Thread: Where to get hardwood poles in Canberra area?

I will be lifting with the front end loader and a chain secured to pallet forks

I am hoping to position the posts in the holes and then lift with the poles between the pallet forks and wrapped in chain to prevent tipping when they reach their crest

Rather than lifting to 3m I will have people on the ground with ropes helping counterbalance and guide the posts in to the ground

@Catmanjan - Sorry to "rain on your parade", but your proposed pole lifting technique is fraught with extreme danger and inadequate lifting equipment.
I speak as an equipment operator of over 50 years (from forklifts to front-end-loaders to bulldozers to cranes - and I'm also an equipment operator trainer).

Pallet forks should NEVER be used for anything but insertion into pallets. Trying to secure chains to them is a recipe for accidents.
Proper lifting equipment is essential to avoid accidents when lifting - that means certified and approved LIFTING chains and hooks (not just any old piece of chain lying around the farm).

Improper lifting techniques and equipment have killed and injured a lot of people. Lifting a pole requires a method of secure attachment to the pole. A pole suddenly swinging or slipping is exceptionally dangerous.
I'd suggest a webbing strap looped around the pole as the recommended non-slip attachment - and this must be positioned well above the halfway-height of the pole to prevent a sudden reversal of lifting orientation.
A pole suddenly doing a 180 degree flip can move so fast, anyone within reach of it can't move fast enough to get out of the way.

A machine that can lift to almost the pole height would be the proper choice of equipment, and it must be designed to safely carry that weight, at that height and reach.
A lot of tractor FEL's are extremely lightweight construction, and if you extend their reach - their lifting ability, weightwise, is reduced to very small amounts of weight.
Sloping ground affects equipment carrying abilities and control of the machine. Rear-only brakes won't stop a machine on a slope, that's carrying heavy weight on the front end.

Your proposed method of assistants with ropes attached to the pole to control swing and positioning is good - just ensure that they are out reach of any potential hit via unexpected slippage.
And of course, never forget the bottom line for personal safety - NEVER get underneath the reach of ANY suspended load, no matter how safe it seems.
Farming operations are notorious for simple but bad accidents that are often life-changing - or even worse, fatal - and the consequences of either will affect your life, forever onwards.

Not trying to be "wet blanket" or an OH&S Nazi here - just trying to ensure that you think about the entire potential of accidents, or just expensive mishaps, that can put a damper on what initially seems a straight-forward operation.

There is a fellow in Nimmitabel who may be able to help you. Turn off the Monaro at the service station, go up and on to the other side of the railway line and follow the road up a few klm's, he is on the left, you can't miss him, timber everywhere. He has a Lucas Mill so can cut to your size.

I'm sorry, I meant to say Michelago not Nimmitabel.

Originally Posted by sawmiller

I'm sorry, I meant to say Michelago not Nimmitabel.

MUCH closer to Canberra


and very good to know -- thanks for posting