Buying Advice I need a versatile machine that can lift 3500lbs and is awsome with a fork attachment

YukonOp · Jan 24, 2012

I unload B-trains 6 times a year with drilling rods etc. and each weigh upto 1700lbs. I need to lift two at a time - so lifting 3400lbs. I then have to load these onto smaller trailers etc or store under a shelter untill such time. I am looking for a machine that has a good record and waranty and is not a zoom boom or forklift but is versatile and can articulate. I need a machine that can do other things. Is there an appropriate machine out there I should look at that would be less expensive? Finally the machine should be worthy of operating in the Yukon/Alaska climate.

Is there any deals out there I should consider?

Grandad4 · Jan 24, 2012

Your lift weight requirements are a bit much for a "compact" tractor and really put you into larger equipment. If you're looking for an alternative to a wheel loader type machine, which seems like an obvious choice, you might want to look at some full-sized agricultural utility tractors, such as the John Deere 6R and 7R series. These are 200+ horsepower units that would lift your weight readily and also handle numerous attachments at the rear. Not articulated, but 4WD and with many features and options. May not save you $, but definitely robust and well-supported.

slowzuki · Jan 24, 2012

100 hp tractor and loader can do this, but is not as good as a forklift. Telehandler is the ideal tool but I assume thats what you meant by zoom boom. Rough terrain forklift is the cheapest option. Bucket loader works with q/a forks too. Backhoe with flip over or q/a forks works too, but lots of money. A 120+ sized escavator with thumb can work if you are handy with rigging. Lots of options.

When you say articulate, do you mean you want an articulated machine like a loader or do you mean you want rough terrain axle oscillation?

Things that might work are the largest skid steers, but thats alot of weight on one and they don't reach far.

Martian · Jan 24, 2012

If your strictly doing loader work - no 3 pt. work, no mowing, etc. and and all you need is a loader an articulated loader is definitely the way to go. Something like below states it has a tipping capacity of over 8000 pounds.

244J Wheel Loader from JohnDeere

YukonOp · Jan 24, 2012

If I get a big machine (large hp) I would need it to be manouverable such as having the four wheels turn like and Zoom Boom Telehandler or Bobcat A770; or a pin in the middle like a Kabota R520. The A770 will handle the load in weight but I am not sure it would unload a B-train due to reach. The Kabota R520 will bearly meet in tipping load weight and sounds like an accident in the making. What do you think? Anything smaller you recommend? What about 4 wheel forklift - what would be the best to meet my needs - wouldn't a forklift still be problematic for unloading trucks as far as the reach thing goes?

YukonOp · Jan 24, 2012

No John Deere rep here - how much would one of them go for?

slowzuki · Jan 24, 2012

Rough terrain forklift with 8 ft forks or wheel loader with the same is the lumber yard standard here for loading, unloading transports. The forklifts start about 5000 lb and go to way more, usually cheap around here with the US housing market down so bad and mills hurting. The wheel loaders come in all sizes and prices. I can't recommend the small Kubota 520, friend had one at a landscaping place he worked at, he hated the thing. Wasn't all that strong, expensive to rebush, no cab on his, didn't push snow like he though it should, etc.

Martian · Jan 24, 2012

Would there be any use for the machine besides unloading the b-trains? There are plenty of different options. Wheel loaders, skid steers, rough terrain forklifts, sky lifts, mini boom cranes, utility tractor and the list goes on. Any of those will suit your needs for lifting, if you have anything else planned then some will prevail as better options in terms of cost, but if your only using it six times a year, to get an old sky track for a couple thousand makes a lot more sense than dropping $60k in a new machine. You really need to make it clear if there are any other uses.

gengine · Jan 24, 2012

Martian beat me to it! We have a 244j at work and absolutely love the thing. We used to have a skid steer to clean out under the crusher and other equipment, but found this to be a better fit. We also lift our mantles, that weigh roughly 8500 lbs. With the fork attachment. Our forks are skid steer attach, so we have the adapter, but it works just as well. It articulates, but the rearvwheels also turn making the turning radius about ten feet. Plus with the SS adapter and the hydraulics, it's set up for all the skid steer attachments. It's a great machine. We put on the first set of replacement tires and loader pins this last summer with 8000 hours on the machine.