[Cob] lifting vigas

[JUDITH WILLIAMS]

Does anyone have any suggestions for how to lift a huge viga? It will be my 
ridge beam and must weigh at least 1000 lbs, diameter of about 24" at the 
wide end. A beautiful thing to behold, very old and twisted. I know about 
the method of laying 2 vigas as a ramp and pulling the big one up with ropes 
but it is not absolutely cyilindrical and probably would not roll. At this 
point we are considering hiring a backhoe to lift it with chains. We are 
definitely open to suggestions. Thanks.