Shade Tree Mechanics

Brian G. NY · Oct 8, 2021

I wish I had a picture of every engine I pulled using a tree limb going back to the 50s. I was still sometimes using trees up into the 70s.
Not only is ironwood my favorite firewood, it's also my favorite "engine pullin'" tree.

fastfarmall · Oct 8, 2021

As long it isn't the Dogwood Tree, your fine!

Geo-TH,In · Oct 8, 2021

Shade tree mechanics have to live up to their name and use a shade tree.

rrlund · Oct 8, 2021

We had a couple of box elders that had chains grown right in to them from hanging the chain fall.

RayP(MI) · Oct 8, 2021

Boxelders scare me. Way too flimsy wood for hoist use.

Dave H (MI) · Oct 8, 2021

Might be important to point out to the unobservant that the chain around the engine going to the branch is not the only support for the engine. It, or a second chain, also runs diagonally across to the trunk. Makes a big difference.

Hobo,NC · Oct 8, 2021

Neighbor up the street from me did 100's that way... A car was always under his shadtree with the engine out. He was the local go to man if your engine needed building. Everything was done under his tree... He was not a professional mechanic it was for his side money.

I pulled a many never used a tree tho...

Ozlander · Oct 8, 2021

(quoted from post at 09:13:14 10/08/21) I wish I had a picture of every engine I pulled using a tree limb going back to the 50s. I was still sometimes using trees up into the 70s.
Not only is ironwood my favorite firewood, it's also my favorite "engine pullin'" tree.

I didn't used to be a shade tree mechanic, worked right out in the sun.
But, now I'm older and the sun has grown much hotter, I do my work in the shade.

Bruce from Can. · Oct 8, 2021

Pulled a couple out with a front end loader, didnt have a block
and tackle.

Gambles · Oct 8, 2021

A few weeks ago, there were a few pictures going viral of a
man swapping an engine in a WalMart parking lot. Ya gotta do what you gotta do.

Steve@Advance · Oct 8, 2021

Shade tree beats a cherry picker in the dirt any day!

bamaray · Oct 8, 2021

one of my son in laws has a hot mustang...he had the motor built and he and a friend has set up a Saturday Moring in January to put motor back in. He ask me to use frontend loader to set motor in, about the
time I stopped tractor to lower motor snow starting falling. Tractor hood got white but they got it in and back in garage.

UncleTom · Oct 8, 2021

I pulled a motor from such a small limb that I had to run a chain from the limb diagonally to the trunk as well. Then used a comealong. It's the only tree around. Probably a 6-8 inch trunk.

Brian G. NY · Oct 8, 2021

(quoted from post at 16:37:50 10/08/21) Might be important to point out to the unobservant that the chain around the engine going to the branch is not the only support for the engine. It, or a second chain, also runs diagonally across to the trunk. Makes a big difference.

I actually believe that ironwood tree branch would have held but I don't like to take chances. Besides it might have been a bit "springy". LOL

Phil-mar Farms · Oct 8, 2021

The first engine I saw pulled was a Chevy 6 Dad used a 4x4
across the scuttle in the garage ceiling and a rope fence
stretcher

M-MAN · Oct 8, 2021

I pulled dozens from an oak tree limb
behind Mom's house. Older brother blew
so many engines we had it down to two
hours from rolling in to rolling out.
Now that you mentioned it I need to see
if the chain is still there. After 40
years it probably isn't coming out if it
is.

Briar Hill Brittanys · Oct 8, 2021

Pulled the motor and auto tranny out of a 72 Opel using a tree limb and chain falls. I believe the tree was an elm. Once swapped a 3 speed tranny in a 66 Chevy 1/2 ton on a campsite at Table Rock lake. Called my buddy that lived in Joplin, told him what I needed, picked one up at a salvage yard and trucked it down to me. We proceeded to R/R, then went fishing.

rrlund · Oct 8, 2021

All we had in the yard was boxelder and willow. I guess it was the lesser of two evils. LOL

RESLLS · Oct 8, 2021

No trees, but used the kids swing set once
37 yrs ago.

Moonlite37 · Oct 8, 2021

Big Cajun neighbor pulled small block chevy with his hands. as he told me. I believed him

gajack · Oct 9, 2021

Brother Barry knocked a hole over the garage door
opening, hung a chain a went to work.
He pulled a few with no problems out of his
hot rod Camaro.

Tim in New York · Oct 9, 2021

Heck of a big ironwood tree!

caterpillar guy · Oct 12, 2021

I'm with Bruce I used the loader bucket to lift and set. On the Stiegers I use a Skytrac those engines weigh in close to 3000 LBS.

Shade Tree Mechanics

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Member

Well-known Member

Similar threads