I’m making some diy 55 gallon automatic barrel feeders. I get making a tripod is probably the best way but I have a lot of 4”x6”x10’ treated post that I got for free. I plan on using 2 post and then run a beam across the top. Thinking a pulley in the middle of the beam and use a hand winch to raise/lower. This is my first time to make some and I’m looking for a good way to connect to the barrel. I’ve seen a few ideas searching around on Google but wanted to see what some of you have done. Thanks

https://www.nativeoutdoors.com/all-...05OiVjAMV8nF_AB06Fwi4EAQYAiABEgLm0fD_BwE

What if you used something like this and drilled holes in the top of the posts. I realize you would need a ladder to fill the feeder.

I’m having a hard time picturing what you are planning to build by your post.

Use a hole saw to place two holes 180 degrees apart 2" from the top. Run a piece of pipe or thick wall conduit that fits tight in the holes that extends 1' each side. Place hose clamps on the outside to prevent the pipe from sliding out. Run chain through the pipe and connect the two loose ends with a quick link that will attach to your cable.

I've done this with metal barrels and hung them from trees. Some had hand winch set ups to raise and lower, some hung low enough that I could fill from the back of a truck.

500 lbs in this barrel:



All 4x4s except 2x4 cross piece at end with support strap.

1/2 inch forged eyebolt with 3/8s shackle that holds a pulley. Cable runs back to hand winch anchored to tree at back right. Threaded rods are 1 inch diameter and used to basically make a tree clamp. Bolts are all 5/8s inch grade 5. Once clamp was in place and tightened it was also lagged to tree both sides with 3x 10 inch Timberlok structural lags.

This was built to take the weight of the bait and barrel plus a 400 lb black bear trying to hang off it. All done in one afternoon with some of the items pre-drilled and partially assembled at home. Location was 5 miles by Zodiac from the end of a logging road. Shot showing some of the pre-made pieces:



End of the day it worked and i have killed multiple bears off this feeder.