Advice on Trailer Crane build

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I'm thinking about building a boom crane powered by a winch for my 5x10 utility trailer.   I already have a lifting arch installed on it for dragging logs up on it.   I'm an avid woodworker also, and harvest a lot of my own wood for turning etc.  I want to size the components to where it will lift 2500 lbs, and also be able to lift heavy tools/machines onto my trailer with a strap/chain.   I could make the height adjustable for the amount of lift I expect to need, by using smaller square tubing inside the larger base.   I plan on welding it to the tongue area of my trailer, with reinforced 1/2" plate, and supported high by the lifting arch at the front of the trailer which is 2" square tube.   I'm just wondering if 3" square tube, 3/16th thick for the base would be able to carry the load, or would 4" sq. tube be better?  And if 2" square tube, same thickness would make for the boom extension, or if 4" was used as the base, then 3" tube?  Each extension would be pinned through holes for adjustability, and an angled brace for added strength for the boom?  Anyone here built such a contraption, and could help with advice?   If the link below works, you could get a general idea of what I'm talking about.Last edited by metalmelter2021; 12 Hours Ago at 03:00 PM.
Reply:Another thought….would round pipe be better for the base, as the boom crane would need the ability to swivel for loading from the sides of the trailer?
Reply:How long is your boom?
Reply:Make sure you make the crane and outriggers all one piece. The lifting system can not rely on that trailer. 2500lbs is a big ask for that trailer. That 1/2" plate is great but it is only as strong as what it is mounted to. Lifting the load is a big enough challenge on its own but add in swinging with a load that will be a whole new ballgame, especially if your manually swinging as apposed to by power.Last edited by Freebirdwelds; 4 Hours Ago at 10:56 PM.Reason: SpeelingLincoln 330MPXLincoln Power Mig 256Lincoln LN-25X Wire FeederMagnum PRO 250LX GT Spool GunLincoln AC/DC 225¼ Ton of Torches OFC-A OFG-AAir Carbon Arc Gouging CAC-AEverlast 62i Plasma CutterIngersoll Rand T-30 14hpInstagram: #Freebird Welds
Reply:If you want it to last make sure the main boom is at least 5/16". Plus you'll have to make sure the insides of your boom sticks are seamless. Plus seamless is inherently stronger than welded.Lincoln 330MPXLincoln Power Mig 256Lincoln LN-25X Wire FeederMagnum PRO 250LX GT Spool GunLincoln AC/DC 225¼ Ton of Torches OFC-A OFG-AAir Carbon Arc Gouging CAC-AEverlast 62i Plasma CutterIngersoll Rand T-30 14hpInstagram: #Freebird Welds
Reply:My engine hoist is a similar design but only rated for 2k in the shortest setting. The upright is 3", first outrigger is 2 3/4, the final one is 2 1/4, all look about 3/16" thick. If you want to lift those kinds of weights at the outer limits of the lift, you'll need stouter tubing. I have to agree with Freebird though, you'll need a sturdy trailer to offset the forces of the lift. At 78" I'm only rated for a 1/2 ton. If you are going out the back of a 10' trailer from the tongue, there is going to be some significant leverage.The harder you fall, the higher you bounce...250 amp Miller DialArc AC/DC StickF-225 amp Forney AC Stick230 amp Sears AC StickLincoln 180C MIGVictor Medalist 350 O/ACut 50 PlasmaLes
Reply:

Originally Posted by metalmelter2021

I'm thinking about building a boom crane powered by a winch for my 5x10 utility trailer.   I already have a lifting arch installed on it for dragging logs up on it.   I'm an avid woodworker also, and harvest a lot of my own wood for turning etc.  I want to size the components to where it will lift 2500 lbs, and also be able to lift heavy tools/machines onto my trailer with a strap/chain.   I could make the height adjustable for the amount of lift I expect to need, by using smaller square tubing inside the larger base.   I plan on welding it to the tongue area of my trailer, with reinforced 1/2" plate, and supported high by the lifting arch at the front of the trailer which is 2" square tube.   I'm just wondering if 3" square tube, 3/16th thick for the base would be able to carry the load, or would 4" sq. tube be better?  And if 2" square tube, same thickness would make for the boom extension, or if 4" was used as the base, then 3" tube?  Each extension would be pinned through holes for adjustability, and an angled brace for added strength for the boom?  Anyone here built such a contraption, and could help with advice?   If the link below works, you could get a general idea of what I'm talking about.
Reply:

Originally Posted by whtbaron

If you are going out the back of a 10' trailer from the tongue, there is going to be some significant leverage.q
Reply:

Originally Posted by 52 Ford

Oh, jeez! 10 feet of reach at 2,500 pounds?!Sent from my Lincoln Buzzbox using Tapatalk
Reply:This is a 1000lb capacity 8 foot reach jib crane. https://m.northerntool.com/shop/tool...E&gclsrc=aw.dsI'm not trying to talk you out of building a crane, but adjust your expectations. My 1,500lb crane design is all 3/8" wall thickness stuff with lots of bracing and a trussed jib. I don't recall the exact numbers, but I believe it'll only pick 1,500lb something like 3 feet from the mast.Sent from my Lincoln Buzzbox using Tapatalk
Reply:I missed where he said he wanted to reach off the back of the trailer. That being the case yeah NO. A 13' reach and a horizontal lift @ 2500 lbs your crane and outrigger system would weigh 3000 lbs plus. That's a lot of tongue weight and overall weight when your done reinforcing between the front axle to the tongue.Last edited by Freebirdwelds; 3 Hours Ago at 12:19 AM.Lincoln 330MPXLincoln Power Mig 256Lincoln LN-25X Wire FeederMagnum PRO 250LX GT Spool GunLincoln AC/DC 225¼ Ton of Torches OFC-A OFG-AAir Carbon Arc Gouging CAC-AEverlast 62i Plasma CutterIngersoll Rand T-30 14hpInstagram: #Freebird Welds
Reply:might need to build a crane to help with building the crane.....:
Reply:What about building some sort of frame over the trailer deck and building a sort of bridge crane/trolley thing.Sent from my Lincoln Buzzbox using Tapatalk
Reply:I don't have a calculator close by but 2500 at 13' is pretty close to 36,000 Lb ft like my 6,000K Autocrane, that will take some serious rigid support. I'm not sure I would even try that with a trailer unless it was built specifically for a crane mounting with lots of outrigger jacks.
Reply:

Originally Posted by 52 Ford

What about building some sort of frame over the trailer deck and building a sort of bridge crane/trolley thing.Sent from my Lincoln Buzzbox using Tapatalk
Reply:

Originally Posted by 12V71

I don't have a calculator close by but 2500 at 13' is pretty close to 36,000 Lb ft like my 6,000K Autocrane, that will take some serious rigid support. I'm not sure I would even try that with a trailer unless it was built specifically for a crane mounting with lots of outrigger jacks.
Reply:

Originally Posted by 52 Ford

I just looked up a 4000lb autocrane and a load chart for it. Found a 4004H It can only pick about 1600lbs at 10 feet and it's a pretty decent sized crane.

Sent from my Lincoln Buzzbox using Tapatalk
Reply:Fusion 360 is annoying... my internet has gotten really slow recently. Well, Fusion is internet dependent. So Fusion is slow to start up now. Took like 3 or 4 minutes to open it so I could take a look at some old CAD files. It's not on my end! i7, Quadro, and an NVMe SSD. I really aught to switch to Solidworks.I'll try and remember to post some CAD tomorrow.Last edited by 52 Ford; 45 Minutes Ago at 03:05 AM.