Shingle elevator for hay?

[saultgirl]

We just put 400 square bales in the loft today by standing on the picnic table and tossing them over our heads into the loft door.

One of our helpers asked about getting a shingle elevator. (Hey elevator not in the budget right now)

I had to google this… not sure if it would work for hay, has anyone tried?

[Horseychick87]

My parents owned a roofing company so I ran the question by my mom. She said that a shingle elevator could easily lift a 40 pound bale, you just won’t be able to lift as many bales as you could packs of shingles do the the dimensions.

She also mentioned that it would depend on the quality of the elevator. She said she would set up two crews, one would use the elevator and the others would use a block and tackle, they worked at ‘almost’ the same speed, but the guys doing the block and tackle were very fit, so it kind of evened things out a bit.

[fordtraktor]

I rent a hay elevator from my hay guy. Not sure if that is an option for you. Mine charges me $40 a year and brings it when he delivers my hay.

[saultgirl]

What’s a block and tackle?

We have a new hay guy this year, maybe i’ll talk to him about it when he comes with the last 80 bales.

[Jim_in_PA]

[QUOTE=saultgirl;8734425]
What’s a block and tackle?.[/QUOTE]

It’s a rope and pulley arrangement that provides lifting power due to the way the pulleys are arranged.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2a/Polispasto4.jpg

[Horseychick87]

[QUOTE=Jim_in_PA;8734461]
It’s a rope and pulley arrangement that provides lifting power due to the way the pulleys are arranged.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2a/Polispasto4.jpg[/QUOTE]

Thanks Jim, I was trying to find one of my old pictures of the roofing crew using them but I think I lost them all when I got a new computer.

[Highflyer]

This is what most people around us use: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Grain-or-Hay-Elevator-CHEAP-/262499553124?hash=item3d1e314f64:g:A3kAAOSw1DtXHXLc

I think it’s technically a corn elevator. Maybe try craigslist/ FB-- I know someone who just bought a secondhand one last week for like $500.

[gumtree]

[QUOTE=saultgirl;8734357]
We just put 400 square bales in the loft today by standing on the picnic table and tossing them over our heads into the loft door.

One of our helpers asked about getting a shingle elevator. (Hey elevator not in the budget right now)

I had to google this… not sure if it would work for hay, has anyone tried?[/QUOTE]

Who needs a Gym membership when you can do this. If they weighed around 40 lbs you lifted 16,000 lbs or 8 tons. And it takes a lot more effort the way you had to “lift” them than just tossing them on a hay elevator.

I have used a shingle elevator and they work just fine. You mother is right they can easily handle a 40-50+ lbs bale. I have lifted enough shingle packs to know what I am talking about. They can weight as much as 80 lbs.

But it depends on the width/size of the lift platform and if it can accommodate the standard size small square with is around 18" X 18" by 36"++ if memory serves.

A block and tackle would require a “ridge pole” that extends out from the ridge, peak of the barn. In the “old days” the ridge beam was always extended out a few feet when the roof was being constructed to attach a block and tackle to. To lift much heavier things up to the loft door than just hay.

Used hay/grain elevators can be had depending on condition for $50-$300+. They are usually set on wheels so as to be tow-able. They can be adjusted to go higher than 20’ depending on the model.

I got one for free that needed some TLC and a new motor. Saw it sitting out with weeds growing on it for over a year. Knocked on the door the owner, checked it out and took it off their hands. Cleaned it up and put a new motor on it for a little over $100. Don’t need it anymore and going to sell it for $250.

For smaller needs this one works really well. A person I deliver 100 bales at a time has it. Leaves it in the loft and lowers it down to the hay wagon.

Pretty pricey new but might be found used for a lot less. It comes in an 8’ size also. These work a lot better/faster IMO than a shingle lift.

http://www.ruralking.com/bale-elevator-w-55-chain-16-ft.html?fee=2&fep=95627&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gclid=Cj0KEQjwte27BRCM6vjIidHvnKQBEiQAC4MzrRsGNkDmMUWjrLHDqVzMLtikID8VcVNxT7kTqjnnhBQaAvfV8P8HAQ

[saultgirl]

Thanks everyone.

Yes, for sure, one heck of a workout! I’m not tall enough to actually throw into the loft but I did most of the stacking. The Rural King elevator above is what I’ve seen commonly around here.

We are always browsing the classifieds/auctions/etc for used farm equipment… so far it seems people hold on to their elevators!