Advice for my reciever hitch mounted crane

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Im looking to build a hitch mounted crane to aid me in my job of installing in ground basketball hoops. The most it would ever lift at once is about 150 pounds but since I would like to use an electric winch I might as well figure on its capacity being a good 700 pounds or so. I would like for it to pivot at the base were it would come out of the hitch and at the moment Im looking for Ideas on what I should use for the pivot? Also what I would like to do is have it mountable at 2 different distances away from the hitch. Position 1 would be as close as possible to the tailgate for heavy lifting. Position 2 would be an extension piece that would allow it to be mounted and have the tailgate come down for when Im doing the usual and just need to lift 150 pounds. So would it be safe to assume that 2x2x1/4 square tube could come out of the hitch about 24 inches and carry the weight of the crane (not sure yet but crane weight will prolly be around 80-100 pounds) combined with a 150 pound load? Is this asking to much of the hitch? Is 1/4 tube overkill? thanks for any advice after I get the pivot point figured out I will get some drawings posted.
Reply:I assume you would be using a class III hitch receiver since you stated that 2" square stock is what you intend to use.The GTW (Gross Tongue Weight) of a class II is 600lbs, I believe.So, a 100lb crane with a 150lb load should be no problem but since you say that you might want the capacity to be as much as 700lb and you may want to extend it to 24" (even if it's only at the 150lb load) I would suggest building an outrigger that is able to come down and contact the ground, much like a normal crane has. This will stabilize your load and provide the additional support you may require.You could build one simply with a pre-made, bolt-on or weld-on trailer jack. This would allow the outrigger to fold up out of the way as well as give some adjustability when possibly dealing with uneven surfaces.http://all-a-cart.comWelding Cart Kits and accessories
Reply:Your project got me thinking.....so I did some searching.Here's a website I found from a company that manufactures hitch mounted cranes that seem to be similar to what you may need.You might want to take a look at the pictures and maybe you can get some ideas of what will work for you and what won't.truck mounted crane- Paulhttp://all-a-cart.comWelding Cart Kits and accessories
Reply:thanks guys I like both the trailer jack idea and the design off the spitzlift. I guess it would be better for it to be offcenter than sticking straigt out. So if I wanted to fab up something like this out of steel, Im assuming 2 1/4x1/4 square tube would be strong enough and then I could beat a piece of 2 inch inside of it to go into the hitch. Seems like there would be lots of stress on those 2 45 degree miters on the mount would they need to be reinforced or should a good weld do the job? Sorry I know the image is cropped but you get the idea.
Reply:Originally Posted by ztec...... So if I wanted to fab up something like this out of steel, Im assuming 2 1/4x1/4 square tube would be strong enough and then I could beat a piece of 2 inch inside of it to go into the hitch. Seems like there would be lots of stress on those 2 45 degree miters on the mount would they need to be reinforced or should a good weld do the job?
Reply:you could use a 3/4 ton 2wd truck front spindle, bearings, nut and hub for the pivot at the base, just an idea
Reply:That's a good idea weldingman..........or you could use a trailer stub spindle and bearings. They are cheap, strong and ready to weld on.I use them when making swing-out spare tire carriers on rear bumpers.Local trailer suppliers will have them in stock or you can order them through places like Northern Tool.http://all-a-cart.comWelding Cart Kits and accessories
Reply:I made one for a buddy who needed to lift his 250lb.generator,welder,tires and bbq pits into his truck, had it come out the receiver, angle it 22 degrees toward the outside edge of the open tailgate, place a 1 ton jack stand under it for stability. aim for the tailgate corner so the item will clear the bed sides when loading and unloading. use plenty of gussets, worm-gear hand winch, 2x2 tubing, round pipe for swivel bases, airline cable, 600lb. pulleys.  We also use it to gut & skin deer & hogs....