Forks Pallet forks to move a shed

[JFarms]

I'm looking into pallet forks for my 4100--the kind that replace the FEL bucket. Specs on the 4100 say forks can only handle 275 lbs, but my 4100 FEL has lifted at least 800 lbs without trouble. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

I hoping to use the forks to move a small portable shed (6' x 8') around the property but don't want to buy forks if the shed is too much. Does anyone understand why specs on forks are so low? Anyone else use a small CUT to move a shed around? Thanks in advance.

 

[rdbrumfield]

Moving a 6x8 shed might be a challenge with forks. The forks will need to be able to withstand all the weight on the tips, will be a balancing problem. Have you thought about using a couple of 6X6's and making a sled to put the shed on?

 

[Bird]

I don't know what that "portable shed" is made of and how heavy it is, but I'd have serious doubts about being able to handle it with forks on the front of the tractor. When I had the B7100, I moved an 8' x 8' wood storage building with it, but the building was built on 4" x 6" skids, so with the help of a strong rope, I just lifted one end barely off the ground, then drug it to where I wanted it (driving the tractor in reverse). I later did the same thing with a 10' x 12' shed and my B2710. No way I could have picked either of them up.

 

[Von]

I moved this lean-to (see attached photo) in the background, it is 8' x6'. Had no floor in it when I moved it. Just cut the four corner post off flat to the ground and picked it up by putting the loader right in it! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif I was pleased that we were able to move it so easely. It was the old bus stop at the end of our privite drive, but now the bus comes down the road. Makes a great place for the kids to put on their skates.

 

[Casimir]

If you get the skid steer style forks that replace your bucket, they may be able to lift 800 lbs in close to the tractor, but the farther out on the forks the weight is, the more leverage it has. I have bucket forks which stick out in front of the bucket and I can only lift about half as much weight on the forks as I can in the bucket. Sometimes makes me wish I had a quick attach system on the loader and skid steer style forks - they are also easier to see the forks when you are trying to slide them into a pallet /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

You didn't say whether your 'portable shed' is wood or metal. If it's metal you might be OK with the weight but I'd worry about the shed withstanding the jostling from the ride. If it's wood I'd be very concerned with the weight. In either case, I wouldn't try moving anything that size with forks on a 4100.

Call a local towing company and have them come out with a roll back flatbed. They can winch it up on the bed easily and put it where you want it safely. It shouldn't be a big deal for them at all and shouldn't be all that expensive, either. I've had a 14' x 8' x 8' box taken off a truck chassis and then set down elsewhere for storage recently and my cost was $25. I get a break from these guys but I still can't imagine something like what you want to do being over $50 retail.

Good luck with whatever you decide. I hope this helps. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[jhburke]

I have a B7500HSD. I moved a very heavy 8'x8' shed built on cross ties. I used a 3 point carry all on the back of my tractor. I jacked the shed up until the carry all slid under it. I was able to then pull it to the new location.

 

[Phred]

Jfarms,

I don't think the forks are the problem, since you can buy bobcat/skidsteer style forks rated to ~5000 lbs. Or maybe a set of heavy duty bucket forks.
http://www.arrowforklift.com/pallet-forks.html
The problem is your machine will get very light in the rear end.

It all depends on how much that shed weighs, but I don't think the 4100 is enough tractor for the job.

Fred

 

[Gunfighter]

You need to find out what the maximum lift is for your tractor/loader. Then subtract
the weight of the pallet forks, the number your left with is the carrying capacity of your
tractor/loader...


I have Wood's small pallet forks on a J.D. 790, the forks carrying capacity
is 2000 lbs but the 790 capacity is less then 1000 lbs...
If I subtract the weight of the forks, I can probably pickup an carry 500/600 lbs.

Attachment: This was Max lift for the 790, another 50 lbs an the tree would
have stayed on the ground...

Richard...

 

[rationalizer]

Have you thought about pallet forks for the Three Point Hitch? I started a thread on this awhile back - "TPH Pallet forks". I'm still shopping - but it appears there are several makes/models available. I assume you don't need to lift the shed high - just high enough to clear ground obstacles. I'm not sure what your lift capacity is - but it should be higher on the TPH - and the load will be much more stable low and to the rear.

Bill