on them. Not directed this at any single person, it just gets me when a person says, "I JUST DID NOT THINK".


I know a lady for what ever dumb reason got into the front bucket of another friend of ours who for what ever dumb reason raised it. I was not there but for what ever reason she decided she needed to jump out onto the concrete. She did and if memory is corrected crushed both ankles and or maybe feet. Regardless the word is his insurance paid about a million and about twenty years later she still has noticeable problems walking. Assume the reward if there was no problems would have been to have a fun ride.

 

[CADplans]

Not knowledgeable about forklifts, but considering what they are used for I'm going to guess they have a safety mechanism that prevents the load from dropping if hydraulic pressure fails. Think of spring brakes on a commercial truck or the safety brakes on an elevator.

Most of the lifts have a much simpler technology for safety.
I remember a cylinder manufacturer telling me about the special cylinder they build.
The outlet hole in the cylinder is tiny, so that if a hose were to burst, the lift would slowly go down.

The pressurized oil easily makes the cylinder operate at the speed they want.

 

[oldnslo]

I believe there are standards today that state that any vehicle designed to lift people must have hose break safety valves installed at the base of the cylinders. Last I checked fork lifts and front end loaders are not designed to lift people so no safeties required yet..

I guess I wasn't as fancy frequently just stood on the forks or the bucket while working. Didn't have skids on the farm.

 

[Deere Dude]

I would not have a problem with the front end loader dropping, but I would certainly have a problem with the tilt of the bucket. Get half way up and standing vertically in the bucket or cage it only takes a slight movement with the controller to tilt the bucket ahead by 45 deg. Your body could never regain from the momentum switch and over you would go..