Ok......I am getting convinced by the family I need a tractor for our 9 acres. I have a machine shop and one of the requirements is I want to put forks on the loader to unload steel trucks when it is snowy because forklift won't work in snow. I need to be able to unload at least 2,000 pounds. I am partial to Kubotas for some reason.....but open to New Holland or something else. My main question is will a tractor in the 30 HP size range have that much lift capacity with the loader and be heavy enough. We don't get a lot of snow, but my driveway is long and if it is snowy or icy at all the forklift is out of the question.
Tractor Shopping and Lift Capacity
- Thread starter monteu
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k0ua
Epic Contributor
I think you are going to have to look at the 40+ tractor size to reliably lift that 2000 lbs with forks. The Kioti DK45se with its KL401 loader was rated 2762 lbs at the pins, to full height. so your 2000 lbs out on the forks is doable. Be sure to ballast the other end of the tractor adequately. The current Kioti NX45 is about the same. Several other brands will get you there too, but I can't think of any 30 horse tractor that will. Of course I could be wrong. But you need to set your sights just a little higher into the 40hp class of tractor I think.
Fawken
Platinum Member
For 2000 lb plus loads of steel (beams, poles, 5x10 flats?) I'm thinking you'd be more safe getting a used forklift and then getting a small tractor for the acreage.
I have a forklift. This is just for the odd time that I need to unload a truck when there is snow on the ground.
TSO
Elite Member
As Koua stated, nothing in the 30HP range is gonna cut it. You'll need a loader in the 40+ HP category. Forget New Holland, their 250TL loader won't do it. Kubota's LA1055 might not either.
Fawken
Platinum Member
Then the bigger the better. Weight your tires too. I'd look for a used model with a cab since you'll be in the snow? Not sure where you live but I'm guessing it is colder there than here in Dallas.
TSO
Elite Member
Sorry, phone made a duplicate
oosik
Epic Contributor
Where I worked we had only a forklift to unload the steel off the trucks. Flat, beams, pipe - all tied down to pallets. After I had a couple near accidents - slipping/sliding into parked cars. The management got R-1 type front tires and since they were solid rubber - I drilled and installed large studs. Made all the difference in the world.