Man lift for tractor

[Brick1970]

I came across an article in Farm & Show magazine in possibly 2009. The article had to do with a loader, mounted cherry picker that the man had built. I wrote to the person and they sent me the plans for building this manlift I call it. I’m just curious if anyone else has ever seen it and possibly built it themselves. I Recently came across an article Loader boom pole that looks like it appeared In Orange tractor in Aug 31, 2020 Which dealt with some of the issues I think you would have in building this manlift. If anyone has built something to use as a manlift for the front of the tractor, could they please refer me to the information. bb. bB

 

[Vlach7]

Looks fun for full size tractors, would be very exciting for our small tractors.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

There's a LOT of legit safety concerns about contraptions like that...one is that when a loader hose breaks,whoever WAS in the bucket, is now on the ground , possibly maimed for life. 2nd is WHO is operating the tractor? Are THEY skilled at running the loader ?
I have seen several 'variations on a theme', some using IBC totes, most do not have any 'whatif' safety features.
Plan you job, rent a proper machine, be safe.

 

[GrumpyFarmer]

If you are wanting to use it on a tractor I’d look into ‘work platforms’ made for forks and forget the boom pole/ extension (just remember tractor has a center pivot from axle)

 

[NCL4701]

There's a LOT of legit safety concerns about contraptions like that...one is that when a loader hose breaks,whoever WAS in the bucket, is now on the ground , possibly maimed for life. 2nd is WHO is operating the tractor? Are THEY skilled at running the loader ?
I have seen several 'variations on a theme', some using IBC totes, most do not have any 'whatif' safety features.
Plan you job, rent a proper machine, be safe.

This is something I’ve wondered about for some time having used a man lift basket on a tractor loader in the past (way before getting my Kubota), but not having extensive experience with other type personnel lifts.

Lift baskets are pretty commonly used on forklifts even in OSHA regulated venues. Bucket trucks, forklifts, scissor lifts, self propelled boom lifts; other than inspection and maintenance programs is there anything on these type personnel lifts to protect against catastrophic falls due to mechanical or hydraulic failure?

For instance, elevators have inertial brakes to prevent catastrophic falls. Do these other type personnel lifts have some similar backup failsafe system (maybe some configuration of check valves to protect against catastrophic line failure?) Or is it just that scheduled inspections and maintenance on forklift/personnel lifts in an industrial/commercial setting is sufficient to ensure safety (yes, I’m aware certifications and periodic re-certification is required at least for boom lifts and bucket trucks, possibly others), while inspection and maintenance on a tractor loader is insufficient to ensure safety.

If the argument is that tractor loaders aren’t inspected, certified, and maintained to a level commensurate with lifting personnel whereas forklifts used with personnel baskets and other personnel lifts are, I’m not saying that’s not potentially legitimate. I am saying that’s not the question. The question is why is a hydraulic system on a tractor loader inherently unreliable whereas the hydraulic system on something such as this self propelled personnel lift is reliable?

In case anyone wishes to know if I’ve ever seen a hydraulic hose blow out violently, yes. Once while waiting in line for a ride at an amusement park which caused 50 people to drop much faster and sooner than planned. Once on an excavator boom. Also had a pinhole in the supply line to the loader valve on my L shower me with hydraulic fluid at about 30 hours for no discernible reason aside from inherent defect. Not exactly hydraulic, but I’ve also seen a 3 point drop rather quickly after the rock shaft broke. Lift inspections aren’t limited to hydraulic components.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Is there anything on these type personnel lifts to protect against catastrophic falls due to mechanical or hydraulic failure?

Yes, there is mutiple systems in place to stop them from free falling, like brakes, and regulators.
There is also mutiple systems to limit movement that are not safe.

 

[Brick1970]

Thanks, everyone for your response. Common sense tells me you can’t do this. I just thought maybe someone has done it and had some success with it. I have all the parts necessary to do the job if I wanted to so expense was not gonna be a big issue.

 

[MapleLeafFarmer]

or a 3-pt arm mounted one thats a scissor design

 

[GreensvilleJay]

cut the hydraulic hose on a proper 'man-lift' and you'll gently be lowered to the ground..
cut the hydraulic hose on a tractor/loader and wife benefits from your paid up life insurance.

 

[dirtydeed]

Not exactly what you had in mind...I "built" one, but it's known as a "woman lift", not a "man lift".

 

[CGMKCM]

If you are wanting to use it on a tractor I’d look into ‘work platforms’ made for forks and forget the boom pole/ extension (just remember tractor has a center pivot from axle)

I have the same basket shown in the GrumpyFarmer photo and my wife loves it. Much better than her in the bucket. If you purchase a basket, pay attention to the listed weight of the basket. Some baskets are 70lbs shipped and others are 130lbs shipped. The 70lb ones are super flimsy.

As far as safety, hydraulic failure risk etc. Trying to clean gutters from a ladder or prune trees and bushes from ladder, also is dangerous and takes much more time and effort. IMO, The risk of falling from ladder is higher than the risk of hydraulic component failure on my well maintained 4 year old tractor.

I do take precautions with added ratchet straps around Q.A. and basket, ballast box mounted on tractor and the areas I am using the basket are mostly level. I am the only operator I would trust with my wife in the basket and she feels the same.

 

[Bmyers]

One big difference for a manlift on forks on a tractor and a regular aerial lift is the height.

Most of tractors would be doing good to get the platform to 12ft off the ground at the platform base. The aerial lift, depending on the model could be much higher. We use 40, 60, 80 and a couple of 120ft models at work. A failure and fall from 60 ft is a big difference than 12 ft. Not that I want to fall 12ft , but it is much more survivable.

Most of us would work from a 12ft ladder and not think much about that. The tractor loader manlift does have some challenges that a regular lift doesn't beyond the failure factor. The person in the basket isn't in control of the equipment, which when you are in an aerial lift you are in total control. You have to have good communications between you and the tractor operator.

We have a platform basket for our tractor loader which secures to the forks. We use it when having a larger platform is perforable vs a ladder. Realizing that it isn't a replacement for a true aerial lift.

 

[Smokeydog]

Added these safety stands when fabricating the man basket. One will hold operator up with tractor off and pressure released.

it was an idea needing to try. Admit I don’t always use them. Wife is good operator while I’m in the basket.

 

[Gaspasser]

View attachment 151109 View attachment 151110
Added these safety stands when fabricating the man basket. One will hold operator up with tractor off and pressure released.

it was an idea needing to try. Admit I don’t always use them. Wife is good operator while I’m in the basket.
View attachment 151111

Exactly! Was thinking that some sort of "stilts" support would work and bingo. Your pic. Nice work and idea.

 

[skeets]

Boys I have done some sketchy stuff over the years,, I fear I would have to pass on that

 

[Lil Foot]

Not a big fan of heights these days, but somehow I think I could work with this one.