Buying Advice Homeowner Forklift

[WI-citizen]

I'm very nervous that will be the style of machine I end of purchasing without the convenience of going indoors. I'll have to park it outside with a lovely tarp and bungy cords around the mast when not in use. lol

 

[bdhsfz6]

I looked at forklifts for quite a few years and eventually decided they are a one trick pony that cost a lot and take up too much storage space.

Instead, I bought a set of forks for the FEL on my Kubota. I can unload a 2K# pallet, which suits my needs. I carry the pallet over rough ground and set it on the concrete floor of the barn. From there, I use a powered pallet jack to place the pallet where I want. Total investment $2.2K

TORY CARRIER 3300 lbs. 24-Volt/20Ah Lithium Battery Electric Pallet Jack Walkie Truck w/ 48 in. x 27 in. Fork Size 3 in. Fork Lowered A-1034 - The Home Depot

Effortlessly reach the high attic area in your home with the selection of this APOLLOLIFT 2-Lithium Battery Electric Pallet Jack Walkie Truck w Fork Size Fork Lowered.

www.homedepot.com

I was a bit skeptical about the relatively cheap price but I bought it from Home Depot so I could return it if it didn't work out. Well the thing is great! It moves a 3K# pallet around with ease over some less than smooth concrete. It stores under a pallet as do the FEL forks, so both take up minimal storage space. There is also one less engine to maintain and the equipment is new, not potentially someone else's headache.

The only thing it won't do is stack pallets. To do that, I use the FEL forks and have to keep the stacks where they can be reached with the tractor. Some stacks, that aren't too heavy, can be moved with the pallet jack to a spot where I can reach them with the tractor forks.

My needs are a bit different than yours though, so this idea may not work for you.

 

[WI-citizen]

I've looked at these also, but it won't lift high enough to stack indoors. I'm still stuck between the forklift vs skidsteer with a seven foot garage door.

 

[paulsharvey]

I've looked at these also, but it won't lift high enough to stack indoors. I'm still stuck between the forklift vs skidsteer with a seven foot garage door.

Not that specific model, but there are kinda half way between machines; that can lift like 48", if that will stack what you need. I do think they are more money than you want to spend.

This one only does 2200# though, and I can't imagine trying to use it on anything other than concrete or maybe asphalt.

This one from Northern Tool seems like it would fit the bill, bit for the price, I'd get a Nissian/Toyota propane lift.

I found this on Ebay, used too.

 

[WI-citizen]

Not that specific model, but there are kinda half way between machines; that can lift like 48", if that will stack what you need. I do think they are more money than you want to spend.

This one only does 2200# though, and I can't imagine trying to use it on anything other than concrete or maybe asphalt.

This one from Northern Tool seems like it would fit the bill, bit for the price, I'd get a Nissian/Toyota propane lift.

I found this on Ebay, used too.View attachment 2105535View attachment 2105536View attachment 2105537View attachment 2105538

I haven't looked into the standup options yet. I do prefer LP instead of electric though.

 

[flyerdan]

I just went out and measured my mast, it is 85.5" from the ground to the top, just a shade over 7'. It won't fit inside my shop, but it did fit inside a neighbor's garage when we moved a piece of equipment in. He now has a Clark with a three stage mast that is lower than the rops so it will easily fit inside. Mine lives under a lean to roof that I added to the side of the shop for covered storage, if you get a fork that is a bit too tall I'm sure you'll do something similar vs. tarping all the time.

 

[RayIN]

I'm very nervous that will be the style of machine I end of purchasing without the convenience of going indoors. I'll have to park it outside with a lovely tarp and bungy cords around the mast when not in use. lol

Check out the specs for a Massey Ferguson 2500 forklift: Massey Ferguson 2500 Forklift: In-Depth Technical Specifications
Its height is 96"/7'. By tilting the mast back/forward as far as it will go it should go under a 7' header. Is your concrete floor poured to withstand the weight?

Then there is the auction websites if you're into auctions: Pardon Our Interruption

 

[WI-citizen]

If it tilts that far that would be great!

The 1994 DEERE 482C will probably go over $10k.

 

[RayIN]

If it tilts that far that would be great!

The 1994 DEERE 482C will probably go over $10k.

That's the thing with auctions. You must determine your limit before you arrive, and not get caught up in the bidding. I've seen old welders sell for more than a new one at farm auctions.

 

[WI-citizen]

That's the thing with auctions. You must determine your limit before you arrive, and not get caught up in the bidding. I've seen old welders sell for more than a new one at farm auctions.

I've been on both ends of that.

I'll probably avoid auctions for something this high of hours though.