My new toolbox/ back saver

[pugs]

Long time lurker, first time poster here. Thought I would share the shop project I just finished up for myself.

Putting chucks and heavy things in my machine tools was getting old. Have a engine hoist and elec walkie stacker forklift but they are just to wide and big to get around where needed. Looked at some counter-weighted hoists on web and all I could think was what a waste of a cart with just a hoist on it.

So I built my own with a truck crane and a toolbox from Harbor Freight. Added an electric hoist, outriggers for small side loads, electric cord reel to plug the box in and got a little creative with the counterweights.

deleted

The truck crane is rated for 2000lbs in close, 1000 lbs with extension out, and then I added another extension with the cable pulley on that when out is good for 4-500 lbs. With the last extension out can only run the hoist on single line.

 

[twistedchief]

looks wicked

 

[WhoWhatNow]

Looks cool. What's the story with the batteries?

 

[13Harleyfan]

Looks cool. What's the story with the batteries?

I know-Iknow=counter weights. At least thats what I'm guessing.

 

[pugs]

Yeah just 500lb a piece counter weights. Figured I had to dress them up a bit rather than just big lumps of steel.

 

[Link-Belt]

Welcome to the GJ. Very creative and awesome. I don't want to burst your bubble but don't want to see anyone get hurt either. I work with large cranes every day and although what you have built is on the right track you are flirting with danger. If I may point out your designed flaws just for your safety. First you need to mount your boom closer to the center of the box, second the counter weights need to be able to rotate around your box staying directly behind the point of your boom. Your outriggers were a good idea but if you try a 2000 lbs. side lift with out the counter weights directly behind your boom you will by putting some serious stress on one of the two out riggers on the back of your box where your counter weights are depending on what side your picking on. If you pick over the side of the cart where your counter weights are you will flip your box and picking 2000 lbs. directly in front of the counter weights with the boom mounted where you have it you will likely flip the box to that side at the least you will float the rear casters possably collapsing the front casters and flipping your box. I know it sounds like a lot of design flaw but it's really not just fix the stationary counter weights and move the boom to the center. You will also have to beef up the support of the top of Your box to handle the load. I do admire your try but be real careful with what you have built. I spent today rigging and running the tag line on 35,000 lbs. panels in 20 to 30 MPH. wind while flagging the Crane operator and those are small panels compared to what we usually set. Good luck and please be safe.

Sent from my SCH-R720 using Tapatalk 2

 

[pugs]

I only figure on using it for 1000lbs max, and only a couple hundred over the sides with outriggers down. I realize its weight capacity changes as it swings and will be the only one using it, Mostly for 150-200 lbs lathe chucks and vises. The occasional 600+ lb weldment going in the mill will be with the box straight on to the mill and not over the sides.

And you can't see it but there is alot of reinforcement under the mount plate of the hoist to keep the top from twisting and to spread the load back to the weights. And not in the pics but the outriggers slide out 16".

This design could never be made and sold by a company because of the possible over weight side loads that could tip it, but as i said its just for me.

I have already picked a 200lb rotary table up with it a couple inches off the floor and swung fully around to check for any lean, I plan on checking this again with about 400 lbs soon as I have some time So I know the limits.

This is what I kind of built it after;

 

[pugs]

Ok, 330lbs of weight at full extension (all I could find atm). Handles it quite well over the side. No flex in box and opposite side casters still firm on ground I even raised the outrigger off the floor and it only just starts to wiggle the box.

Max reach is 56" from center pivot of crane, box is 26" by 60" so it won't even lift past the opposite end of the top. Most of the time it will be used with the last extension not extended and the hoist on double line just for the reduced speed.
deleted

 

[bchee]

cool

 

[JasonW]

That is sweet. Love the outriggers and the Duracells. 'Gotta love it when a plan comes together'.

Welcome to GJ. Looking forward to seeing what else you dream up.

 

[pugs]

The "batteries" are just solid steel rounds that weigh 500lbs each.

 

[JasonW]

The "batteries" are just solid steel rounds that weigh 500lbs each.

Glad you had the forklift to move those.

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

AWESOME idea!!!! I'd have killed for that setup a few days ago after dropping a sheave and QD bushing on my foot. Would have made the job so much more pleasant! Don't have a patent on that, do you??

 

[JasonW]

If shipping weren't such a bear I'd suggest taking orders.

 

[pugs]

If shipping weren't such a bear I'd suggest taking orders.

Too many liabilities for me to make and sell them. I'd have to count up everything I got in it, but I think right around 2k in parts and material.

 

[LSU]

Welcome

Very well done.

Looking forward to your future posts.

 

[E.T.Privott]

now that's one hell of a rig you got there son......

 

[machine_punk]

That. Is. Cool.

Hmmm...now how can I implement that in my shop?

M_P

 

[Nak]

Be careful with that. Lift point, mounting point, strength of the cart, casters, fasteners,weld, changing center of gravity, footprint, etc. all have a direct impact on lifting. I think anyone can appreciate the creativity but honestly, it looks dangerous. 1000lbs? Please be careful.

 

[Steevo]

I like it!
I may have to copy this one for a future project.
Thanks.

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

We use these things all the time - they work more on the principle of a forklift (counterbalance and fulcrum) than a crane. It takes quite a bit of effort to get one tippy. This improved version of one isn't going to be any worse, especially with all that counterweight.

This design reminds me of the crane on my old service truck - like this:

We've put a LOT of weight on these and never turned one over.