HC 71 Box 525 Mountain View, AR 72560
It seems to me, as I get older cast iron increases in weight. I
don’t know why but years ago I could toss that old iron that
weighed up to 150 pounds and not think a thing about it. Now that I
have reached three score and two in years, it not only takes me
longer but I cannot seem to pick up the same old engines like I did
once upon a time. To aid me in my quest for more old iron and to
ease my aching back I made a portable crane. I bought a ten ply
front end off a truck for $10 and with the assistance of my local
welder we assembled my own portable lifting device for about
$175.
Two old drill pipes which swivel are the uprights. I raise and
lower it with the aid of a boat winch and
1/4‘ cable-then I lock the chain which is
on the end of a 5/8‘ cable. This chain
fastens in a snatch hook welded on the tongue. I use a simple 1?
ton chain hoist on the top of the boom to lift with.
When I travel to a site where some unknown chunk of iron is half
buried in the ground, I simply push the booms up, lock the chain at
the proper height, hook up my chain hoist, and jerk it out of the
mud without hurting myself. I fastened a hook on each side of the
rear outriggers. By putting a chain or rope from these to the
engine, it is fastened down and will not swing when heading home
with the new addition. I think every show should have something
like this, the advantages are obvious. If more info is desired drop
me a line and save those backs.
