chain hoists

[taank]

i want to use a chain hoist to lift the box off my truck. is it ok to run a green treat 4x4x8 across the rafters and then atach the chain hoist to it? i want to keep it detached from the rafters so i can move it around if need be. the chain hoist would go on the taller portion of the garage

[donut]

I would, (but then again, I tend to do dumb things..) Just for the box, more than likely alright.

What's the spacing on the trusses? I'd try to span as many as I could.
Keep the load as low as possible, get in on the ground fairly quickly, don't use it for a swing.

If unsure, (and what I'd do.) come up on the load maybe 1/2", then get a ladder and check the trusses, if anything doesn't look like it did when you put it up there, plan B.

FWIW, I've unloaded welding machines off of my trucks using the same technique, but my truss setup may be tons different than yours.

[pat 70/71]

I would not recommend pulling from the trusses with that much weight. By design they spread the load over the entire span of the truss and you would (in my opinion ) have too much of a point load to be safe. I used a cherry picker with a simple home made fixture to remove the beds on my trucks. Be safe & although it might work its always best to be sure when lifting that much weight. cheers, Pat

[mbgmike]

nail two 2x4 together and span across the trusses. it should be fine. if not double up with some 2x6's Beds aren't that heavy

[richard2717]

We use to use 2" galvanized rigid conduit. it is threaded so you can add as many lengths together as needed and is stronger than the wood. Our roof was 35' clear span 3' truss centers. we have lifted entire Lincoln towncars off the frame for replacement.

[Bus Ted Knuckle]

Originally Posted by pat 70/71

I would not recommend pulling from the trusses with that much weight. By design they spread the load over the entire span of the truss and you would (in my opinion ) have too much of a point load to be safe. I used a cherry picker with a simple home made fixture to remove the beds on my trucks. Be safe & although it might work its always best to be sure when lifting that much weight. cheers, Pat

Pat is right, those trusses are designed to support loads placed on them from above, not below. That bottom board will pull out of the spike plate, its just not a strong joint to hold that kind of load.

Maybe somebody's cousin did it once and it worked for him, but it is not a smart thing to do. Do you have a "cherry picker" engine lift, or a couple of buddies to help you lift it?

[pat 70/71]

Listen to the troops and you could loose the roof! or part of it!600lbs is 600lbs point load. isolated in one area of your span. At the least talk to someone you know who is up to speed on what trusses can take as far as weight I use engineered trusses all the time. just sayin. but what do I know I'm only a general building contractor good luck you were warned. cheers, Pat ( hate to get nasty but I have seen the aftermath of structural truss section over load and its unreal)

[RichardJ]

A beam could be used with the trusses, but temporary vertical posts would be placed under the beam to support all of the load. The beam would float, but be trapped in such a way to prevent its horizontal movement.
There are a number of ways that could be accomplished.
Put the beam alongside the lower cord of one of the trusses, but attach loosely with chains or metal straps. Erect two temporary 4x4 or pipe verticals to carry ALL of the load you are lifting. The trusses only need to trap the beam from horizontal movement. The trusses won't even be supporting the weight of the beam when you are lifting.

To help control any horizontal forces, a couple of additional bottom cord braces could be added. There is one already on the bottom corner of each side of your raised section.

A hole drilled through the upper end of the 4x4 verticals and a rope with a pulley could be used to lift the 4x4 into place. Tying the rope off, would prevent it from being accidentally knocked down after the lifted load is removed.
I've seen people pull/install engines with beams supported like that.

[pat 70/71]

Don't do it Taank!! LOL, cheers, Pat p.s. I once saw a guy pull the motor out of a honda with nothing more than a 4x4 and a small piece of rope! and four gauze pads!(to stop the bleeding of course)

[turbo350]

Do the engine hoist thing or get a couple buddies over but don't break out any beer until after the work is done lol.

Two years ago we pulled the sbc out of my boat at my uncles place using just a chain hoist. It was his idea and his garage. Guess we got lucky.

[ETsC10]

I agree with most...do not subject your trusses to this.

Find a cherry picker or use the 7 man hoist...4 to pick it up,
one to drive the truck out from under the bed and two to
position saw horses under it. Then open the beer box.

[pat 70/71]

Originally Posted by ETsC10

I agree with most...do not subject your trusses to this.

Find a cherry picker or use the 7 man hoist...4 to pick it up,
one to drive the truck out from under the bed and two to
position saw horses under it. Then open the beer box.

Ding Ding we have a winner! Now wheres that beer box? cheers, Pat