Rock lifting harness

[MarknessMonster]

I'm planning to move some large rocks using a pickup. I need to load them into the bed and move them about 1000 yards. The rocks are old foundation stone and quite heavy; approximately 300-700 lbs each.

I have a 2 ton crane/winch that I'm trying to locate a device to place the rock into and raise into the cargo bed of the pickup. Some type of netting would work, where I can attach the winch hook and raise the rock individually.

I've looked online for a device to buy, but have not been successful. I'm trying to avoid building a net using rope or tow strap, but this would be a last resort.

Any ideas besides using heavy equipment loader?

[ColHart]

Don't know of any COTS rigging, but with readily accessible cable and terminations or chain with load ratings of 2000lbs you could build a ladder type sling that wont stretch (much).

Cool problem project.

[MarknessMonster]

Yes, I've considered cable or chain, but these materials would cause some stone damage or scarring. Just as important, the lighter rope or strap material would easily stow in a tool box for later uses.

[ColHart]

AHHH! didn't mention that you needed to keep em purdy. Good luck

[green goat]

Are you worried about the bottom side? If not what about a piece of steel plate(square) you could drill a hole in each corner mount some tow loops and drag it under then use the other two to lift it up. You might need to make a place to strap it down so as not to get over to one side when lifting but it would only scratch one side.

[moosejr]

I had a similar project a while back. I was lifting large chunks of granite. I took two TRUCK tire chains and laid them crosswise, rolled the rock on, looped it all up with a chain to the hoist. It worked well, bit there was a little damage to the rock, but that was not a concern for our project. Maybe this will help with your brain-storming. . . .
Good Luck

[MarknessMonster]

Excellent! I thought about the same thing, and would likely go the tire chain route if I were retreiving hard granite. Unfortunately, this rock is softer and would likely scare badly.

It's snowing today, so I won't be getting any rock, as it's a good indoor day to figure out this method.

[sermis]

Use 2 tow straps. Sling on opposite corners. Want need much under each side, couple of inches, to lift it just don’t get under.

[moosejr]

what if you laid down the tire chains, then some old mover's blanket pads, then roll the rock on? tossing ideas . . .

[MarknessMonster]

I like the 2 tow strap idea, as it will work well for the rectangular rock/stone I am dealing with in this immediate situation. However, with rounded rock or other non-square-edged material, this device may have limitations.

The tire chain and mat is a good idea too. I don't like the added weight of steel chain, but it would be the simplest approach for a web type rigging.

The best solution I've come up with is to take a tow strap and cut it into sections and sew the sections into a net type. This is light, folds up easily, and stores well in the "mailbox".

Thanks for the good replys.