Tools (continued)

Tools for Lifting and Hauling

Rockbars. Use a rockbar (also called pry bar) for prying large, heavy objects. These bars are heavy duty. They have a chisel tip on one end and a rounded handle on the other.

Place the tip of the chisel under an object to be moved. Wedge a log or rock between the bar and the ground to act as a fulcrum. Press the handle down with your body weight over your palms. Never straddle the bar when prying. When the object raises as much as the bite will allow, block it and use a larger fulcrum or shorter bite on the same fulcrum to raise it further. You will gain proficiency with practice.

Block and Tackles. A block and tackle is a set of pulley blocks and ropes used for hoisting or hauling. They come in different styles, sizes, and capacities.

Ratchet Winches. Ratchet winches (also called come-alongs) are useful for pulling stumps and for moving large rocks and logs. These winches offer mechanical advantage—the Grip Hoist is a specialized winching system that provides a mechanical advantage of 30:1 or more. You really need to know what you are doing with these tools to use them safely and effectively.

Wheelbarrows. Wheelbarrows with pneumatic tires are best as these tires can be inflated or deflated to roll easily on different surfaces.

Motorized Carriers. If your budget and regulations allow, consider a motorized carrier. These come in various configurations and typically feature a dump body. A trailer pulled behind an all-terrain vehicle is another possibility. MTDC has construction plans for a gravel trailer.

A motorized carrier.

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