Moving stuff - Multiple part question

[weeble]

First off, sorry fir the long post and finally got a subcompact NH T1030 and I love it. Got 2 hooks welded onto the bucket and looking for the best way to move logs, rocks etc while minimizing over all strain.

My thought was a chain from hook to hook with slack and some sort of solid steel ring to attach the chain I have with hook, come along, etc.

I know most rocks can just be put in the bucket but looking to get 1 rock at a time to be lowered into place to build an outdoor BBQ pit and after 2 hernia surgeries in the last year, looking for someway to lift it rock by rock with precise placement and easy to get strap or chain out from under rock.

Also looking for best way to move manable length logs 6'-8' feet to the place where I will cut and split them. Prefer not to just wrap chain around the trunks and drag. Anyone use ice grapples or something else.

Again, sorry for the long post, sure it wont be my lat and thanks for replies.

 

[alchemysa]

You probably dont want to hear an expensive solution, but do yourself a favour and get a 4in1 bucket or a grapple attachment for your existing bucket. You'll at least treble the use you get out of the tractor. And the jobs you describe will be a breeze.

 

[pitt_md]

I would go with a bucket grapple that attaches to your existing bucket. you can pick up rocks and logs with ease. The 4n1 buckets and grapples that I have seen look like they might be a little much for your tractor.

 

[Runner]

weeble,

I love my pallet forks for the operations you describe. However, if I was limited to a bucket with hooks, I would make a pair of "rock tongs" which are like a larger version of the ice tongs you mention. In fact, I think if you search the forum under "rock tongs" you will find some pics of ones that others have made.

Best of luck.

 

[weeble]

Was looking at woodle grapple hooks on TSC and Northern Fright. Price is not bad, mixed reviews. Thinking now that I will get the trainler attachment with 2" receiver to connect chain to the rear. Wish I had a store located closer to me in CT as I prefer looking at items before buying.

 

[bughouser]

I also have a small tractor, a 2305tlb, had 2 chain hooks welded in line with the loader arms. For a while I picked up rocks that were to big to fit in my loader bucket by making a sling with a chain around the rock and then using another small chain with a steel ring between the hooks on my loader, run the chain with the sling through the ring on the other chain and back on itself. Moved a lot of odd shaped heavy stuff this way. Then on this forum I learned a new method that works very well. Approach the rock with the loader bucket lip down at the bottom of the rock, run the chain from one hook to the other snugly around the rock, then roll the bucket up and lift. Hope this helps. Mark

 

[Reverend Blair]

Grapples are great for most things, and definitely what you need for logs, but if you're building a BBQ pit and need to place rocks, I'd go with the hooks and chain. Use the sling method that bughouser describes, leave some length there so it can swing a bit, and get a helper to guide the rock into place (be careful, falling rocks hurt...trust me). That will let you lower the rock directly down where you want it.

 

[foggy1111]

A tire chain makes a great rock moving "sling". Especially handy for getting large boulders (to big for loader) out of a hole. I use a log chain and the tire chain to cradel the boulder and pull from the front.....or from the drawbar on the back on the real big 'uns.

 

[pat32rf]

Foggy's tire chain sling works great, especially if you use truck or tractor tire chains. I also have a group of short (3-5') chains made up with grab hooks that I can use to form a basket/cradle. These also allow me to add extra logs to the pull when hauling firewood.
The best way that I have found to position the rocks however is with a small back hoe...

 

[tugboat-2]

Can't believe how many suggested the old "Ice Grapples", or what we called "Ice-Tongs" many years ago. (must be a lotta old guys here?)

But yes I was going to suggest getting a blacksmith (welding shop) to make you up a 3 tong set which would allow you to pick up the rocks and then set 'em down, let go and get out without worrying how to get the chain or strap out from under the rock.

Amazing the ideas people come up with, when you ask eh?
Good luck to you,
. . . tug