BigSix
ArboristSite Lurker
Hello, everyone!
I know there is no appropriate forum, here, for this question, but I've learned a lot by "lurking" here, and believe I've even posted occasionally, and I trust you guys. :msp_smile:
I injured my back, had surgery, and am told by my surgeon (please knock on REAL wood three times--thanks--I'm superstitious) that I have to live with a 25lb. weight limit on what I can lift, for the rest of my life….
The problem is, I want to start a small business buying abandoned storage containers, and selling the valuables (yeah, I got the idea from History Channel's "Storage Wars.")
I realize many of the storage units are inside buildings, so this question would apply only to those located outside, obviously.
I'm thinking of putting a rear lift gate on a used van (one ton van). So far, so good.
But that doesn't help me clear out the container. So...I would like to find a small, ELECTRIC (over hydraulic) CRANE that I can mount on the rear ROOF of the van.
Before I go any further, I should explain that I grew up in my family's heavy construction business (which then became exclusively a crane service), and can operate up to 55 tons, have operated dozers, a Cat 977, backhoes, etc..., but I am unlicensed for cranes (went to college instead--I did well in school, but the things that interest me I didn't learn in college, so—extended midlife crisis--LOL).
Anyway, I'm comfortable around cranes, and most other large, yellow and orange equipment.
Here is a link to one I do NOT want:
Vestil Winch Operated Truck Jib Crane
I do not want that one because it's not electric, and it's too small, I NEED IT TO FOLD FLAT, and I want a LONG umbilical, from which to operate it, electrically, from INSIDE THE CONTAINER, to either pick/drag large items out onto the van's lift gate. Then, I can put the lift gate at a comfortable work height, and do my sorting from there.
What I'd like is a crane with at least a 2,000lb. lift capacity, so that I don't hook onto something that weighs 1,001 lbs., and suddenly have a broken, flying cable snapping around.
I realize the umbilical will probably have to be custom-ordered, to get the 30'+ length I'll need, to ensure that I'm BEHIND the object I'm dragging out.
I also realize I may need a larger-than-normal cable drum, to get the length I need, and I’m HOPING that is possible, as an option on an existing unit. Otherwise, I'll be screwing with chains to get the length I need.
I realize that the van's roof will have to be reinforced, SIGNIFICANTLY, to have this be safe.
I was thinking of welding or bolting the crane base to a “van-width” (6' x 6'?) sheet of 1/4" steel, and have an identical sheet made for the inside, and bolting them together, to make a "sandwich," with the van's roof inside the "sandwich." I realize this will distort the van roof and probably both sheets, but this isn't a beauty contest. I would probably have a fab shop cut the sheets and bolt holes with a plasma cutter, so everything lines up.
I also realize that I will then have weld floor plates to the van, for the four vertical supports I plan to build, to connect to the four corners of the 6'x6' inside plate, to the floor of the van. and I may have to have custom brackets fabbed up, so that I can do this, because I want to be able to UNBOLT (or unpin?) THE INNER, VERTICAL SUPPORTS, in case I need the extra width, for big items, that the vertical supports will consume. I was thinking of 1 and 1/2" or 2" box section tubing, for the vertical supports, possibly of a thicker-than-normal wall thickness.
I also realize I will have endless leaks to silicone up, with the bolts and umbilical/power cords penetrating the roof. And I may need an "ambulance alternator," (i.e., a 130 amp "high output" model) to keep up with the crane and lift gate. And a ladder on one of the rear doors, to get up there, to "park" the crane, down LOW, for transport, etc....
Okay, guys--rip me up! What have I missed?
Oh--in addition to manufacturer recommendations on the crane, I have a few other questions:
1. Who makes such cranes? (I know, I asked that above).:yoyo:
2. Is 1/4" steel plate too thin? Too heavy? (Remember, two 6'x6' sheets are being planned on).
3. Does anyone think this amount of weight, plus crane, will make a one-ton van "tippy"? I drive an F-250 4x4 now, have driven trucks all my life, and I realize the reason that the most common SUV accident-cause is "tripping" (where they turn too sharp for a high vehicle, then catch a drain/curb/pot hole, and BLAM! And yes, that SUV "tripping" statistic is a FACT, or was, when I read it a few years ago). What I'm saying is, I drive trucks like TRUCKS, and I drive cars like CARS, and I know the difference. So I'm personally not thinking the weight will be a problem, but I'd like your opinions anyway. LOL
4. Does anyone think I need to make "backing plates" for UNDER the van, and through-bolt the vertical members' bases to these backing plates? I can do that, IF there's nothing in the way, like brake/fuel lines, gas tanks, etc....
Thanks in advance!
BigSix
I know there is no appropriate forum, here, for this question, but I've learned a lot by "lurking" here, and believe I've even posted occasionally, and I trust you guys. :msp_smile:
I injured my back, had surgery, and am told by my surgeon (please knock on REAL wood three times--thanks--I'm superstitious) that I have to live with a 25lb. weight limit on what I can lift, for the rest of my life….
The problem is, I want to start a small business buying abandoned storage containers, and selling the valuables (yeah, I got the idea from History Channel's "Storage Wars.")
I realize many of the storage units are inside buildings, so this question would apply only to those located outside, obviously.
I'm thinking of putting a rear lift gate on a used van (one ton van). So far, so good.
But that doesn't help me clear out the container. So...I would like to find a small, ELECTRIC (over hydraulic) CRANE that I can mount on the rear ROOF of the van.
Before I go any further, I should explain that I grew up in my family's heavy construction business (which then became exclusively a crane service), and can operate up to 55 tons, have operated dozers, a Cat 977, backhoes, etc..., but I am unlicensed for cranes (went to college instead--I did well in school, but the things that interest me I didn't learn in college, so—extended midlife crisis--LOL).
Anyway, I'm comfortable around cranes, and most other large, yellow and orange equipment.
Here is a link to one I do NOT want:
Vestil Winch Operated Truck Jib Crane
I do not want that one because it's not electric, and it's too small, I NEED IT TO FOLD FLAT, and I want a LONG umbilical, from which to operate it, electrically, from INSIDE THE CONTAINER, to either pick/drag large items out onto the van's lift gate. Then, I can put the lift gate at a comfortable work height, and do my sorting from there.
What I'd like is a crane with at least a 2,000lb. lift capacity, so that I don't hook onto something that weighs 1,001 lbs., and suddenly have a broken, flying cable snapping around.
I realize the umbilical will probably have to be custom-ordered, to get the 30'+ length I'll need, to ensure that I'm BEHIND the object I'm dragging out.
I also realize I may need a larger-than-normal cable drum, to get the length I need, and I’m HOPING that is possible, as an option on an existing unit. Otherwise, I'll be screwing with chains to get the length I need.
I realize that the van's roof will have to be reinforced, SIGNIFICANTLY, to have this be safe.
I was thinking of welding or bolting the crane base to a “van-width” (6' x 6'?) sheet of 1/4" steel, and have an identical sheet made for the inside, and bolting them together, to make a "sandwich," with the van's roof inside the "sandwich." I realize this will distort the van roof and probably both sheets, but this isn't a beauty contest. I would probably have a fab shop cut the sheets and bolt holes with a plasma cutter, so everything lines up.
I also realize that I will then have weld floor plates to the van, for the four vertical supports I plan to build, to connect to the four corners of the 6'x6' inside plate, to the floor of the van. and I may have to have custom brackets fabbed up, so that I can do this, because I want to be able to UNBOLT (or unpin?) THE INNER, VERTICAL SUPPORTS, in case I need the extra width, for big items, that the vertical supports will consume. I was thinking of 1 and 1/2" or 2" box section tubing, for the vertical supports, possibly of a thicker-than-normal wall thickness.
I also realize I will have endless leaks to silicone up, with the bolts and umbilical/power cords penetrating the roof. And I may need an "ambulance alternator," (i.e., a 130 amp "high output" model) to keep up with the crane and lift gate. And a ladder on one of the rear doors, to get up there, to "park" the crane, down LOW, for transport, etc....
Okay, guys--rip me up! What have I missed?
Oh--in addition to manufacturer recommendations on the crane, I have a few other questions:
1. Who makes such cranes? (I know, I asked that above).:yoyo:
2. Is 1/4" steel plate too thin? Too heavy? (Remember, two 6'x6' sheets are being planned on).
3. Does anyone think this amount of weight, plus crane, will make a one-ton van "tippy"? I drive an F-250 4x4 now, have driven trucks all my life, and I realize the reason that the most common SUV accident-cause is "tripping" (where they turn too sharp for a high vehicle, then catch a drain/curb/pot hole, and BLAM! And yes, that SUV "tripping" statistic is a FACT, or was, when I read it a few years ago). What I'm saying is, I drive trucks like TRUCKS, and I drive cars like CARS, and I know the difference. So I'm personally not thinking the weight will be a problem, but I'd like your opinions anyway. LOL
4. Does anyone think I need to make "backing plates" for UNDER the van, and through-bolt the vertical members' bases to these backing plates? I can do that, IF there's nothing in the way, like brake/fuel lines, gas tanks, etc....
Thanks in advance!
BigSix
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