BX23 FEL lift capability

jim_wilson · Aug 4, 2004

A while back there had been a post in the attachments forum about some cheap forklift forks on Ebay. This came at just the right time for me because I already had it in my head to build a pallet fork attachment for the FEL on my BX23 so I could use it to move lumber / building supplies etc as I work on my house and build a garage/barn. Problem was these forks were heavy duty forklift style forks which weigh in pretty heavy - and the lift capability on the BX23 is not listed as being all that much ( 460 pounds ). Well I ordered the forks anyway and got them today - when I got them home I did a little experiment and loaded up the FEL bucket on the BX23 with a bunch of weightlifting weights to see just how much it would lift - well I found I could lift up 670 pounds from ground level to about 3 1/2 - 4 feet off the ground before it would not go anymore. So at first glance it appears the FEL on the BX lifts a bit more than I expected and I should be able to end up with a functional FEL pallet mover once I weld up a frame for the forks. Thought other people might want to know just how much a BX FEL can lift!

rbarker · Aug 4, 2004

( well I found I could lift up 670 pounds from ground level to about 3 1/2 - 4 feet off the ground before it would not go anymore.
)

Cool! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif Just remember to use plenty of couterweight when lifting loads that heavy. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

jim_wilson · Aug 4, 2004

Thats what I bought that 600 + pound backhoe attachment on the back for! The rear tires are loaded too - plus when I did this test the tractor was actually headed down a slight incline in my backyard - I didn't feel any movement at all so I feel pretty confident I have more than enough rear weight to keep it safe. I had a rock in the FEL a week or so ago that it would not lift off the ground - which if I believe the results of this test would mean it was probably 700 pounds + , I managed to get it in the bucket and get the bucket off the ground to carry the rock some distance and the tractor felt just a little light in the back but not it was barely noticeable so I think with anything reasonable you can get in the bucket as long as the BH is attached you are ok.