Yesterday I managed to use my 1952 8N Ford tractor to haul the 420-pound crate of X3 milling machine to my Tractor Building. It was a challenge because I was unsure the hydraulic lift would be strong enough to lift the crate fastened to the middle of the boom I have for the tractor. It was strong enough; however, a greater challenge was absence of appropriate lifting straps for the task. I had a towing strap about 15 or twenty feet long and used it. To make things better (maybe), I tied the strap around the top portion of the crate with rope. Then to further ensure things did not slip, I used a bit of chain with hooks to fasten to the steel straps on the crate. Well, as I started to lift, the tow strap stretched, the steel strap snapped like it was paper, the tractor groaned, I groaned, and the crate lifted off the ground. As we (crate, tractor, me) drove around the house to the back yard where the Tractor Building is located, the soggy ground showed every inch of the trip, the crate jostled and began to disassemble itself. I backed into the opening of the Tractor Building, lowered the crate, managed to untie from it after some effort, and got the tractor out of the way.
Today I will probably borrow a furniture dolly to somehow put under the crate, disassemble the crate from the base so I eliminate some of the looseness which I now have for the crate, and move it into the work room space. Fortunately, the door is large enough. Of course, I need to clean the area we will pass through and pick up clutter. If I can borrow a hydraulic engine lift, I will somehow lift the mill onto a stand and then can clean it up. Maybe I will clean it up first while it is still in the tractor bay. That actually seems more sensible to me. Anyway, I will take pictures and post the whole thing to my tractor bog. I forgot to take pictures yesterday while doing this. Maybe I did not really want a record in case a disaster happened. J
Tractor Boy