Posted by Paul (in NY) [172.70.114.132] on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 09:26:08 :
In Reply to: lifting cab into place posted by Todd [162.158.90.228] on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 06:56:58 :
I used my engine hoist, exactly like you show. It was disaster !!!
My plan was to lift the cab for my W-300 and then roll the frame under the cab. My shop floor is all flat cement. I test lifted the cab about 2 feet up, all was perfect/ stable. So I kept lifting with the frame ready to roll under the cab quickly. At roughly 3 feet or so, something went horribly wrong. The hoist tipped over. I still don’t know why as it was totally stable at 2 feet on the test.
Lucky for me, it was summer and the wood stove was not burning. I was pinned between the cab now hanging on a serious angle and the wood stove. The completed cab, all in new paint was not hurt, I was not hurt, but trapped. Since I was not hurt in any way, just scared, I had time to figure…….what do I do now. On a table within reach was a pile of shop blankets. I started to open and toss blankets where the cab could come down and be safe. I very slowly started to lower the engine hoist. The cab came to rest on the blankets with NO damage. Good so far. With the cab weight off the hoist, I was able to get out, no longer trapped between the cab and pellet stove. With great care I was able to get the cab level now sitting on 6x6 cribbing. After a much needed Pepsie break, I called a few friends. After work they came up and the 5 of us hand lifted the cab onto the frame. No damage done, I was not hurt. But it could have ended very very badly.
I will never try that kind of lift, cab size and weight ever again. It all happened so fast, it happened in the blink of the eye. If you not have a proper anchor point over the cab where you can use a chain hoist or the like, I suggest you think twice before using a engine hoist. Otherwise get extra hands to hand lift it in place.
Paul
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