how strong are....

"in general"........

Edited by steve(ill) - 06 Sep 2023 at 7:40pm

I've installed a few Over-head Garage Door power operators. Per instructions the springs are adjusted to where it does take much to lift the door open. And if the power operator were disconnecded the door would fall closed without slamming. Or because of friction, stay where disconnected. 

thanks ya'll. I gotta do something for a man lift to put on my combine. the manufactured ones use the screw type for their lifts. they are over $5000. for one of their lifts. I can't afford that! my combines are not new and i'm sure i'll have to get in and out often during harvest season. tried a step ladder, that didn't work so well. been drawing up plans for several different styles. a couple look kinda crude...but if they work...works for me! any fabricators out there? 

Dalel, what if you had a set of wooden steps and hand rail permanent mount to the  ground / side of the shed/ etc... You pull the combine up within 3-4 feet of the top platform, then lower down a gang plank that is hinged to the combine platform , and walk over to the steps ? ......... or it could even be a LONG wheel chair type ramp ??

Neighbors dad has a wrecked shoulder so he couldn't climb the combine ladder. His son is a good fabricator so they made a stairway with handrail along side the combine. Only thing tall people have to watch so you don't hit your head on something. If your going to make an lift you can use a counter weight or gear reduction or a system of pulleys to make it easier to lift.

Dale, I think you're onto something. Garage door track and rollers would make it simple.

You need something that goes with the combine because at some point when you are out in the field you will have to get out and get down. Itherwise you are stranded and would need to call someone for help.

That's the screw type door opener!

well...I've decided to build my own steps attached to the old steps of the combine. making them out of 2x6's and bolting and screwing it all together. I can pull myself up steps if they are closer together and not as steep. i've got most of the framework done and will start on the steps tomarrow hopefully. it's taking some time as I can't stand upright very long. i'm getting alot of sitting time as i ponder my next moves. had to have a tube put in one from tire and now see that that tire is dry rotted, couldn't tell that until we got the tube aired up! PfffffT! now I guess i'll hafta get a new tire, no one has used ones that size. I tried to get the local welding shop to make me a platform to stand on thus using the winch/barn door tracks, but he's about a year behind on his work! PfffffT!

well I got the frame made, sawed a couple steps before it turned dark on me. it's real slow going, trying to hold the boards and drilling for the bolts at the same time...my back doesn't allow me to stand but a couple of minutes at a time. sposed to rain here this week, still gotta tip the corn head on it's back so I can see what I gotta fix on that. maybe i'll put a tarp over it and still work on it while it's raining. also sucked trying to measure the wood since the machine is sitting on uneven ground. it'll be good enough for me! my corn isn't  quite ready yet. bought a new fuel gauge for the tractors and combine today...a wood dowl! lol 

shameless dude wrote: and wonder how they come up with a $5000 price tag!

gots one more step to make and i'll be done with the new steps, ran outta bolts and brackets to finish. sposed to rain tonight. 

shameless dude wrote: I sprayed all the wood with water repellant

thanks for the reminder on the slippery steps...I have some of them non-slip things (I think what Ted is talking about) that is taking up room in my tool box, just as well use them. i'm real slow at walking up the steps, i'm sure if I slip & fall...it won't be very slow! now I gotta figger out steps for the back of the combine. tried clamping 2x4's on the rebar they used for steps...that didn't work! can't hang a step ladder back there, will gits beat to death by the spreaders. any suggestions?