FEL Work Platform

[downsizingnow48]

That looks nice. I may yet use the cut out piece as a gate, was thinking of that at first but chain was easier. Floor is definitely anti-skid!

 

[downsizingnow48]

Bedliner would solve the slippery problem but the floor of this thing is very uneven, not a good standing surface at all. Plywood fixes that.

 

[downsizingnow48]

Yes in use I put it at the height needed and climb in. I trust myself to operate the FEL in close to the house. And I trust myself to install the windows and siding correctly. But since I can't be in two places at the same time will have to use the ladder. Not a big deal.

 

[FTG-05]

So, what are we doing .... lifting to position then using a ladder to get in the bucket?

For the side entrance, what about using the cut out piece as a gate? Weld or U-bolt some hinges in place.

Could this be done safely with a loader bucket instead of pallet forks?

Yes, that's what I do. Usually it's my 10' ladder leaned aganst the work platform.

The good news is that after a couple steps, you now have the cage as handholds. Plus, given the fact that all you materials, supplies and tools can ride the platform, you're not carrying anything; you can just concentrate on climbing up and in. If you forget something - this has never happened to me, of course! - just climb down, toss it into the floor, climb up unencumbered. Easy-Peasey.

 

[Redlands Okie]

Lots of neat ideas guys. Platform is on my to do list so thanks.

 

[spitter]

When u get a chance build yourself a long box and hang it off back of cage wide enough for tools material screws, nails , beer anything that u have in buckets .It will give u more room in cage. I built one out of metal u can hang off of scissor lifts ariels bakers etc.:drink:

 

[Diggin It]

Y'all got me thinking about this further. I have some trees and bushes to trim that are a bit too high for me to reach with trimmers and saws at the angle I need. Another 5-6 feet on a platform could be just enough to be able to work more level. With the BH, I could set the outriggers and dig the bucket teeth in a couple of inches to make the loader platform even more stable.

Need to check on pallet forks or ones that mount to the bucket itself. Might even consider just turning the bucket up level and attaching a pallet direct to it with straps.

For my needs, I could build one using a regular pallet and some 2x4s for uprights and rails. Need to check on the weight though.

 

[shooterdon]

What a great idea. I am afraid of heights and that is coupled with a poor sense of balance. Cannot go up more than 3 steps on a step ladder. I had to have a neighbor change out 4 fluorescent fixtures in my garage and install new tubes last week. I tried using the platform I have on my carry all on the 3pt hitch but needed more height. A platform like this will work great and it is not expensive.

I have clamp on pallet forks so I will need to take extra precautions but it should be doable.

Disconnecting the curl cylinders would make it safer if there is someone running the FEL while someone is in the cage.

 

[Diggin It]

On level ground to a levelled loader bucket, I can get 87". Add the pallet thickness to that. On sloped ground, It may be a little less. I'd probably rig up a couple of 4x4s as stabilizers under the loader arms at the bucket.

Specs show: "Lift Capacity (@ Pivot Pin) (lbs.): 1,007" and I'd probably be under 400 pounds total.

 

[Diggin It]

Got one. It had been sitting at a store and I've seen it several times over the last few months. I always thought it was full of something that was for sale. Not so, he was trying to get rid of an empty.

Works out because I had been looking for one for a water tank. So I pulled the tank and checked out the rest. The pallet is plastic and notched in a way it sets right inside the edges of the loader bucket. For now, it's just balanced there, but it should be easy to secure with ratchet straps. It's a lot lighter than I expected and already has a built in toe-kick too.

 

[downsizingnow48]

I added a piece of 3/4" plywood for the floor using 5/16" carriage bolts. Much better. I used a piece of left-over chain to secure the platform on the forks. That is a needed safety improvement. I decided not to do a toe board because the edge of the platform is turned up about 1 1/2" and that should keep stuff from rolling off. I also decided not to do the gate for the time being. It is a good idea but I am tired of working on this and need to start working WITH it. During the first full day of work I found that it makes a great mobile work carry-all, even without lifting up. And at the end of the day just throw ladders, extension cords, tools etc on the platform and then park it inside the shop.

 

[crazyal]

I got lucky and found a couple jet engine work platforms on a government liquidation website. They were hydraulic but that part was broken so I just used a piece of pipe to replace the cylinder to hold it up at full height. When sitting on the ground it's about 8' high. When I lift it up with my forks I can double that. With my backhoe and the stabilizers I can compensate if the ground is not perfectly level. Used it extensively to build my house and garage.

 

[Diggin It]

How do these tanks handle continued UV exposure? I think I got a 275 gallon unit and I'm planning on leaving it out to collect rain water for use on the fruit trees. I'll probably build another frame of some kind to support it and keep it off the ground, but I really don't want it cracking and rupturing. If I know it's not fully UV safe over long terms, I could cover it with a tarp or something similar.

.

 

[crazyal]

Mine's been outside for 10 years now without a problem. I'm sure covering it up would help but so far the sun hasn't damaged it.

 

[Gem99ultra]

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Will disconnecting the curl cylinders let the platform move much the same as a vertical lifting mod? That would be a great thing if it will!

BTW, you're not the only one with acrophobia disability. I picked up mine at about age 40. I hate it, but facts are facts. I think climbing up the Jump Tower at Ft Benning was the start of that.

 

[CincyFlyer]

Speaking of safety, does anyone have valves on the cylinders to prevent a rapid drop if a hose pops?

 

[Diggin It]

Speaking of safety, does anyone have valves on the cylinders to prevent a rapid drop if a hose pops?

Don't know if I do or not, but that thought is why I came up with the plan of placing 4x4s underneath to prevent just that from happening.

 

[CincyFlyer]

Don't know if I do or not, but that thought is why I came up with the plan of placing 4x4s underneath to prevent just that from happening.

Definitely a great idea, but some of the others doing this perhaps have not.

 

[ericm979]

My Branson has a lever that locks the loader joystick in neutral. You can also tie pieces of angle iron on the loader cylinder rods to block the loader from going down.

 

[Diggin It]

If you're near South East Missouri, this guy is selling the cages for $10.

275 gallon ibc tote cages - farm & garden - by owner - sale