Another Job Made Easy

[BenRich]

It's been a while since I've posted anything; been browsing when I get the opportunity but haven't had the time to share.

I want to share how my BX1870 made a job easy and a lot of fun. I decided it would be handy to have a pile of railroad ties at the house for various projects. Before I got the 1870 the major issue would have been unloading the ties from the pickup.

Here is how I did it, demonstrated with photos. We all like photos.

The first thing is to loop a heavy duty tow strap around the tie. Bring the tractor in to where the strap can be attached to the FEL, using the weight of the tie to "bind" the strap.

The tie is then very easily lifted up and out of the pickup bed and then deposited on the growing stack of ties. It was as effortless as can be; the only thing that was tiring was me climbing in and out of the pickup bed. In the end, I unloaded a total of 28 ties this way (multiple trips in the pickup to ACE hardware for the ties).

Ben

 

[Paulemar]

Nice! There will be many things that you can do with your tractor that would usually be put off for some other time, or not even attempted. Your back will thank you too.

 

[tsafa]

Great job. I would like to know how you rigged those straps onto the loader. Are you using one strap or two?

 

[BenRich]

Great job. I would like to know how you rigged those straps onto the loader. Are you using one strap or two?

Tsafa,

It is just one strap about 15' long and rated (if I remember correctly) for about 5,000 lbs. It is made of thick woven nylon; I've used it on occasion as a tow strap - which is exactly what it is. I lived in Latin America for many years and frequently needed a tow strap and have had this one for at least 20 years.

In using it, I simply lay a loop over the RR tie, bring the two loose ends into the loop and then bring the loose ends through the 5/16 hooks welded to each upper end of the FEL bucket. (I think the first picture shows the layout of the strap before attaching it to the bucket.)

I then pass the loose ends under the strap - when you begin to lift the bucket, the straps tighten onto the loose ends and hold them very securely. The more weight that presses agains the loose ends, the tighter the connection.

Rotating the bucket upwards also brings the entire weight of the RR tie to bear on the straps. In depositing the RR ties, I simply lower the bucket and then rotate it downward - this takes all the pressure off the straps and I can then pull the loose ends out of the 5/16 hooks. No need to make knots at all... just let the weight of the load secure the load.

Ben

 

[Eric McCarthy]

At around 200lbs a piece you can pick up more then one at a time to speed the unloading up.

And did I understand correctly you bought the ties at Ace Hardware?

 

[BenRich]

At around 200lbs a piece you can pick up more then one at a time to speed the unloading up.

And did I understand correctly you bought the ties at Ace Hardware?

Eric,

One tie at a time is about my limit (my limit, not the 1870's).

Yes, I bought the ties at ACE Hardware. I had looked at Craigslist and saw some pretty good deals for good ties (around $8.00 apiece) but the time of travel and cost in gasoline would have quickly negated those savings (the pickup will take eight ties at a time and I wanted a lot more than eight).

ACE (here at least) has good ties for $10.88 apiece and is only seven miles from me. I had looked at Lowes and Home Depot but their ties were a lot more beaten up than what I found at ACE. As well, I just don't have a lot of confidence in the loading skills of the Lowes and Home Depot employees. I know the guys at ACE pretty well and trust them to do things right.

Ben

 

[Eric McCarthy]

Well thats impressive, I haven't seen any RR ties at either one of those stores up here. One jackwagon in the area on Craigslist wants like 14-15 bucks each for them.

Maybe I'll do a lil homework and see if they can be bought direct from CSX Railroad...