AND
REW^
WEI
DMAN
(^4 )
Construct the Bush Jack
STEP 1A-B: Measure 9 inches from one end of a landscape timber, and locate the
center of the flat face. Use the 1^1 ⁄ 8 -inch spade bit to bore through the timber. Take
care when breaking through, as too much force can cause large breakout splinters,
and keep your hands and loose clothing clear of the bit.STEP 2A-B: From the opposite side of the timber, measure 4 inches from the end.
Use a^3 ⁄ 16 -inch twist drill bit to drill a blind hole, 2 to 3 inches deep, in the center
of the rounded face. Screw a^1 ⁄ 4 -inch hook all the way into the hole, positioning
the opening towards the opposite end of the timber (see photo 2b, Page 30).
Repeat steps 1 and 2 on the remaining timbers.STEP 3: Lay out the three timbers side by side, lining up the 1^1 ⁄ 8 -inch holes and
alternating the orientation of the hooks. Slide the^3 ⁄ 4 -inch threaded rod through all
three timbers. Install a^3 ⁄ 4 -inch washer and^3 ⁄ 4 -inch nut on each end of the threaded
rod, placing the nuts within 1 inch of the timbers on each side.STEP 4 (OPTIONAL): Cut scrap plywood into three 18-to-24-inch squares. These will
serve as “flotation” feet and will prevent the tripod from sinking into soft soil
under a load.Safe Jack Setup
Perform these steps each time you use the bush jack.STEP 5: Stand the timbers upright with the threaded rod on top. Spread the bottom
ends out to create a tripod, making sure each^1 ⁄ 4 -inch hook points outward. For
the best stability, space the feet about 4 to 5 feet apart, and place a scrap plywood
piece under each one for better load distribution.STEP 6: Once the tripod is set in place, hook the chain on the^1 ⁄ 4 -inch hooks, keeping
the chain free of slack. Place the end of the chain on the same hook you started at,
creating a loop which ties all three legs together (see photo above). This prevents
the tripod feet from spreading or “walking” outward under a load.■ (^) 8-foot-long, 3x4 landscape timbers
(3)
■ (^) 1-foot-long,^3 ⁄ 4 -inch coarse
threaded rod (1)
■ (^3) ⁄ 4 -inch coarse thread hex nuts (2)
■^3 ⁄ 4 -inch flat washers (2)
■ (^1) ⁄ 4 -inch wood thread screw hooks (3)
■ 10-foot-long light metal chain
■ 1-inch-wide, 2-foot eye-to-eye nylon
lifting sling
■ (^) 2,000-pound capacity chain
fall hoist
■ (^) Scrap plywood (optional)
■ Safety glasses
■ Work gloves
■ Sawhorses
■ Circular saw
■ Power drill (cordless or electric)
■ 3 ⁄ 16 -inch twist drill bit
■ (^11) ⁄ 8 -inch spade bit
■ Tape measure
Tools & Materials
1b
1a