More about saw platform N-vention

After some of the helpful comments here, I'm thinking now of a 4-legged metal platform, with the top about 10' off the ground, that attaches to the dirt scoop implement, goes up and over the entire tractor, and attaches to the front bumper. Make it of angle iron or pipe, maybe, and fasten it securely with BIG bolts, of course. Ladder going up the back of it, small platform on top with hand rails, even. It shouldn't weigh much, and even with my 200 lbs. aboard it would be right over the tractor. Shouldn't be a problem.

For stability, the two back legs could bolt inside the dirt scoop, and the scoop would be lowered to the ground before climbing. It would be picked up only to move the tractor to a new position.

I could trim all the trees until I could drive this thing under all of them without hitting a limb. That'll make the property pretty, and provide a lot of firewood, too.

Sorry about the length of this post. In one day here I've moved from an unsupported ladder sticking up in the air to a basic idea that should work - and I'm still lookin' for suggestions! Thanks, - Sam

Do mean something like this?

• Platform Tree Trimmer Idear

The first thing that jumped out at was the realization that you cannot fasten to the front axle. The reason being the front axle has to be able to twist with respect to the rest of the tractor to acommodate uneven ground. That would essentially narrow the front support to just a point. I don't like that from the stability stand point.

I like Nolans thought about using the lift with some sort of amplifying means. Think I'd go in the direction of something behind the tractor on another axle for support. If you had a drawbar that attached under the tranny, the lift arms would be free to "work" some sort of lifting action.

Gott'a think some more 'bout this.....
I'd like to see something I could use also.

I don't think it's a problem. The axle pivots on one point in the middle (as attached to the tractor) - but the "ladder" isn't attached to the tractor anyway. Stability of the "ladder" on the ground is what matters. Those two front tires on the ground, about 5' apart, make for some pretty solid ladder legs, IMO.

Maybe it's remotely possible to get rowdy enough on top of a 10' platform to pull a tractor wheel up off the ground, but I doubt it. The more I think about it, the more uses I can see for this thing. - Sam

Before the weather turned bad, I had to put a new roof on a barn. Boy, it would have helped to have this thing parked by the job instead of carrying things up a ladder. I can see lots of uses for it besides trimming trees.

A few of the answers received here have been discouraging - though most folks have been helpful. It's always good to raise legitimate safety concerns, and I appreciate that.

When the weather gets better, I think I'll "Ozark Engineer" one of these things together. Whatever I come up with will be safe - and I'll take some pictures of it to post here. Thanks for the support. - Sam

Have you considered the possiblility of renting a real "high lift ranger" with stabalizing jacks and remote controls??? Renting at the right time of the year can be very economical. With the right equipment, you can really go to town and saw.

Or consider checking the next heavy duty equipment auction for used power company lift bucket trucks. Make a deal with your bank afore time and after you successfully bid and buy, you'll have 6 mos to a year before the next auction and then sell your "slightly" used highlift and square things off at the bank.

Sure would be a lot better than having the spouse pickup the pieces of a juryrigged claptrap eleveator being run by a poor N-Tractor..... .Dell

If I might, I'd like to toss out some suggestions and observations.

The 3pt hitch has a very limited range of motion, but it's quite powerfull. Instead of just lifting the end of a platform, work out a linkage that could raise the platform something like 5-10 feet instead. Essentially like the platform cranes used at construction site or by window washers. Some type of scissors action would do the job quite well.

Pole saws do exist, and do a good job. I'm not trying to be smart alecky here, I just don't know if you've ever used them or seen them. I've got a fiberglass shafted one that extends out to about 15 feet, and cuts well. Stile makes one that's got a chainsaw at the end. It's essentially a weed wacker with the head replaced with a chainsaw blade.

I think your idea is a fine one, and one that is well established in the industry as a safe, practical tool.

Always wear a hardhat!!!

Have you ever heard of the Darwin awards? you could be a candidate for it.

Mike