Wrecker Boom Support

[M35A2-AZ]

I have been worried about the wrecker at shows and displays about someone getting on the wrecker and letting the boom down on someone or something.
So I made a boom support that goes around the cylinder. That way if the lever gets moved or a hose brakes the boom will not come down.

 

[gimpyrobb]

Nice, looks good too!

 

[Hawssie]

Thats a good idea, a lot like whats used on a typical front end loader or backhoe, Like when you want to stick your neck under the hood with the bucket up in the air you stick one of these on the cylinder. Though I don't know for sure but I would hope the wreckers main boom cylinder would have lock valve on it so that if the hose broke (or was loosened/removed) it wouldn't come down. But thats all a lock would save you from, and like I said it may not have one. Other things can also go wrong.

 

[1954 COE]

Great post and info Albert!

 

[M35A2-AZ]

Thats a good idea, a lot like whats used on a typical front end loader or backhoe, Like when you want to stick your neck under the hood with the bucket up in the air you stick one of these on the cylinder. Though I don't know for sure but I would hope the wreckers main boom cylinder would have lock valve on it so that if the hose broke (or was loosened/removed) it wouldn't come down. But thats all a lock would save you from, and like I said it may not have one. Other things can also go wrong.

The wreckers do not have any type of safety items like most equipment has.

 

[zebedee]

Nice safety device, very ingenious. Howz about painting it silver to kind of match the other side!

I was going to do a hinge plate to imobilise the levers on the cupola, similar to some small modern tractors with front loaders.

 

[M35A2-AZ]

Nice safety device, very ingenious. Howz about painting it silver to kind of match the other side!

I was going to do a hinge plate to imobilise the levers on the cupola, similar to some small modern tractors with front loaders.

I did not know what color to paint it, so I went with green.
A lever lock is a good idea also, but you still have the hose brake problem.

 

[Scar59]

Albert, what was the dimension of the pipe that you start with? Great idea, I just got a M936. Can't wait.
JC

 

[M35A2-AZ]

Albert, what was the dimension of the pipe that you start with? Great idea, I just got a M936. Can't wait.
JC

JC, I used a 30"x 3" id pipe. The cylinder is a little smaller then 3", but that is the piece I had around the shop/barn.

 

[Scar59]

Thanks for the follow up, surprised the truck wasn't equipped with a device to secure the cylinders for maintenance / servicing . Maybe paint it caution yellow, or warning red.

 

[Hawssie]

Now that I know there isn't a lock valve on the cylinder retract connection (like it should have) I will put one on mine once I get it here. But though a lock valve will save you from hoses breaking or someone moving the valve without the engine running other stuff can still go wrong so this is still a very good idea.