Building a gantry crane

[matt167]

I’m kind of thinking about building a gantry to swap engines and drives on my big StarCraft. Has anyone built one? I was going to use my father in laws big tractor but I probably won’t do it at his house now. None of my tools are there and his selection is limited

 

[Scott Danforth]

The A-frame I built for pulling my SBC was 3 2x10s across the top, 3 2x6 verticals and 2x6 angle braces and stringers. Would have lifted 5x the load I had on it.

When I was done, I used the lumber to make a mezzanine for storage in the storage unit.

I did find a harbor freight A-frame in craigslist for $500 about 10 years ago I bought to swap a motor. Resold it for $50 more the following month. Maybe check CL or facetube marketplace

 

[JASinIL2006]

This is the gantry I built to pull my engine.

 

[matt167]

This is the gantry I built to pull my engine.

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Looks kind of like I envisioned . It could serve double duty if I built it correctly so that it could convert into a swing set. I’ll sell it to my fiancé that way anyway. Going to try to get it done before our wedding In July. I doubt I’ll have time after

 

[JASinIL2006]

Like @Scott Danforth, I used all the lumber for other projects later. Zero waste.

 

[nola mike]

Like @Scott Danforth, I used all the lumber for other projects later. Zero waste.

Mine is still sitting in the driveway almost 3 years later. I'm afraid that if I dismantle it, my motor will immediately blow

 

[Scott06]

I’m kind of thinking about building a gantry to swap engines and drives on my big StarCraft. Has anyone built one? I was going to use my father in laws big tractor but I probably won’t do it at his house now. None of my tools are there and his selection is limited

Another option is a wrecker with a boom. I went though thinking through a making gantry , which will certainly work, and essentially used a wrecker with a boom. certainly will have a cost but when you consider your time, it may work for you… took the guy longer to set it up with outriggers etc vs janking the engine very easy to position and get an initial alignment on

 

[matt167]

Another option is a wrecker with a boom. I went though thinking through a making gantry , which will certainly work, and essentially used a wrecker with a boom. certainly will have a cost but when you consider your time, it may work for you… took the guy longer to set it up with outriggers etc vs janking the engine very easy to position and get an initial alignment on

If I had a buddy with a wrecker I’d consider it. We have a skid steer and forks at work that probably has the lift I need. But I have to get both boats there