So i have some mobility issues and in a effort to circumvent them or at least diminish the constraints i'm implementing this removable (easy to erect and take down...) crane

This is part B of the project..

But First, I got one of those bruno wheel chair lifts to serve the same function, but sincerely present a few shortcomings, plus it take a lot of floor space inside the van when not in use, so i came up with the A-frame project..


2000 pound rated, ATV Winch (I got it some time ago, to replace one that I use on my "Rescue" motorcycle, but the old one never end up dying)


I'm using old scraps of 80-20 aluminum extrusions, I think I'm well aware of the loads taking part on the mounting plate, so I connect two of the cross bars to gain torsional compliance (Yes the Yakima towers are a weak point but plan to fabricate my own (I just need to find a company with a big "Brake" that can bend me 16 3/8" thick aluminum plates for a reasonable cost), I also made a wood "Positive" for sand casting my own towers but I just don't trust casting so much even if will include desirable features)


The winch is mounted as a "Quick release" (Two Bolts, two locator dowels) so it will only be install when the crane is erect, the rest of the time will stay inside the van (mostly so I can load plywood and other big items without worry to much) yes I know the **** and some of the bolts are almost touching but that issue will be addressed.


The rest of the Structure (A frame) will mount to the kabus of the basket using two 8 feet long round tubes (I have the main join already figure out) but I'm looking for some cheap "Ball joints" (windsurf mast rubber connectors, discarded car parts, etc) so i can achieve the require range of movement

One good thing about the A frame is that I be able to load heavy objects to the basket and/ roof (the mounting brackets will fit on any of the cross bars as need it)

Sorry I don't have to much to show in pictures, but I'm also building a "Slider" (That can be used as a ramp too) out of thule tru-rack pick up bed Extrusions, so hopefully the crane will let me load something as big as a Motorcycle (handlebars down, no windscreen) and then lift the ramp from the very back and then roll it i(the ramp, not the Bike) into the van, or as a worst case scenario my back will keep deteriorating to the point i need to ride around on a mobility scooters (those POS's weight a ton)

more process hopefully soon..

 

This might be a bit easier to follow if we could see Part A?.

The questions I have is WHAT are you trying to load using this trebuchet sort of device? WHERE are you moving it from and WHERE will it end up?

 

Quote:

This might be a bit easier to follow if we could see Part A?.

You are totally right, I just don't have that part made already, just imagine a single A frame supported by the last rack that holds the basket, sothe A-Frame can pivot up and down (will be fast to remove and install I'm not going to drive with it on, even easier any crane on a old cargo ship..

Quote:

The questions I have is WHAT are you trying to load using this

Well is a "Cargo van" so anything and everything, hopefully soon I will get to purchase my own house (reason I'm building the van for) so loads from the home depot, scrap materials, furniture, heavy tools (mini machinery)

I have a "rock climbing equipment fetish and even if I'm to clumsy to climb I do know how to use the equipment, so basically a bucket full of straps "8" come alongs, tiedowns, etc

the Crane will serve three main functions..
* Lifting loads directly from the ground, or shopping platform (the slider ramp will stay inside the van)
* Hold the slider ramp somehow horizontal when is getting loaded with stuff (Much easier and space saving, since the access is much easier)
* Lift the ramp to horizontal when the ramp is touching the ground and I'm loading things like motorcycles, snowmobiles, etc I just hope no wheelchairs)

I try to finish it soon so you can see the inner workings, is nothing ultra innovative, I'm just trying to counter act my body restrictions and simolied the loading process..

* Hopefully will also be able to lift objects to the roof/basket of the van and since every cross brace is basically the same the A-frame can be install in any of them..

 

Not to much of a update but finally i got a hold of all the parts required to do a "Proof of concept" happy to say so far so good, for sure they are a few items to improve/rethink but is very promising..

I only test it with my own weight (245l) zero deflection, zero noises, did not fall on my A$s

Here you can find all the current Pictures

Feedback and wisdom very much appreciated..

 

Often times I'll do a proof of concept myself, its a good process to refine the design and perhaps make improvements on a lot of aspects not imagined in the planning stage. I hope your system does work well for you!

 

Well, like the man said, it's hard to comment without knowing what you are trying to move from where, to where.

Have you considered one of these?

 

That device is very cool---not a bad price either. I've seen the heavy duty bed-mounted boom cranes in big truck and equipment tire installers use---this is a lighter duty and portable version.

 

Yep. I have it on my wish list. A trailer hitch on the back of the trailer, and I can use it to load both truck and trailer. I heat entirely with wood, all of which I scrounge, and I'm often lifting rather large rounds. One of these would make life a bit easier.