Lifting Straps, the Absolute Best Way to Load a Bush Hog, Box Blade or Tiller

[@ThomasLips]

I picked some up right after I bought my tractor. I had the dealership weld on three hooks on the bucket. When you hook it to the bucket you don't have to worry about them sliding like you do on forks, plus you get the added benefit being able to curl your bucket to get additional hight for loading.

[@bradmeacham6982]

These can also be found as "tree saver straps" at 4x4 shops for use with vehicle (Jeep, etc.) winches. They're usually around the 6' length.

[@denisewildfortune4058]

Hey, Mike! I had seen some folks use a C-clamp on the forks to keep their straps from sliding off. A second set would keep them from sliding back too.

[@court2379]

I was surprised he didn't recommend the same. I do the same. Though I will drill a pin hole eventually.

[@deeremt9532]

Great video Mike. I cut a old rubber mud flap into some strips. Helps to protect the straps on sharp corners.

[@threepointservices-tractor4832]

Anyone who doesn’t already know this, is not likely to own a tractor with the lifting capacity, to safely load an implement.

[@jphickory522]

Great video Mike. Everyone, be very careful moving heavy load, like the rotary cutter shown here, with loader high in the air. I was moving the exact Bush Hog model with a 50HP tractor to set on an equipment trailer. Was moving across very slowly across a field with the loader high in the air to keep from dragging the cutter. When I came to a cross slope in the terrain (5% max) my rear tire (on the high side of the slope) came off the ground and the tractor started to overturn. I froze for a second while my mind was processing what was happening.... thankfully I pushed the joy stick forward to drop the load to the ground and the tractor instantly righted itself. It was a valuable lesson. I should have had an implement on the rear acting as a counter balance. Also, when moving a load with the loader, keep your hand at the ready to lower the load in an emergency.

[@TractorMike]

Glad you brought that up, always keep the load low until it's time to go on the trailer.

[@canlungdoc]

@@TractorMike Except with your setup on the Bush Hog with the straps, even with load low the force is still high on the loader, as forks high in air. Can be done but want well ballasted tractor (a decent weight implement on the 3 point often helps) and generally level ground.

[@barrylapean9227]

Mike, When using them as chokers, get a short (6") 1.5" dowel or pipe and put it in the choke before you tighten it. When the lift is over, pull out the pipe and you've now have a loose strap that's a lot easier to remove.

[@jekjr1957]

Weld a chain hook on top of your loader bucket centered. Take a short piece of chain with two hooks on it. Pull the tractor up to the front of the piece of equipment with the bucket touching the piece of equipment with the bucket tilted forward slightly about the height of the lift arm pins or slightly higher. Hook the chain around a pin in the holes where the top link hooks. Then as you tilt the bucket backwards the rear of the implement will raise up off of the ground. Then raise the bucket and the entire machine will rise. I have used this method many times to load and relocate 3pt hitch equipment with a front end loader. I have never had a piece slip.

[@ke6bnl]

I drilled the ends of the forks for a trailer ball. I put a ball or eye in the hole and load will not fall off the front. I still like chain with big eye bolt in the fork

[@CamppattonFamilyCompound]

Mike, I would like to say thank you for your videos. because of the I have gotten the Pat's easy change (a real time saver), a PTO clutch, and the slip clutch for my 1939 Ford 9N tractor. Now I can brush hog with ease and not keep moving when I push the clutch in. A big safety bonus!. Thank you again and keep the videos coming. Gil

[@stevemartinez6757]

I use my tractor forks almost every weekend while out on our property along with a few straps just like those. They also come in handy for pulling up old fence posts.

[@peterellis4262]

These straps are also used in the arborist and logging world, which is where I got mine.

[@lcee6592]

I work in a factory and use straps quite often. I recommend having at least one continuous loop style strap along with the eyelet type. Consider a 6’ length. It will give you a lot of versatility. Great video/information. 👍

[@5critters]

I've got a couple of 6-footers, need to get a 3-foot. They've been great. I've used them to move my bush hog, tiller, a heavy portable generator. The generator has 2 wheels on one end of the frame and two handles on the other, like a wheelbarrow, but moving that thing a long way across grass can wear you out. Moving it up and down porch steps can be murder. Tractor pallet forks & lifting straps to the rescue. A couple of months ago I needed to get my zero turn up on my trailer to take it to the place I bought it from, to have some work done; a back tire was flat and I didn't have time to mess with it myself. Didn't want to drive it up onto the trailer with a flat tire and possibly rip the tire all to pieces in the process, so I picked it up with the straps and lowered it down onto the trailer, easy as pie. Took the straps with me to the repair place, and used them to take the zero turn back off the trailer; they had a fork lift there. The shop owner wanted to know where I got the straps, I think he wanted to get some too. :-) You can also use them by putting both eyes on a pallet fork, or putting one eye on one fork and the other eye on the other fork, and letting the strap hang down off the fork(s) to form a U-shape. Using 2 six-footers like that can keep a piece of equipment level.

[@MikeBrown-ii3pt]

Good video Mike! I don't personally have a loader on my tractor but I do have an actual forklift and I've used straps like those for years. With the forklift, I don't have to worry about hitting the grille but that was a good point to make when using forks on a tractor bucket. One thing I'd like to add is that I like to also use a pair of 10" C-clamps to keep the straps from sliding. I put them in front of the straps to prevent them from sliding off. Another pair could be placed behind the straps to keep them from sliding back toward the machine when using a tractor.

[@steveshelby2465]

Mike I love your videos! If you buy 2 6 foot straps, you can loop a strap through the piece of equipment and put both eyelets of the strap on the same fork and you have the use of a 3 foot strap. Keep up the great work!

[@sameoldmphymel]

Yes but with my chains, I get to turn my hands all red and rusty, hate to give that up

[@catfishinwithcrow685]

Mike I really appreciate the fact that you’re always safety minded and all about keeping your viewers safe as a retired firefighter/paramedic that’s an important issue for me thanks again and keep up the great work!

[@paulcaviness]

Awesome demonstration!! Thanks!!

[@terryeharris]

Love the vids. Practical advice.

[@vintageMIDI]

Mike, this video (as well as so many others you upload) has really helped me get situated with the use of my tractor. Thank you for sharing your experience and advice.

[@StartBuildingYourDreams]

Definitely consider you a tractor mentor...I’m a first time tractor owner... You’re spot on when it comes to pallet forks, and lifting straps! They are definitely handy! Know your wisdom is sincerely appreciated!~Jon @SBYD!

[@tradarchery3]

I bought a set of straps because of this video…. I used them yesterday. Handy…! Thank you for all the knowledge and advice you share. Well done videos. Thank you!

[@TwoAMBlacktop]

I bought one and a couple of farm clevises for swapping pallet jack batteries that I keep in my toolbox in my service van. I found mine at Orscheln's, I would imagine that TSC or similar farm stores might also carry these.

[@dwayneloftice2326]

Great demonstration....again, Tractor Mike. Signed, "I hate chains except for pulling stuck tractors!"

[@richardflaherty2373]

Thanks again, Mike! I haven't bought my tractor yet (he is low on inventory) but... I am going to order these straps just to feed the Dream of Tractor Ownership. UPDATE: I did order them through your link. Thanks - This City Fella is feeling more like a Farmer already! Update: I order them through your link and they arrived right away and they are STRONG well made. Thanks

[@GDyer-cl8fl]

Be sure to use softeners on any edge the strap goes around. Will lengthen life of straps. Any kind of edge will damage the strap when subjected to the intense pressure of lifting a heavy object. Applies to ratchet straps as well. We used 1” straps in the mill for almost everything. Very strong if you get quality made in USA straps from a good source like industrial supply.

[@greenwoodsbushhogging6704]

Just don't length them together by looping the loops together.. unless you want them to remain combined forever. I now have a "tow rope" of 4 lifting straps that I did like that in a pinch. Very useful in itself though and stays wrapped around the roll bars of my tractor.

[@semco72057]

I have two tractors and just have the bucket on one which came from the dealership, but there are times when I do wish that I had a set of forks to use with one tractor to move items around. I may look at getting some of the straps you have and they look like some of the tiedowns used by the military and government contractors in moving equipment.

[@mikeskidmore6754]

If you criss crosssed them the brush hog would be closer to the forks

[@court2379]

Just be aware that a 45deg strap angle will reduce the load capacity by 30%. By 50% at 60deg and it falls off fast after that. Measured from vertical. Just fine for this load though.

[@lifewithpeter2819]

I just found your channel and I am in really impressed. Already learned a whole bunch. I watch the one about the grapple and we don’t have a quick release on our bucket and wondering if there were some pallet forks it would fit right on a bucket easily that you might know about. Great channel thanks for putting up the great videos

[@TractorMike]

Those clamp on forks are out there, but it's putting the weight out further and there's a possibility to bend up your bucket. I'm personally not a big fan. I think you'd be better off changing the tractor to quick attach (look here to see if a kit is available: asktractormike.com/quick-attach-complete-conversion-kits/) and getting a devoted set of pallet forks. It's more expensive until you consider what it would cost to replace the bucket if the clamp-on forks bent it...

[@lifewithpeter2819]

@@TractorMike Hey thanks so much Mike. Really like your videos. Well done and very informative. I’ll look into that link you sent. We have a Chinese made tractor and there is no distributor for them anymore in North America.

[@fhuber7507]

You need a retaining device to prevent the straps from sliding on the forks. I like a 2X 4 with pipoe hanger to keep it centered up on the fork blade, then cut a notch in the 2X4 across its top. The notch will trap the strap your load is hanging from... Add an eye bolt and anchor the 2X4 to the pallet fork frame. Now the strap won't slide on the fork as it changes from level with the loader going up or down as long as you keep it within a reasonable amount of level. This gives MUCH more tolerance than just wrapping the load strap on the fork.

[@malamberson]

You can add a c-clamp in front of and behind the straps on both forks to keep the straps from sliding, if you forget to do what you said about keeping the forks level

[@markbergeron3974]

Mike a safety hint when using those straps is to have some C clamps handy and place one on either side of the strap on each fork. This will keep the straps from sliding around on the forks and is much safer. It is general practice in most industrial settings.

[@christophersawtelle2558]

Just bought a six foot pair from you. Thanks for the videos on brush hogging! New to it!

[@steveweller4675]

Just got some pallet forks for my JD 750 - thanks for the great video and advice.

[@stephenrhodesianridgeback7418]

The. Nylon slings work great . Use them all the time different sizes and length . I use good quality vise grips on the forks too stop the slings from sliding when needed 👍.

[@CamppattonFamilyCompound]

I used these straps in underground construction for years. We lifted 8" to 120" diameter metal and concrete pipe, Manhole barrels, steel road plates and more. a great and useful tool.

[@robertmcdonnold3038]

Great video Mike. John Deere has a self leveling option on their small tractors.

[@rifleman6476]

I use one strap and wrap it around the base of the gearbox. Easy to spin the cutter if needed using a short guide rope.

[@ahillbillyredneck2375]

Those are commonly used in moving granite memorials. Very handy

[@supporterofeverythingyouli6255]

Looks like you better get a 1.5 foot and a 3 foot

[@timziegler9358]

Excellent advice! Thank you

[@markbuetow2351]

I bought a hoist bar with a swivel hook on it that clamps on the forks. That is the safest way to move loads and is worth the $140 price to never drop a sling off of the forks.

[@TractorMike]

Mark, where did you find it? I've been looking for something like that.

[@sunjaybedi4389]

Thank you for the informative video Mike

[@jamesmaddox1450]

Cool. I just bought a pallet fork attacthment last week, incidentally. I never did see the straps on your Amazon site. I did see strap protectors though.

[@TractorMike]

James, they're all on the same listing page. There's a drop down box there that you can click on and it you'll see the 2" straps. The company makes a great product, the Amazon listing could use some work :).

[@Tritamer]

I just took home an 84” Woods Brushbull rotary cutter from the dealer yesterday. They loaded it onto my rental trailer with a forklift and these straps. I also picked up a set of pallet forks. When I got home, I used chains and got that cutter off the trailer, but wish I had the straps. Chains do scratch a bit. By the way, an 84” single spindle rotary cutter is a heavy beast of an implement! (3/4 of a ton). The straps would have given a little more confidence. I’ll order them through your link. Thanks!

[@Tritamer]

By the way, your Amazon link is for the sling protector (as of 10-11-20).

[@TractorMike]

If you'll click on the dropdown box where that sling protector listing is you'll see the other options. Their listing is a little confusing but I like their product and price.

[@morganclark8200]

Why not hook implement to three point hitch and back up to your trailer and set it down?

[@theElderberryFarmer]

I don't think I could lift a brush cutter high enough to set it on a trailer without actually taking the tractor up on the trailer. I suppose that doing that is certainly an option, though! But, if you need to load up a coupe of 3-point implements (say, a brush cutter and a box blade) to take out to a site, having the straps to lift one of the attachments with would be handy.

[@keithnavarro2930]

Would it have been more stable if you put all 4 eyes on the forks?

[@5critters]

That's what I do sometimes, depending on what I'm moving

[@clarkansas6590]

Good information

[@highlanderc]

2x3 and 2x6 are not available.. bummer

[@TractorMike]

I'm looking back at what I ordered...I wanted 2" X 3' but all they had was 2" X 4' so I ordered that and they sent me 2" X 3' so I got what I wanted anyway. Their Amazon site is a little confusing, you have to click a dropdown box to get options, it defaults to "Sling Protectors". I do notice some sizes are backordered, a lot of people have ordered them.

[@Pete.Ty1]

.😊👍

[@ritzbitz2000]

Thanks!

[@markproulx1472]

When I was on the job, we used countless eye-eye slings to move equipment around. When I started rehabilitating our hobby farm, one of the first things I bought was an assortment of them. I use ‘em all the time. We’re fortunate in that our local hardware store stocks a huge selection of slings, shackles, and other rigging hardware.

[@rickyhorsburgh6581]

Every fel on tractors in Australia has to be self leveling by law

[@matthewsims359]

You are exactly right about the pallet forks and lift straps. Those two things are a must have for someone who loads and unloads or is just always moving equipment around. Stay well and stay safe