Mount a crane on a Dukw

[eaw46]

Hi guys I was looking for a Miltary unit like this one in the picture. I am an old F$%T and pretty buggerd up and just cannot lift stuff into the DUKW. I want to mount something like this so I can get things in it without killing myself. Anyone have any suggestions so it will at least look not too bad. I would love to keep it completely stock and orginal but really need something to help load and unload the odd time. Please feel free to flame if you want but I need the help to get stuff in that beast. Eddy

 

[clinto]

We had a big discussion about hoists awhile back, but we only covered the functionality, not the appearance.

See this thread: http://www.steelsoldiers.com/deuce/11516-crane-ideas.html

The only military hoists I can think of that are like that are the 5 ton spare tire hoists in some cargo models.

That being said, I'd strip it down and prime a civvy model so paint will stick and paint it to match your DUKW. Remember to brace wherever you mount it, they will easily bend a deuce bed floor.

C

 

[paulfarber]

HF and Northern tools sell a 1 ton bed crane that you bolt to the floor.

Only issue I can see with a DUCK is the thicker gunwales (or whatever they are called).

Plus bolting to the metal floor might cause some watertight issues.

 

[RDUKW]

How about building yourself a replica a frame? At least it will look original and correct. What are you trying to load into the DUKW?

Ryan

 

[eaw46]

I am thinking of mounting it on the wood deck plates with a metal frame to hold it or maybe on the rear deck where the spare tire is. I need to be able to lift stuff from the ground and into the cargo hold. It is about a 7 foot lift from the ground and a 4 food drop into the deck. I would only need it to lift about 500lbs as I am not going to mess with real heavy stuff. I am looking for ideas to keep it Miltary looking. I think if I blast and paint it to match the Dukw it will look OK but wounder if anyone has any ideas. Thanks Eddy

 

[RDUKW]

What are you trying to put in the back? Do you need to be able to load at different locations?

Ryan

 

[RDUKW]

I just went out in the garage to look at mine and I would build a davit that went into the right rear ring mount. That would be removable and would not involve hacking up the original vehicle.

Ryan

 

[Cucvnut]

why is this in a cucv section ?

 

[eaw46]

I ment to put it in the CCKW section as we do not have one for DUKWs but my bad eyes missed. I need the crane as I cannot lift the spare onto the DUKW and I cannot lift anything very heavy onto or into the DUKW. Even a full gas can is trouble for me as you have to lift it above your head just to put it on the deck. I have some issues with busted up body parts and generaly being an old F&*t ( Gas Bag ) I am just looking for some suggestions to make it work but not look too bad. So far I think I will put in on the back deck behind the rear hatch where the gas cans now mount. I will make some braces under the deck plate. I will paint it to match and maybe even make it so I can lay it down when not useing it. I am still looking for comments and hints. Thanks guys. Eddy

 

[jamesfrom180]

I would think a mast and gin pole would have been the correct rigging for this. Mounting the mast to the aft corner of the cargo area could be accomplished with a bracket and if hinged you could use a electric winch to step-in the mast. I think the German pazer support vehicles had something similar to facilitate field repairs. I think I've seen some converted sherman hulls set up that way.

 

[michigandon]

I saw a DUKW set up the way you want about 25+ years ago in Northern Michigan. It was being used in a marine salvage operation. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get any pics of it and i know that doesn't help you much.

 

[jamesfrom180]

Ok I ripped these off of the "tubes" and they are of models but this illustrates my point. For material I would think some out of speck drill pipe would work. Also possibly tow bars. either way I think it would be period correct and serve your purpose. If you do do this remember

edit: added the last pic to verify I was along the right lines. That is an A frame with two DUKWs but field expedited rigging had to have occurred. I'm sure there is a pic of a gin pole rigged especially if someone ran across a Bergpanzer in the field. Only makes sense to have one to me.

 

[landfillman]

I got a small manual AutoCrane boom on my old service truck. It is manual extend and swing with an electric winch. Its what the rail road used in the back of the 3/4 and 1 ton trucks. Its got a meaty square tube stand and will stow the jib beside the stand. Ill get some pics later.

 

[Stan Leschert]

Go down to Princess Auto, get ou your credit card... pick up a few OD Rattle Cans while you're at it, and you're done!