Work platform for the loader.

Mace Canute · Jun 11, 2017

A few years back a friend bought a baler that came with a 15 bale stooker that looked like this one except it has a coarse mesh platform instead of checked plate steel.

I've always thought it would be easy and handy to split it where it hinges (three 3/4" pins) and mount it on the FEL bucket for an elevated work platform and since last year we twice had to work on his front yard light (which is a 100W HPSV luminaire mounted on top of a 14 foot ornamental standard) I decided that this year it was time to carry through with my threats and just do it. I made an attachment point on top of the bucket from a couple of pieces of 1/2" thick plate and four 1/2" bolts for the 2x2" tongue and a couple of angle iron braces from the corners of the platform where it swivels down to the bucket. We immediately used it to fix a problem with the eaves trough on the corner of his house and tested it's working height on the light standard - his head was above the luminaire - so perfect for that. Although I don't think it will be used often I'm sure it will be extremely useful when we do have a use for it. We also discussed the potential for a failure of the loader's hydraulics and know full well the hazards of using a loader for a man lift and I believe that hazard is much less than alternative work-a-rounds. We also plan to fabricate a removable extension for the guard rail.

texasranger556 · Jun 11, 2017

In action pics are a requirement for projects like these!

I keep a solid top pallet around for working from the forks on my tractor. I agree it's safer than a ladder in many situations, but there is always a risk working at height.

crazyal · Jun 11, 2017

I have a jet engine work platform that came from a military surplus site. It has a hydraulic pump and cylinder that were shot so I replaced it with a pipe of pipe to fix it in the maximum lifted position. I use the clamp on forks to lift it with my backhoe. It came in very handy while building my house. In one of the pictures I used the bucket curl to level the platform one way and the stabilizers to level it the other way. Being an expanded metal floor it's easy to use straps to hold the ladder from moving.

crazyal · Jun 11, 2017

I have a jet engine work platform that came from a military surplus site. It has a hydraulic pump and cylinder that were shot so I replaced it with a pipe of pipe to fix it in the maximum lifted position. I use the clamp on forks to lift it with my backhoe. It came in very handy while building my house. In one of the pictures I used the bucket curl to level the platform one way and the stabilizers to level it the other way. Being an expanded metal floor it's easy to use straps to hold the ladder from moving.
View attachment 512147

Redlands Okie · Jun 11, 2017

Not trying to be a pain here but think about some safety belts at the least. Local retired city building inspector here a while back had his ladder setting on some scaffolding to paint. Fell off. Broke something just below his neck i think. Result of whatever it was is that he is now a Paraplegic for rest of life.
Looks like a nice home in the makings, congrats

Mace Canute · Jun 13, 2017

texasranger556 said:
In action pics are a requirement for projects like these!........

Here's a pic of my buddy on the platform and I'm in the driver's seat. That's my JD 3010 with a 148 loader with 6 foot bucket.

texasranger556 · Jun 14, 2017

Does it want to tip when you stand in either of the rear corners (closest to the front tires)? If the diagonal angle iron is bolted at both ends it shouldn't tip, but can't tell if they are in the pic.

White rims on a Deere?!

Mace Canute · Jun 14, 2017

texasranger556, it's very stable. The frame is 2"x2"x1/4" angle iron and the angle iron braces are under a bit of compression when installed. They are attached through existing 3/4" pins at the top end and are bolted with a 1/2" bolt ar the bottom end where there is a factory hole in the bucket.

The white rims are because we got them and the tires for free from a guy who had to clean up his rented acreage because he was leaving in a few days. They're 11.00-15 (IIRC) four rib tires and are a major improvement over the stock tires for loader work with much better flotation on soft soil and they don't tear the ground up like the old three rib ones did when turning. They bolted on with about 3/16" clearance on the inside of the tire and we've never bothered to take the time to paint them yellow.

ruffdog · Jun 14, 2017

At a large company I worked at, we had work baskets and would use fork trucks to lift them. We wore safety harnesses and attended fall hazard classes. Is your liability insurance paid up?

jenkinsph · Jun 17, 2017

here is one I built that uses a 7' scaffold plank. Max height for the plank is 15' on top rung. I did make an add on hand rail for the top platform but have not needed it yet. It does fasten to the fork back brace and the forks allow building materials to ride along. It is light enough to load in a pickup and carry to a job site. My helper is about 5'5" he thought this was a huge help.

It is not OSHA approved, not even close but we felt it was safer than ladders.