Buying Advice An Odd Question...

[archwoodholding]

I own a small apartment complex of about 40 units. I am looking for a piece of equipment that can help me do a multitude of routine chores (if such a machine exists). The major thing I would like to be able to do is reach second floor units with bucket or pallet on pallet forks so I can lift tools, paint, and supplies rather than hump it all up the stairs which is getting harder for me the older I get. It would also allow me to remove debris and carpet etc... and dump into dumpster. I wouldn't want to get anything too big since areas are pretty tight and not much room in some areas to maneuver as well as weight on walks and patios may be too much. I had a Kubota L3540 which could reach the second floor but was pretty heavy and couldn't get into most places due to it size. I've looked at scissor lifts and the like but too much aggravation to move them around and to load and unload etc... not to mention expensive and doesn't do anything else.

So the question I have is if there is a tractor with FEL that has the reach I need and still just heavy enough and small enough to get around in tight conditions?

 

[jeff9366]

No

You need a rear engine Fork Lift or Skid Steer. Tractors have a high center of gravity. Fork Lifts and Skid Steers have a low center of gravity and, with rear engines, are balanced for lifting in front.

Renting a Fork Lift when you need it should be simple. Try one out.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

Maybe look at a compact articulated loader?
Like this: Kubota Tractor Corporation - R42S

 

[jenkinsph]

I agree with Jeff on this, forklift or manual labor. Moving bulky items like carpet rolls for one unit is a job for young men. I suspect you have already figured out that if half the units are on the second floor and half of these are hard to get to then your benefit from buying the machinery is limited to 10 or so units. Bet that does not pencil out. The cost of the equipment and storage may be more than the cost of occasional labor needed.

 

[Jimbrown]

Sounds like a Power trac to me

Versatile Tractors,Compact Tractors,Trailer Packages,Landscaping,Utility Vehicle Rentals,Mowers-Power Trac

 

[Fallon]

Compact telehandler. V417 VersaHANDLER Telehandler - Bobcat Company

It's going to be heavier & bulkier than the L3560 though. Think it's Xfman or something like that who is always bragging about his & making people drool. Probably overkill for your stated needs though. Forklift is probably more economical.

You could put a forklift mast on the 3pt though. I picked one up for $200 a while back. Lifted about as high as my loader. But the 3pt is better balanced for lifting than the front of a tractor. The forklift would lift a lot as far as I could tell. However the 400-500lbs of forklift & my Quick Hitch sticking back further meant my 3pt lift capacity was about the same as my loader lift (250 gallon IBC tote, could get it to 1/3 full). Forklift would still lift, but my 3pt wouldn't. I sold it as I gained nothing on it, unless I overloaded my 3pt.