Ahh I've run into the gravel driveway pulling parts thing too many times. The advantage of having a ranch though, is that tractors (usually found on ranches) are indeed quite handy in a multitude of situations and purposes.
I think I've used it to lift more engines and drag around projects than I have for working around here...
Perhaps you could find a way to secure the lift in a truck bed with the boom hanging over the back and use a longer chain, or make a hand winch hoist out of pipe that would fit into a stake hole?