Self-Propelled "Boom Loader"

Self-Propelled "Boom Loader" TRACTORS Loaders 27-5-4 "I built it to move granite monuments around cemeteries, but it can be used to move almost any heavy object," says Bob Unger, Mena, Ark., about his self-propelled "boom loader." The 2-WD rig is powered by a 5 hp Briggs & Stratton vertical engine. It belt-drives a hydraulic pump that powers a pair of motors. One motor is used to operate a hydraulic cylinder that raises and lowers the boom, while the other motor drives a 2-speed transaxle on back salvaged from a Wheelhorse riding mower. The boom is hinged in the middle and can lift objects up to 5 ft. high. Unger can telescope the boom in or out by changing the position of a pair of pins. The rig rides on 13-in. wheels off a Toyota car and has dual wheels on front to reduce compaction. He used 2 1/2-in. sq. tubing to build the frame. "It didn't cost much to build and comes in handy for a lot of different jobs," says Unger. "I've also used it to move concrete culverts and propane tanks, and it's handy for pulling engines and handling transmissions. "For cemetery work, I load the rig onto a 16-ft. trailer which I drive to a local 40-acre cemetery. There, I use it to load monuments and guide them into place. I mounted a wooden bumper covered by indoor carpet on front in order to keep granite monuments from getting scratched or chipped." Unger says he plans to build another unit that will have castor wheels on back, allowing it to work much like a zero turn mower. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Bob Unger, 417 Polk 62, Mena, Ark. 71953 (ph 501 394-5879).

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