Thinking of New N-vention

I'm thinking about taking a 10' straight aluminum ladder and bolting it good and solid, at a slight angle, to my rear-mounted dirt scoop. Then I could go from tree to tree with the tractor, park it in various positions, and climb to the top of the ladder with a chain saw to do the job. Obviously, I'll have to be careful and NOT drop limbs on my beloved "N".

Taking advantage of the lift, I should be able to get the top of the ladder about 12' off the ground this way. Maybe I could even attach the saw to the top of the ladder with a strap so I don't have to carry the saw up and down?

It seems to me that this will be safer and easier than dragging a ladder from tree to tree and trying to lean it on a tree trunk or limb to climb. So, whattya think? Will it work, am I gonna wreck myself, and has anyone done it this way before? Thanks, - Sam

BTW, I was surprised at a couple of comments about the hydraulic lift not being stable enough for this. I run a stabilizer bar on each side, so side-to-side sway is only a couple of inches. Both my tractors, parked and not running, will hold a dirt scoop plus 200 lbs. for at least half a day without dropping. So - am I just fortunate with my hydraulics? I thought that's the way they're supposed to do! Thanks again, everyone.

Even though the bottom may "only" sway a couple of inches, at the top, it would seem like feet.

I don't like the idea of using a chain saw in an elevated position. I'd use a bow saw and a full body harness and tie off above the limb you are cutting.

I think you idea has possibilities. Perhaps a "carry-all" type platform with the ladder attached to the platorm and a couple of 6x4's running up the back with a 2x8 across to strap the ladder to. the have some stabilizer jacks to hold it steady. 3x3x¼" angle would work also. I'd bolt it on with ½" or bigger bolts. use at least three so that puppy won't move.

If I read you right, you want to move about the ~64 trees and trim as needed, with minimal effort. i.e. not having to drag the ladder out each time, loading the cut limbs, etc. If I was doing it, I'd build it stout and secure. with the possibility I'd use it for other things... which I tend to do.

Good luck and remember, safety first.
Bill

The idea is seductive, a hydraulic ladder lift.

Practical matter, unless you've just rebuilt your hydraulics, they won't stay up very long and your ladder will sink down and away from the object of your saw. 2ndly, you really got to be driver to aim that wobbly ol' ladder to where you want to go.

I've opperated bucket man lifts with the controls right at your hand, and just a "touch" will send you all over the place. I like the semi-solid feel of a ladder supported on both ends, ground and against tree trunk.

I too, have a lot of tree limb pruning, and swinging and swaying at the top of my 40' ladder is not "fun" and downright bladder relieving.

I have a 12" trimming chainsaw that I can operate 1 handed. I cut the offending limb off very carefully (so it doesn't pinch the sawblade) about 2 ft away from the main trunk , then I cut the stub flush with the trunk.

Bottom line, I don't like your idea, sorry..... ..... Dell