One our North American readers sent us a message and a video of an old carry deck crane lifting a large and heavy vintage generator set without unloading the crane from the transport trailer and then overloading it. Not the worst example we have seen by any measure but clearly very dodgy- if only he had unloaded the crane and rigged it with two parts of line, the whole thing might have been both faster and safer. so, one for our Death Wish series. The entire message and the video can be seen below. Have a safe weekend.
“Good Morning,
I just came across a video on YouTube that would qualify for your death wish series. While the youtuber seems like a wonderful person and is doing a great thing saving and restoring old machinery this video is a great example of some people's attitude towards safe lifting. “
“He has mounted what looks like a Terex D85i on a low bed trailer with the outriggers on the smooth metal frame of the trailer using it as a Hiab.”
“The trailer front jacks have a single length of pine under each one which to no surprise snap under the load, the crane is tied down using a fibre ratchet strap and chain hooked onto the trailer frame not the designated tie down points. He then tries to pick up an old generator of unknown weight and stuck in the ground which is clearly beyond the cranes rated load as you see the crane door open from leaning over so far. He even jokes that the LMI would be screaming at him suggesting he has disabled or removed it.”
“On a positive note, it has been rigged for remote operation and he does suggest that they move out the way but then proceeds to get into the cab for the second attempt at lifting the generator. I would hate to think how much fatigue this crane has suffered and hope this does not come back to haunt him in a bad way.”
You can watch the video yourself – be warned it is painful and long.
Chief
I would make a few observations but do not recommend their actions.
1) Had the crane been unloaded and sitting on the ground I don't believe it would have lifted that machine without tipping over.
2) The crane was attached to a very heavy trailer with chain tighteners. They are attached side to side rather than criss cross. If they had been criss cross I believe the crane would have simply tipped off the trailer.
3) The trailer was about the same width as the crane's extended stabilisers so was actually acting as ballast even allowing for flexing in the suspension. As the tractor unit and trailer were almost in line the tractor unit was also helping to provide stability.
I'm never too old to learn so would welcome readers opinions.
Before you give this comment the thumbs down try to be constructive for a change and give your opinions.
Chief
I would make a few observations but do not recommend their actions.
1) Had the crane been unloaded and sitting on the ground I don't believe it would have lifted that machine without tipping over.
2) The crane was attached to a very heavy trailer with chain tighteners. They are attached side to side rather than criss cross. If they had been criss cross I believe the crane would have simply tipped off the trailer.
3) The trailer was about the same width as the crane's extended stabilisers so was actually acting as ballast even allowing for flexing in the suspension. As the tractor unit and trailer were almost in line the tractor unit was also helping to provide stability.
I'm never too old to learn so would welcome readers opinions.
Before you give this comment the thumbs down try to be constructive for a change and give your opinions.
Herrman976
At least it looks like a strong trailer, with high profile perimeter frame. Not a thing to rely on, but better than a lightweight stepdeck