Is this a dumb idea? Skid Steer related

[skiwest]

I have to lift some timber frame roof trusses on to the roof and I idea I've been toying with which I've just done some calcs to see if works.    Use my skid steer as a crane base.  They make booms for skid steers but I was thinking of getting a steel beam ( by calc a W6x15) putting between forks ( I've got some 5700lb forks ) .  Now the beam will be 24ft long.  I think I'm ok with tip weight as the rated capcity of Gehl is 3600lb, weight 9500lb.  Load of truss is about 800 lb , allowed for 900lb.

Use it for the month or so and then sell it back as scrap.

[glenn kangiser]

A W6x15 that long will be very limber - like spaghetti --  

As a minimum I would run a chain from the out board end back to each side of the top of the fork mounting area -preferably spread a ways.  This will put the chains in tension and the beam in compression.  Beam would weigh 360.

900 lbs x 26' to wheel center = 23400 foot lbs.

3600 lbs x 3 feet to wheel  center = 10800 ft lbs

That is my rough guess way of estimating that I think you may tip over but I may be wrong. :-/  I'm not an engineer.

[glenn kangiser]

If this works, a pipe may be more stable also - the beam could fold sideways with the weight - the pipe is not as likely to.

[desdawg]

I think I would be inclined to hire a cherry picker for a day and be done with it. JMO

[glenn kangiser]

That sounds like a pretty good plan, desdawg.  I always try to think of what I might be able to do sometimes without thinking that an hour or two of the right machine might get the job done fast without damaging anything. :-/

[skiwest]

Was thinking was adding a chain or cable to limit deflection.  I did the sizing just based on stress.  Deflection woould be about 8" which is a lot but on 24' .  The advantage would be could use as a sky hook for light loads after that.

Tipping I'm going to have to think about that some more.  The rated capacity is 1/2 the tipping load.  So will have to do it in a way , the calc, that tips with 7000lbs in  bucket and ok with the arm at 45deg.  If straight out I'm sure it would tip.  I'm thinking I would have arm at 45deg and hoist into position.

[builderboy]

I'm with desdawg. Bite the bullet get the gear. I'm embarrased to think how much time I've burned "saving money" before I figured that out. (ok so I'm slow)

[MountainDon]

I'm with builderboy, who's with desdawg, who's with.....

I too have to admit to developing overly complicated "what-if" solutions to problems/tasks that could have been better served safely with doing it the right way with the right equipment. There are many times I was successful, too. But those were usually simpler tasks with less danger to personnel and materials if something had gone wrong.

JMO

[glenn kangiser]

Keep in mind that I am a professional.  I tipped an 80' manlift over when I was 68 feet up in the air.

I know about these things.  

I also tipped a 30' manlift over when I was 20 feet in the air.  

Actually, neither of them stopped until they hit a wall.   :-?

Haven't tipped my crane clear over yet.  Nearly tipped a 35' forklift over though.