I recently made a fork platform to work out of. My tractor will lift to around 9' in height, so I could reach/work on items up to say 16' high. More if I incorporate an adjustable stand inside the box. My neighbor is re-doing his back deck and gave me a bunch of PT lumber that really is still in good shape. I have very little out of pocket money into this platform. I'll touch more on that later. Here is the base. 4x4 runners with 5/4x6 decking attached. The platform is 4' x 8'. I added some 4x4 posts and cut slots in them with the table saw to accept some feedlot panels. The panels are 4 gauge wire (about 3/16" diameter), and have 8x6 openings. I chose this design so I can still see through the box when pulling up to things to work on, and for less weight. Its hard to see in the pics, but there is a 1/4" transport chain that holds the platform to the forklift frame, and there is also a safety chain across the front of the box with two eye screws embedded in the corner posts. Potential uses include, cutting branches, hanging Christmas lights, changing floodlight bulbs, fixing siding, cutting in vents, power washing house, window work, working on new buildings, etc, etc. As for price, I paid $23 for the feedlot panel at TSC. I bought one 8' 4x4, and the rest I got for free from my neighbor. My total investment is around $35. I intend to add a few more things like a flip down workbench and tool holders, and maybe a height adjustable slide in platform to stand on to get a little more height.
Too useful, when can I borrow that and the tractor? I'll even offer to cover the full cost of your build! My baby 'bota struggles to lift 500#, it would be way to tippy for me to do something similar.
I also have a 5' box. Its more for carrying things than working out of, although I have worked out of it. This new box allows for a lot more room. The 5' box will still see plenty of use transporting firewood around.
