DIY gravel lifts

[zangwills-09]

I'm working at a small dig site in Northern California. Lots of rock and gravel, and the space is really tight. Carrying stuff out by hand is getting tough. I saw some DIY gravel lifts online, but they don't look safe or strong. I want to build something simple to help move gravel up a chute or track.

Has anyone tried something like this? I'd love to hear your ideas!

 

[BanditSydonia]

Simplest option would be to build a wooden chute lined with sheet metal and use buckets or a small winch to drag loads up. Not fancy, but cheap and safer than cobbling together a half-baked conveyor that could collapse.

 

[Alan]

Another alternative is to think about is a conveyor belt that runs on a small electric motor. You can build this system pretty reliably with sturdy PVC pipes for the frame and a rubber belt to move the gravel along a guided track. When it’s set up and supported correctly, it offers a stable and effective solution that won’t give way during regular use.