Best way to move larger boulders

[munzzzzzzz]

I posted a model-specific question on this over in the Kubota thread as well, but does anyone have any suggestions based on experiences as to the best way to move larger boulders from one site to another? Boulders are 24-36" diameter, up to probably 2500 lbs. Options range from renting a larger loader (I have a JD 425 with 40 loader but it's too small) and just setting them on the trailer, to trying to get them on skids to then winch them up onto the trailer with some sort of steel rail system, to...?

 

[Ford850]

A common way to skid these is with a large "sled". Some use old car hoods with a pull chain attached.

 

[stuckmotor]

I guess you've looked at the "similar threads" linked below this one.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

beg, borrow or steal a bigger tractor,

OR, get your hands on one of these!

SR

 

[jimmysisson]

One site to another, you mean over the road or across the yard? Either way, a big-enough excavator w a thumb is your very good friend. People usually want to place these just so...
Jim

 

[munzzzzzzz]

I guess you've looked at the "similar threads" linked below this one.

Honestly I hadn't, I searched on Google and found very little but I didn't think to check here, I guess I just figured it wasn't that common of a question. Seeing the other threads, it has obviously been discussed quite a bit. Renting heavy equipment quickly gets cost prohibitive as I am indeed looking to haul them across the road (about 30 miles) and while renting equipment on one end might be practical if small enough, renting for both ends would likely cost more than the boulders are worth to me. I need to either be able to do it with something I can tow with my truck (local Home Depot rents out a Kubota B26 which can lift 1300 lbs to full height, presumably more to a lower height), or use a method that doesn't require heavy equipment. Winching them up onto my trailer is definitely on the short list, winching them off is going to be tougher as I don't really have anything to attach to off of the trailer.

 

[Egon]

Winching off the trailer: Winch at front of trailer, use a snatch block at rear of trailer and winch it off. For the last few feet a good crowbar should do it.

Do the rocks need to be big?

 

[bcp]

An anchor for those times you don't have an anchor: Get a piece of steel tubing 2x3 or larger, 2 to 4 feet long. Get a half dozen concrete form stakes. Drill holes spaced along the tubing for the stakes to go through. Stake the tubing to the ground, leaving a few inches above to help removal. Loop a chain or cable around the first stake inside the tube, or above and below if you can't get a loop inside. Then pull.

Bruce

 

[Industrial Toys]

Guess it just depends on what resources you have at your disposal or what you are prepared to spend. I like the car hood idea. The pioneers had much less to work with.

 

[stuckmotor]

Honestly I hadn't, I searched on Google and found very little but I didn't think to check here,

Sometimes it's easier for me to ask the question and see what similar threads appear at the bottom than to do a search. If only I could remember to check out the similar threads.