fitting an engine crane to factory tow hitch ?
 

I apologise in advance for the oddball question

The story is here, one of my '96 got written-off in an accident, but after repairs by me is still driveable, but will now be moved to my 150 acre bush block,
and used for off-roading, storage..and as a multi-purpose tractor etc etc

It would be very handy to be able to lift & move heavy objects, such as trees, rocks...and possibly engines

My idea/questions;

The basic idea is to weld a section on to a modified small engine crane, and insert that in the tow hitch

* what is the approximate maximum downforce that the towbar can be subjected to...I *may* have read this is 250kg ?

250kg would be enough to be helpful for rocks and beams, but not enough to lift a 800lb engine & trans out of a vehicle..the ultimate goal

I have seen some awesome crane mods on various vehicles, so any ideas welcome

kind of suspect I cant make it work without at least fabbing a sturdy modified rear bar, in order to attach supporting chains..

even then it may not work...like I said all ideas welcome, no matter how wacky, or negative

I'm not 100% sure but i'm not sure that the stock tow mount alone would support the weight of an engine, especially in the way that it would be hanging off of the rear of the vehicle. Since you want to use the hitch mount i'm guessing you want it to be easily removable? Maybe there is a way you can brace the stock hitch mount for starters. Also there could be a way to run support beams to another location on the vehicle, and have them bolt in instead of weld so it can still be removed. Possibly even a way to have fold down legs like a large crane would have to support it while stationary? I'd love to hear back and see what you want to try lol.

Cruiser54 had done this and had no problems picking up axles, engines etc

Hmm, good to know. I don't think I would trust my rusty old XJ to hold up to that but that's just me.

The idea is to have it easily removeable, and yes, slip into the stock hitch reciever, via square section I weld to the bottom of basic crane..with its legs detached.

I want to be able to lift heavy rocks, trees, beams into place, and I have a couple of engine/trans lifts max 800lb..lift/move back a few feet

would it be impertinent to ask him outright on the forum..or via PM ?

I dont think I can put it on the front, due to weight distribution, maybe that assumption is wrong?

PM him. He's always happy to help.

Here ya go.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...52f8bf5159.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...507cbe0e79.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...34137f0740.jpg

Thats pretty badass.

My granddaughter had to be about 3 then. she could operate it.

Any new ideas/progress on your hitch lift?

Cruiser, you crack me up sometimes. 2 ton crane and a 300# cotton rope. Redneck as heck but....hold my beer and watch this. LMAO Great idea for a crane though and I may copy it in some form. I'll name it after you, "Your Basic Cruiser Crane" rated max speed, idle w/foot brake optional. lol

Love you man. Just playing with you. I do like the idea though.

Happy Jeepin'
TexasTaz38

the truck that is the intended recipient is now parked on my rural property,

I had to weld up the cracked chassis, it was crash damaged, written-off, but i have prepped it as a bush truck.

The reciever hitch is on it. I have a portable engine crane.

All I need to do is fab up an insert for the reciever hitch, and I think I will then use rectangular U-bolts to affix the crane body to the insert

Just seen the following info in the Original Jeep XJ Handbook

max tongue weight = 15% of rated trailer gross
**Jeep trailer hitch rated to 500lb tongue weight**
equalising hitch reccomended for over 350lb