Trolley Hoist and Beam

[Jeff May]

I'm not really sure what it is called, but I would like thoughts on putting a beam of sorts in the storage area above my shop that would extend out through my double doors, and allow the hoist and load to be pulled into the storage area.
When I built the shop I made the rafters. The storage area has enough head room to walk through. Right now is a collect all for my junk.
What I would like to do if possible is to make some type of lift system to raise and lower some of the heavier items.
Eventually, this space will become a small wood shop. So, I would need a means of getting some other the larger tools and such lifted and able to bring through the double doors in the end of the building. How are the beams like used in barns to lift hay and such attached?
I'm sure the beam is tied into the upper frame work, I just don't know how its done, or if its even possible to add something like this after the building is complete.
Thanks,

 

[rburke65]

Anything is possible I guess. What is your ceiling height there in the wood shop? By the time you secure the beam, mount the trolley, hang a hoist on it, it will hang down a fair piece!? I believe the beams in the barn are the ridge beam of the barn. They are part of the structure. As always, just my opinion.

 

[Jay Sco]

Pics and more detail may help. If I understand you have a 2nd floor/attic type space and have a door access at one end, like a barn. Are you looking at electrical or man powered hoist? I pretty familiar with cranes but not sure exactly what you need.

 

[Krodad]

You would need to have some fashion of ridge beam that cantilevers out past the doors. On barns with hay lofts and hay lifts this is usually also paired with a "turkey tail" as an extension of the ridge beam/roof. Problem is that this is not a tight area because the doors need a slot for the beam/track.

You might consider some kind of crane on a pivot, but you need clearance for the actual hoist/pulley so taller items might not clear. Post some pics and everyone would have a better idea what you're workin with.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

 

[Sureshot]

Look at what they use in butcher shops or for barndoors.

 

[Jeff May]

I will get some pics up as soon as I can.
Thanks,
Jeff

 

[Jeff May]

OK Guys,
Here are several shots of the doors and the inside of my storage area. You will have to overlook the junk sitting around. LOL...
The doors are 46" wide and about 78" high.
I'm thinking the maximum weight to be lifted wouldn't be more than a 150 to 200 pounds.
Like I mentioned, I want to make it into a small wood shop, so, I'm thinking the heaviest item would be a 10" Craftsman table saw or the joiner.
Actually, I'm thinking the beam used to carry the trolley might be heavier than anything I might lift with it.
Thanks,

 

[Sureshot]

For the weights you want a very small I beam or even square tubing will work. Depending on how far out you want to go 1" square tubing will hold way more than you think. Go to 1.5" to be safe. Build the hoist/traveler so it is 2' longer than the stickout so you can stand safely inside to crank/hoist.
Fab some brackets to attach.

Even something on a track from the floor that when slid out braces against the wall. Lift the item and roll the "dolly" back in.

 

[robertlynk]

Use this barn door track http://www.mcmaster.com/#door-tracks/=prqycr
or this track http://www.mcmaster.com/#door-tracks/=prqxs3

 

[Jeff May]

Thanks for the info from McMaster Carr. Never even crossed my mind to look there. Some good ideas for sure.
Many thanks...
Jeff

 

[bob15]

If a saw is the heaviest item or even a couple hundred pounds, you might be better buying a furniture-mover hand truck(the ones with the couple straps with it) instead of the trolley system.

My barn has a trolley system which I found more of a nuisance than it was worth. A hand truck and a couple guys can sometimes be easier.......

bob

 

[Rookie2]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=219451&highlight=unistrut+trolley

 

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

I am attending the Performance Racing Industry show here in Indy. One of the exhibitors here is Shop Crane and has a nice unit on display. Maybe you can gets some ideas at their website? http://shopcrane.com/

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