The first lifting pole in place.

The pole is sitting in a 4ft. footer form box that was left open by Rock Hard Foundations. Since it was larger than the pole, we cut four block wedges and forced them around the pole.

For extra stability, we wrapped a short chain around the pole and two rebar pins atop the wall.

Paul hopped on the tractor and dragged the second lifting pole off the rack. For lifting poles, we selected ones that were straight enough and large enough that barely passed inspection.

Dragging the pole toward the house.

We used the same type of chain sling setup used when unloading the logging truck.

Heading around the front to the opposite side.

Setting the butt end down near the back edge of the east wall.

Now to hook up to the top end of the pole.

Swinging the top end around so that the pole will be ready to lift over the east wall.

Picking up the top end with the forks to align the log with the back wall.

With the top end lifted off the ground, we bored a 1/2" hole all the way through about a foot from the end.

Then we cut a piece of 1/2" threaded rod using a chop saw.

Using the chop saw to cut a short length of chain.

The rod is passed through the pole and will hold the short chain which the pulley block will hang from.

Securing the chain on the bolt with a nut and large washer on each end.

We used a chainsaw to knock off the larger knots near the top of the pole so the rope that will hang from the pulley block wouldn't snag. We forgot to do that on the first pole and ran into a few "snags" because of it.

Using the block and tackle rigged on the first pole, we lifted the butt end of the second pole up and onto the east wall.

For safety, we chose to use the tractor to do the pulling, rather than attempting by hand.

Paul sliding the chain sling further back on the pole.

With the sling slid back, and another lift attempted, the pole inched across the wall little by little.

Tying the rope to the clevis on the rear of the tractor.

Paul watches the movement of the pole as Jeff slowly drives the tractor forward.

Climbing up to move the sling one more time.

Now the pole is roughly balanced on the sill.

Paul crawls out onto the pole to slide the sling out further, since this end of the pole is now higher than the ladder will reach.

We also rigged a short block and tackle to the butt end to pull it along the ground toward the 4ft. pit. This one was operated by hand.

The pole is almost ready to be hoisted into the air.

One last effort to get the butt end over the sump crock and lined up with the pit.

Using the heat from the generator muffler to melt the ends of the poly rope to prevent freying.

Jeff shimmies out onto the log to attach the pulley block to the chain. This pulley will remain hanging atop the pole throughout the log lifting process.

Paul rigs the lower block from the first pole to hoist the second pole part way into position. He also rigged a release line to the hook so that we could get the block back down off the pole.

And the lifting begins. Also visible are the two guy ropes on the first pole.

Once the pole was lifted as high as we could get it with the block and tackle from the first pole, we braced it with a 2x8x12 plank.

Then...crash! When we began to pull the pole up from the opposite side of the house, the pole began to pivot on the butt end. The guy rope did not hold, and the pole fell into the basement, bending over a bunch of rebar pins.

But through diligence and patience, we got the pole back up on the wall and moved back to where we had it propped up and braced along the rear wall.

Sorry, we don't have any more pics for this day. John showed up after work about this time and lended some much-needed assistance. This time we tied a guy rope to the hitch of the pickup and changed our pulling angle with the tractor. The pole slowly rose into position, keeping tight to the rear wall, and fell into the 4ft. pit.

SUCCESS!

A view from outside the rear of the basement, showing the log braced and ready to lift again.

A pic from a few days later. Both rear poles are in place.