Bib Overalls
Well-known member
Over on the Garage Gallery there is a little bit of talk about shop cranes going on in one of the threads. Got me to thinking about my crane and a couple of simple modifications I made to enhance the man/machine interface.
My first modification was the addition of a second ring on the mast for the pump handle. This second ring secures the stored handle eliminating the "pump handle on the floor" problem.
Cherry Picker 6 by Formerly JimboT, on Flickr
Some of the Chinese shop cranes, like mine, do not come with handles. A simple piece of pipe, a hole saw and a bit of weld fixed that.
Cherry Picker 1 by Formerly JimboT, on Flickr
Harbor Freight sells a heavy duty trailer safety chain for about $10. I have a couple and I used the end hook from one to make a bracket for my engine lift plate.
Cherry Picker 3 by Formerly JimboT, on Flickr
My final modification was to weld chain hooks on the back of the mast below the engine lift plate. I hang my chains on the hooks which ensures that they are always at hand when I need them.
Cherry Picker 5 by Formerly JimboT, on Flickr
I call these modifications "frustration fighters." If you are a shop crane owner how many times have you looked high and low for a chain or your lift plate? How many times have you reached down with your free hand for the jack handle only to find it has slipped through the single loop and fallen on the floor? You won't regret doing these simple, inexpensive mods. Works for me!
My first modification was the addition of a second ring on the mast for the pump handle. This second ring secures the stored handle eliminating the "pump handle on the floor" problem.
Cherry Picker 6 by Formerly JimboT, on FlickrSome of the Chinese shop cranes, like mine, do not come with handles. A simple piece of pipe, a hole saw and a bit of weld fixed that.
Cherry Picker 1 by Formerly JimboT, on FlickrHarbor Freight sells a heavy duty trailer safety chain for about $10. I have a couple and I used the end hook from one to make a bracket for my engine lift plate.
Cherry Picker 3 by Formerly JimboT, on FlickrMy final modification was to weld chain hooks on the back of the mast below the engine lift plate. I hang my chains on the hooks which ensures that they are always at hand when I need them.
Cherry Picker 5 by Formerly JimboT, on FlickrI call these modifications "frustration fighters." If you are a shop crane owner how many times have you looked high and low for a chain or your lift plate? How many times have you reached down with your free hand for the jack handle only to find it has slipped through the single loop and fallen on the floor? You won't regret doing these simple, inexpensive mods. Works for me!
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