Ideas for service ramp

[Cuttingrass]

What are you using to lift your tractor for service ?

I’d like to build wood cribs, or ramps to elevate the tractor. I’m working on grass so jack stands are possible if placed on something solid. I’d prefer a wide drive on ramp, using a farm jack to lift the tractor feels risky. I’ve looked at “race ramps”, but at $400 and a bit narrow they don’t feel like a great solution. Is anybody simply lifting front end with loader and sliding 2x10 under front wheels..?

 

[Gee Ray]

I bought the 13,000 ramps from HF. My dually with a weight of 4800 on the front axle crushed them to pieces.

So I cut 6- 4 x 4 x 12 inches long then 8- 2 x 6 x 18. Then used the 2 x 6 to run N to S and the 4 x 4 running E to W. Make sandwich of 2 - 2 x 6, then 3 - 4x4 spread evenly then 2 more 2 x 6. They are heavy to move around but I feel safe under them. I use the aluminum ramps from my dump trailer laying flat on the ground to make a step to drive up on to the blocks. .A short piece of rope makes a good handle to carry them.

I do not trust the stamped steel ramps nor the plastic ramps. And the wood blocks work on any surface.

 

[Clintock]

Just did this the other day. I’ve got some 6x6 that are around 2’ long I drove the back up on and used bucket to jack front up and put blocks under. I just wanted enough clearance to get a five gal bucket under it.
You could lag bolt them together to make it as wide as you want.

 

[jaxs]

I've never had need to lift a tractor other than change tire or replace axles so farm jack then cribing under one corner is used. If you are just wanting additional ground clearance under your Cat 4045 a pair of ramps like I use to change oil in my F450 Diesel should work. Dropping loader would make it easier and open more options.

 

[PILOON]

When I chain up my CUT I simply use a bottle jack that I place under the center of my differential and raise my CUT just enough to allow the chains to clear.
I then rotate a wheel and wrap that chain into position and then close the hooks.

I tried other methods but this worked out as the best way.

 

[4570Man]

I never raised my tractor for an oil change but if I was going to I’d lift it with the loader and put 6x6 or whatever height you want blocks under the tires.

 

[oldballs]

Neither have I (so far) seen the need to jack up my CUT.....except when mounting chains....like Piloon.....But I'm a small guy that can scoot under tight places if need be. BTW be sure to block the tires....just in case......
Cheers,
Mike

 

[jaxs]

I never raised my tractor for an oil change but if I was going to I’d lift it with the loader and put 6x6 or whatever height you want blocks under the tires.

Which brings up the question as to why OP want's to raise his and what he found it so difficult about it he needed to ask for help.

 

[Cuttingrass]

Thanks for feedback and idea’s. My chest (& waist, elbows) barely fit between the ground and loader frame. My goal is to simplify fluid change, and torque loader frame bolts as needed. I’ve probably over-thunk this activity; I’ll use the loader to lift and support with 2x10’s, etc.

 

[WranglerX]

Probably 200 ideas on how to create/purchase and use ramps... Just be sure "ramps" are rated to take tractor weight....

car service ramps - Google Search

 

[SmallChange]

The FEL is certainly a quick and easy way to lift the fronts.

Which leads me to a product idea: a lever that mounts on the 3PT arms and extends under the rear end and forward. When you lift the 3PT, the front of the lever goes to the ground and then starts lifting the rears.

 

[Doofy]

Not really sure why "Pits" fell out of favor for working under equipment. You could work standing up and could accomplish just about any maintenance project under a vehicle. It never crossed my mind either to install a pit.

I think that a 12" high ramp and platform constructed of sturdy timbers would last the rest of my lifetime and could be used with all our vehicles. Cheap and sturdy.

 

[Michael In Tennessee]

I was just going to post "Dig a trench". Heck, he has a tractor, won't be hard.

 

[Doofy]

Back in the early 70s, all the military bases had areas that the service members could rent tools and work on their own vehicles. They provided sturdy steel ramps and platforms at varied heights. Much appreciated when that monthly paycheck was only $188.

 

[WranglerX]

Pits fell out of favor when it became apparent they can trap dangerous fumes and even cause affixation.

 

[Doofy]

Pits fell out of favor when it became apparent they can trap dangerous fumes and even cause affixation.

Good call on that. Never crossed my mind.

 

[beowulf]

Regarding 'pits', the house I grew up in had one in the garage - in the center of a concrete floor - covered by thick planks resting on a perimeter lip. One side had a 'step down' bench. Fine for one person but quite crowded for two. The house was built in 1916. Once my brothers and I were driving and could afford old cars that pit got some use. Friends would also ask to use it. It was great to be able to stand up, use a trouble-light and work under the car. Sure did beat laying on your back and trying to do things.

I suppose if you could dedicate a space for it, you could build a couple of concrete ramps - ramping up to a level area on top - lots of rebar and sufficiently wide - to raise it up a foot or so. That would be kind of nice but I think you would only want to do that if you needed it more than occasionally. If the width fit was correct it could be used for other vehicles.