Post hole digger as a boom pole?

[BimmerRacer]

I have a Leinbach 7200 Jr and was thinking about using it as a boom pole move and restack some wood. Logs are Oak, about 2' long and 30" or so in diameter. Need to move them about 50'. Yay or nay?

 

[teg]

Yah, I think it's by design to be used as such.

 

[Don87]

Watch very closely for any bending all with the initial lift. If there is the slightest bending, don't do it, because the weight of the log will be 5 times greater after hitting the first bump while moving.

 

[zzvyb6]

I use my PHD arm for a boom pole all the time. If you have some rerod laying around, you can weld a bridge onto the arm to give it more bending strength. Make sure you don't interfere with the other digger parts. I've often contemplated using the arm for a crude backhoe mechanism to dig up small trees..

 

[BimmerRacer]

Any tips on attaching a chain to it?

 

[teg]

Oh, mine has a hook on the end of it I thought yours might too... Got a photo of it? Can you weld? The other way is with a tow strap... wrap it around onto itself several times and leave the hook exposed. When you add weight it will tighten so it doesn't slip...

You'll have to remove the PTO shaft, the auger and last, the gear head. Which is heavy. I keep mine in four sections, boom being the last part...

 

[BimmerRacer]

Nope, no hook but I see the one I think you are talking about on a 7300.

Can't weld - no welder and never tried.

mine looks like this

 

[SandburRanch]

If that's green oak you may be looking at around 500 lbs. swinging out of control on a chain unless you have calculated a way to snub it close or tie it off.

 

[teg]

Well the one you showed IS the 7300... but I got an earlier model. I guess this was a cost cutting thing... The plate that the gear head is attached too, had a "J" hook attached... Would be easy to get a hook welding on. Like these...

Weld-On Grab Hook, Grade 43, 5/16 In - Towing Accessories - Automotive Towing - Fleet and Vehicle Maintenance : Grainger Industrial Supply

 

[bigbull338]

no do not use your PHD as a gin pole.youll most likely bend the devil out of it.you need to go to a shop an have them make a 3pt gin pole to lift an dragg the logs.