Raising utility poles.

There is little doubt that my 1720 Ford loader would be of no use for this since it only goes up to 8 feet or so.

I'm thinking of using two 12 foot long 4" X 6"s with chains, which I will partially raise before engaging the utility pole connected to them.

Does that sound doable?

Any other suggestions other than hiring a properly outfitted truck?

Chains are not allowed for lifting for your reason stated, they come loose when slack gets into the chain.

Either use a wire rope sling or a nylon sling, (either has to be rated for lifting), rigged as a choke hold on the pole (the sling tail goes thru the sling eye).

T_Bone

This is more of a how not to than help as I've only raised two poles by hand.

The pole weighs about 750lbs if it's 12" x 40ft x 8".

I did a couple 20ft's that went in the hole but not easy. The shape of the hole mouth helps alot, tapered trench on the raising side and a sharp bevel on the opposite side. If the mouth is not shaped correct the pole will catch (jam, stick) on the opposite side and will refuse to slide in without help.

Makes me wonder if using a deadman stake at the bottom of the pole would help. That would limit how far the bottom of the pole would slide until forcing verticle movement. To me it would help drop the pole into the center of the hole instead of letting it slide over onto the opposite sidewall.

I would also read up on how jin poles work. It's the rigging that would be of help.

Me I think if you figure the cost of buying the rigging ( wire rope, snatch blocks, etc) it would be cheaper to hire a boom truck or to rent a small hydro crane on the week end rate.

In any event, TO get 500lbs plus, 40ft into the air you best have all your ducks in a row or someone will get hurt. If young you probably could out run a 20ft pole but there's no way your gonna out run a 40ft'er.

T_Bone