Page 118 - IT'S A RUM LIFE BOOK FOUR Volume 1 "Northcote 1984 to 1998"

Andy sorted his list of requirements and we dashed off to Rundle's my old neighbours and
life saving employers, to find big section square metal tube and all the hydraulic parts we
would need to quickly build a crane that fitted on the rear of the tractor.

It was to be operated by a large dual stage hydraulic ram. This was coupled into the tractor
lifting system and by using an adjustable ‘jib’ with extendable cross brace would be able to
reach Goliath in any situation inside our buildings or outside.
I had by now purchased two special extra wide lifting straps from a crane supply company
in Grimsby and we were ready for the next time!

Andy and his initial “Golly lifter”. Goliath is in the background watching all the work.

IT REALLY WORKS
The next time soon arrived and even old Goliath who had been watching our efforts with
the tractor certainly appreciated that something new and very special was on hand.
Geoff and I managed the first lift in about ten minutes, this was far quicker than just trying
to pull the old chap back onto his feet, and of course far far less stress on the horse
himself.
As time went by we became even more proficient and even old Goliath knew what was
expected of him. He would hutch his body around as the slings were slithered under him to
enable the whole process to proceed as quickly as possible.