The Toolbox Assistive Technology Database logo

Back   |   Search   |   View by Category   |   Technical Articles
Al Copeland's Forklift-Style Platform Lift
Al Copeland's Forklift-Style Platform Lift
Two photos showing the tractor and bolted-on lift with its component parts as described.

Al Copeland's Forklift-Style Platform Lift is mounted on the Greenfield, IN, farmer's John Deere 4440 tractor in place of the steps. A hydraulic cylinder raises the lift and gravity lowers it; but because of this, the tractor must be running in order to raise the lift. Therefore, the tractor's ignition key had to be relocated to the lift. Two vertical bars bolted to the tractor frame extend above the tractor's exhaust manifold and are tied into the engine housing for support. The lift guide, welded to the vertical bars, is constructed from two lengths of rectangular steel tubing with machined slots facing away from the tractor. The lift's moving frame consists of 4- foot-long vertical slides that travel inside the lift guide tubes, with arms extending through the guide tube slots to hold a 15-inch by 31-inch platform. A steel rod was welded to the vertical slides at waist height to form a hand grip, and a raised edge at the rear of the platform keeps Copeland's feet from slipping off. The lower end of a single-acting hydraulic cylinder is bolted vertically between the guide tubes, and a pulley is attached to the end of the cylinder rod. A cable, anchored to the tractor frame behind the hydraulic cylinder, travels over the pulley and down to the lift platform. As the cylinder pushes upward, the cable pulls the lift platform up twice the distance that the cylinder extends. The hydraulic control valve used to raise and lower the lift is mounted on the tractor frame to the right of the lift guide tubes. (Note: If this valve was installed closer to the ground, Copeland could still access the lift if it happened to be partially raised.)

Caution symbol Caution Notes: To raise this lift, the tractor engine must be running, which is a safety concern. To prevent runover accidents, it's recommended that lifts be able to operate with the tractor engine shut off. Also, the cable, the chain, and the hydraulic lines should be checked periodically for damage, wear, and corrosion to minimize the chances of them breaking.
Estimated Cost Cost range: See below

Limitations Limitations Addressed by Product: Lower extremity


SourceAlan Copeland
1191 W 500 N
Greenfield, IN, 46140
Phone317-326-8133
Last updated: Jan 25, 2022


Back   |   Search   |   View by Category   |   Technical Articles