Homebrew shingle lifts?

[2manyrocks]

Some friends are going to Poplar, Montana this summer on a mission trip that involves putting on 33 squares of shingles on a building that stands about 12' off the ground. The site is said to be level. It would be difficult to haul a commercial shingle lift out there. Not sure if there's a place to rent one there or if they can have them lifted on the roof by the supplier.

My concern is that they'll get out there and start carrying them up the ladder bundle by bundle unless this is thought out in advance.

There are some wooden shingle lifts on You tube. One uses a electric hoist from HF. Another used a block and tackle. Another guy used his loader.

Does anybody have some suggestions for how they can get those shingles on the roof without carrying them up a ladder? Something they can fabricate on site if it comes to it?

 

[PILOON]

Have the shingles delivered and specify a boom truck!
That way they place them on the roof 4 you.
Just spread the bundles around a bit so as not to overload one spot.
Some booms will go 120'.

 

[RoMad]

It should be very easy. When they order the shingles specify that they must be placed on the roof when delivered. It is common practice around here.
If the supplier won't put them on the roof, call another one.

 

[Tig]

The "cantilever shingle jack " on Youtube is pretty simple and effective. (And clever)
"A Backsaver Device" is also very good.
Either idea should be workable on a 12' roof.

 

[2manyrocks]

Will ask if boom truck delivery is available in Poplar.

In addition to the Poplar, Montana project this summer, my friends are also working on the roof of a local pregnancy help center. They got a good "cash and carry" deal on 30 year shingles for the roof, but no boom truck delivery. They've already done about half the center's roof, but if there is some way to knock together a quick "lift" to get the rest of the shingles on the roof this coming Saturday, that would be an immediate help. The center's roof is also about 10-12' off the ground.

If we can figure out how to build a workable lift here locally, then they can do it again this summer at the Poplar project.

The youtube version that I like best so far for it's ingenuity is the "gravity powered shingle shuttle," except I'm afraid somebody would get hurt riding it back down. I looked at the ones Tig mentioned. The cantilever one looks like something you'd build to throw shingles on people trying to break into your castle. :laughing:

There's a couple more Youtube versions including some guys using a kid's wagon on a ramp.

I've never used a rope and pulley to do any lifting, but am curious what kind of rope and pulley would be needed to lift 80-90 lbs bundle of shingles up an 15 degree incline to a 12 or so foot height?

More ideas?

 

[aczlan]

You might look into buying/renting a hay/grain elevator like this: Small Bale Loader Elevator

Aaron Z

 

[aczlan]

You might also look into renting a shingle lift for the day. Probably run $100 or so, but it would be worth keeping someone from falling off the ladder with a bundle of shingles.

Aaron Z

 

[Tig]

The cantilever one looks like something you'd build to throw shingles on people trying to break into your castle...

:laughing: Good one!
I favour the cantilever because it's simpler and does not involve climbing the ladder once for each bundle. I think it would be quicker to build and use. I also think if you braced it off the roof you could make it even simpler and more stable. It really doesn't need to pivot around. It just needs to lift.
One guy loading (if the pile is close), two guys lifting and two guys on the roof to distribute and you would move a lot of shingles quickly.

 

[schmism]

Some friends are going to Poplar, Montana this summer on a mission trip

Ive never known ANY mission trip that didnt include a "kid" to adult ratio of at least 1 to 1.

in that case homebrew shingle lift consists of a sturdy well attached ladder and instructions to the 3 most able bodied kids to move that stack of shingles from there <------ to up there ^^.

extra ration of hotdogs at lunch to the kid who carries the most, and im counting!

and GO!

 

[Egon]

A rope and a long plank to slide the singles up on.:thumbsup:

 

[bigtiller]

When I was 26 I carried 9 square up a ladder and then I went to my day job at the factory. So, there is another way, find some 26 year old helpers for an hour. Give them a case of beer and everyone is happy.

 

[davesalisbury]

If you're doing mission work, might at least ask if a local operator would do the job at cost (or even better free) for free publicity.

Good luck with the job.

Dave

 

[duckhunter27]

Get a grage door opener works great just dont over load it.

 

[shane]

If we're voting, I say let the young guys do the toting. Not only builds muscle, but character. A few stiff muscles in those able bodied guys will help them remember the good deed.

I'm 5'10", and back when I was only 150 lbs (166 lbs now) about 15 years ago I could tote them all day.

 

[2manyrocks]

Somehow I think it might be difficult to recruit muscular young men to drive two or three days to Montana from Tennessee to tote 80 lb bundles of shingles up a roof. But if you know anyone who wants to sign up, let me know.

 

[chopped]

just for laughs.
YouTube - lifting shingles

 

[2manyrocks]

Somehow he made it around the power line for the video anyway.


Now there's the old coaster wagon method.......

http://www.draftsmen.com/videos-redneck-roofing-rig-and-shingle-lifter-[eA7yo8EzkIM].cfm

 

[Egon]

Now that is interesting.:thumbsup:

 

[davedj1]

I made one out of some 2x4's and a TSC 3k winch, with a trolly/cart. It worked great. Kind of built like a ladder with all the cross pieces on the back, trolly on the front, winch mounted low with a pulley.

 

[2manyrocks]

I found a winch and a couple of pulleys on sale at HF yesterday, and have been working on a similar design to yours. My main concern at this point is having to crank the winch to raise the trolly. After I see how it works, I might see if I can crank the winch with my 1/2 inch drill....

If I can fabricate the trolly and the essentials for the lift, then they can find some 2x4's and cross members on site in Poplar.

I'm making the "ladder" 16" wide. How wide did you make yours?

Does your trolly run the bundles up parallel or perpendicular to the ladder rungs?