How to Build a Simple Crane

Make a tripod from three of the poles. Use the knife to cut small, narrow holes in the earth so you can slide the poles into the ground. Slide each pole a quarter of its length into the ground.

Tie the ends of of three poles together with a lashing that will not slip. Tie a loop of rope around the point where the tripod is bound. Make it about a quarter of the length from the joining point of the tripod to the ground.

Cut a groove in the remaining pole about a third of the way from the end. Cut a further groove just shy of the end of the pole closest to the existing groove. Tie the rope that hangs down from the tripod around this pole at the more central groove. This will suspend the pole, though the longer end will come to rest on the ground.

Tie a further length of rope around the remaining groove. Tie a bucket or other container at the end of the rope to help with carrying. By pulling on the long end of the suspended pole you can use leverage to help you lift and maneuver heavy loads.