bonsaibp
Omono
We use something similar but changed the wheels to pneumatic ones to make it easy going over gravel or dirt.
How can you handle the large bonsai?
- Thread starter bonhe
- Start date
We use something similar but changed the wheels to pneumatic ones to make it easy going over gravel or dirt.
Vance Wood
Lord Mugo
I meant to answer this previously but something came up and by the time I got around to it we were knee deep into some serious solutions. However there is one method that has some merit if not funny; fake a heart attack and get some of the younger people in your club to carry it around. No equipment to buy, people will be glad to help you (they will anyway) and for weeks after words they are going to be asking how you and your tree are doing.
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bonhe
Masterpiece
Poink88
Imperial Masterpiece
I am dialing my tree sizes down now as much as possible. Too many disturbed sleep due to back ache already 
.
I will start shooting for 8"-16" (finished size) trees (if I buy/get more). UNLESS I see a killer tree, then I won't mind what size it is. LOL
. I will start shooting for 8"-16" (finished size) trees (if I buy/get more). UNLESS I see a killer tree, then I won't mind what size it is. LOL
jkd2572
Masterpiece
Just got a hydraulic lift cart from northern tools. Lifts to the hight of my benches. No more problems with big trees.
fore
Omono
Awesome isn't it jkd! I love mine too. Storage is a pain for me...I have only my basement accessible via 5 steps. No garage. This is my only complaint LOL
I just ordered one from Harbor Freight - looking forward to saving my back this winter when I have to move my big bald cypress and collected wisteria
coh
Imperial Masterpiece
I am dialing my tree sizes down now as much as possible. Too many disturbed sleep due to back ache already
I will start shooting for 8"-16" (finished size) trees (if I buy/get more). UNLESS I see a killer tree, then I won't mind what size it is. LOL
You know why they are called killer trees, right?
Vance was on to something...
Smoke
Ignore-Amus
Poink88
Imperial Masterpiece
You know why they are called killer trees, right?
I know...and the sad part is that I may think it is a killer (nice) tree and in reality...it is not, just plain KILLER!
Vance is indeed unto something but it is a trump card you can play but once. I'll save it for when I really need it (hopefully never).
jkd2572
Masterpiece
Northern tools is where I got this lift via eBay. Lifts 500 lbs. goes up to 34 inches high. My benches are about 35 inches high. I am able to just scoot them on and off the benches then make them any height I need. It was great using this guy yesterday as I just adjusted the guy to my level as I worked on different parts of the tree. Quite enjoyable. I never once had to actually pick this tree up and I don't imagine I could. Bad back here. Just scooted it around. This guy has to way 300lbs plus. Big tree big nursery pot. Lots of dirt. Highly recommend. It was about $220 including shipping. If I added all the chiropractic bills I have paid in the past that is a fraction of a percent. It looks small in this pic, but to give an idea of the tree size the platform of the lift is 27x14. That's a 25 gallon pot.
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Skinnygoomba
Shohin
I had a hernia repaired a few months ago....not so fun. Not from bonsai but from woodworking, however the result is still the same.
bonhe
Masterpiece
Shima
Omono
Me too! A few years ago...from a root over rock JBP. Heavy rock!
Leo in N E Illinois
The Professor
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Glad to see this thread has stayed alive, (gotten recent bumps)
Much good advice here.
Walter, you are right. I joined a gym and figured out how to get the membership paid for by my health plan. Just need to stay on top of using the facilities. Swimming is my favorite, the only time I ever feel light, works the back muscles along with everything else. Arthritis, fairly severe, is my main issue. Some weight training really helps too.
I've been watching our local Craig's list, Hoyer lifts do come up regularly. Its time I start ergonomically re-designing my yard.
The hoist tables are a great solution also. So far I have been lucky. My largest trees either died or were sold in the past few years, so I don't have to deal with anything over 100 pounds anymore. But even for a 50 pound tree the hoist table is a good idea. Being able to change the height while working on a tree is a nice idea.
Good topic. Keep the ideas coming.
About strapping the trunk of a tree to a Hoyer lift. One needs to be careful keep in mind where the bark on your tree is fragile and where the abrasion from the pads and the straps would knock bark loose. Also, if your tree has a lot of dead wood and a contorted trunk, it might not be wise to suspend a tree that way. Though every example Bonhe showed he had used pads, and the trunks were usually pretty intact. He used it correctly.
Shohin is a size range I liked even when in my 20's, so I haven't been temped lately by the larger size trees, yet. Though will probably end up with a future big one. Have a friend working landscape that has gotten into the idea of rescuing old landscape trees. When the right tree is offered I'll probably take it. I already have him keeping an eye out for a good discarded mugo. We'll see what comes along.
Much good advice here.
Walter, you are right. I joined a gym and figured out how to get the membership paid for by my health plan. Just need to stay on top of using the facilities. Swimming is my favorite, the only time I ever feel light, works the back muscles along with everything else. Arthritis, fairly severe, is my main issue. Some weight training really helps too.
I've been watching our local Craig's list, Hoyer lifts do come up regularly. Its time I start ergonomically re-designing my yard.
The hoist tables are a great solution also. So far I have been lucky. My largest trees either died or were sold in the past few years, so I don't have to deal with anything over 100 pounds anymore. But even for a 50 pound tree the hoist table is a good idea. Being able to change the height while working on a tree is a nice idea.
Good topic. Keep the ideas coming.
About strapping the trunk of a tree to a Hoyer lift. One needs to be careful keep in mind where the bark on your tree is fragile and where the abrasion from the pads and the straps would knock bark loose. Also, if your tree has a lot of dead wood and a contorted trunk, it might not be wise to suspend a tree that way. Though every example Bonhe showed he had used pads, and the trunks were usually pretty intact. He used it correctly.
Shohin is a size range I liked even when in my 20's, so I haven't been temped lately by the larger size trees, yet. Though will probably end up with a future big one. Have a friend working landscape that has gotten into the idea of rescuing old landscape trees. When the right tree is offered I'll probably take it. I already have him keeping an eye out for a good discarded mugo. We'll see what comes along.
bonhe
Masterpiece
Thanks for reminding us the problem. So far I haven't got any problem with the bark. It is little scare to wrap the trunk with good bark there. I used the T shirt to wrap around the trunk area few times. The wrap should be tight enough. If it is too loose, it will knock out the bark.
Bonhe
bonsai beginner
Seedling
I have had 2 back surgeries and i am looking at 2 more with one of them being a fusion from L3 to S-1 sand I am 45 years old, Ill never work again. The way I handle my large trees is I have the neighbor kids help me. It gives them something to do and they are eager to learn. When i dont have the kids(well teens) to help my neighbors help. Its a good way to get to know your neighbors better.
bonhe
Masterpiece
I can feel your frustration!
I hope you showed the kids and neighbor how to lift the heavy objects to avoid those problems for them later on!
Bonhe
bonhe
Masterpiece
Thank bonsai beginner to bring this post up again! ;-)
On 2/1/15, this big Liquidamber orientalis was transplanted.
Of course, I had to ask one of my best friend named Hoyer lift to help me out.
On 3/20/15
Bonhe
On 2/1/15, this big Liquidamber orientalis was transplanted.
Of course, I had to ask one of my best friend named Hoyer lift to help me out.
On 3/20/15
Bonhe
