One Way to Handle a 60" Deck

[shallowwatersailor 3,213]

Well today I decided that I could finally empty the pickup's bed with the ballast I used over the Winter. It doesn't seem like we will get any more snow.    I have been hauling around the 60" deck that I bought for the 523Dxi last Fall. The trouble was it took four men to lift it in to the bed, and it was only Mrs. Sailor, Juno, and I to get it out! Out came my trusty 518xi with the HF crane attachment. I did wonder if I could reach in far enough or if I would need to borrow/buy an engine crane. My other concern was were to attach the strap for lifting. I rolled it to the edge of the tailgate. Luckily Toro added the small wheel on the 5xi version to allow it to roll sideways. With the boom at the 500 lb. point I looped the strap through the leveler assembly and lifted. It had just enough to allow me to drive the truck out of the way. I then lowered it to be on the gauge wheels and drove it to the temporary storage spot. I intend to make a vertical storage cart for it now that I have it out.

 

 

 

 

[squonk 41,020]

What? No pics of the front wheels of the tractor off the ground? 

[AMC RULES 37,127]

Easy pick, looks like you've got this John. 

No riggers necessary.   

[953 nut 55,065]

     I'm sure the Hurst Shifter  made the job go faster. When you get to our age you need to work smart; can't work that hard!  

[shallowwatersailor 3,213]

54 minutes ago, squonk said:

What? No pics of the front wheels of the tractor off the ground? 

 

That's why I have Mrs. Sailor sitting on the hood.    Actually I left the snow blade on and elevated so that the additional weight would transfer to the front. It worked!

 

28 minutes ago, 953 nut said:

     I'm sure the Hurst Shifter  made the job go faster. When you get to our age you need to work smart; can't work that hard!  

 

It's actually a B&M shifter handle. It must add at least a Septen-decillion horsepower! 

 

 

[Wishin4a416 2,191]

Yes sir John! More than one way to skin a cat. The older I get, the more I look for the easy way of doing things.

[elcamino/wheelhorse 9,295]

John Do, you have a picture of how the crane is mounted ?

[JAinVA 4,619]

I second Jim's question.That looks like something all us oldsters could use. Love those HF cranes.I have had one mounted to my log splitter for ten years.Electric winch and skidder tongs means no liffing more than the old body can stand .JAinVA

Edited April 17, 2016 by JAinVA

[shallowwatersailor 3,213]

51 minutes ago, elcamino/wheelhorse said:

John Do, you have a picture of how the crane is mounted ?

 

Here is the thread in Tom and Scott's vendor section that has a few views. They made the 5xi 2" receiver, and I had Tom make the mount for the crane. I have been very happy with both.

 

 

 

Edited April 17, 2016 by shallowwatersailor

[WNYPCRepair 1,914]

A lot easier than how I got mine (and the 2 stage blower) off the trailer and on the ground. It was just me, so I lifted and dragged it to the end, let one end down on the ground, then lifted the other end off. Rinse and repeat with the blower. 

My back killed me for a week after that. 

[JAinVA 4,619]

 It always seems to be just me.The missus helps when she is here but she still wants to work so I have to figure out how to get things done by myself without a trip to the ER.Not complaining but I know my limitations.That is one the best reasons for the WHs.I use them for everything.That's why I like what shallow water-sailer's done with the mobile crane.Thanks buddy,I am inspired.JAinVA

Edited April 19, 2016 by JAinVA

[WNYPCRepair 1,914]

Agreed.

I am hoping my loader will take up some of the slack.

[Texas Todd 1,025]

Well, this inspired me to see what I could put together to help my old back.  I just got it put together, but I am ready to do some lifting heavier than my back can take. Considered putting a crank winch on it, but I don't think its really necessary. I am going to mount a 42" plow to the front for some ballast. At full extension, 200 lbs can bounce the tires. Along with my chain hoist on a track above the lift, I shouldn't have to strain much anymore...work smarter, not harder, right?

 

 

[Sarge 3,463]

Not to offend , but you need to change that mount design or risk it failing at the worst possible time . That top plate that is clamped to the 2" hitch tubing needs to be changed . I'd weld a heavy piece of 3/8-1/2" plate similar to the one on the bottom and drill/tap holes to mount the crane's base plate . Use GR8 bolts and nuts on the bottom for safety's sake . You've got a good idea there , just needs to be a little better than trying to clamp the crane's plate to that mount . If you don't mind , I'll borrow that picture for later when I can find a 3pt for my D - would love to do something similar . I need back surgery to repair all the injuries over the years lifting far more than my body weight - paying for it now and that's not much fun . Not to mention all the screen in my abdomen from 2 huge hernias ...

Sarge

[Texas Todd 1,025]

No offense  taken. I'm with you on the grade 8 bolts. I couldnt find any the length I needed,  but will eventually. As to the mount, it is not just bolted to 2" tube but to a clevis hitch. its about 1/2" steel welded to the tube. I think its heavy enough to do what I need, but did consider welding the bottom plate of the mount to the hitch. I will be using it to lift boulders of up to 250 lbs or so onto a trailer. I dont see needing to come anywhere near the maximun weight capacities. The max tongue weight for the hitch is 500 anyhow. I can also move it to my truck hitch if need be, but I dont think its rated any different for the tongue weight. This was a first pass just to get it set up. I have a buddy who is all things structural and I wouldnt put it to use without his review anyway. Thanks for the input.