Loader BX26 / Loader max lift capacity @ 24"

munzzzzzzz · May 31, 2016

I have a bunch of decent sized (24-36" diameter) boulders that I am trying to move from one location to another. I estimate the weight of the heavier ones to be a little over 2000 lbs. My little John Deere 425 with 40 loader is no match for them (though I did move a ton of smaller ones) so I'm looking for something to move the bigger ones. I can rent a BX26 with loader and backhoe for about $300 for a day. They are rated at 1300 lbs to full lift height, but I know from my 425 that loaders can lift a lot more than their max capacity to a lower height. Does anyone have any real life experience on how much one of these can lift to around 24"? I have a 16' utility trailer with 2x3500 lb axles and a 24" deck height, so I could handle two to three at a time depending on how heavy they are if I can get them loaded.

I will probably post a separate thread for this, but if anyone has any better or additional suggestions on how to move them I am definitely open to suggestions. I am considering trying to use some heavy pallet racking uprights to make somewhat of a rail or track on which I could winch boulders set on skids onto my trailer, but I'm not sure how well that would work either.

mecan · May 31, 2016

Not positive but I think the 1300 might be the 3pt lift on a bx, for some reason I was thinking bxs were around 700 or so on the loader.

munzzzzzzz · May 31, 2016

mecan said:
Not positive but I think the 1300 might be the 3pt lift on a bx, for some reason I was thinking bxs were around 700 or so on the loader.

BX25 is 745 lbs, BX26 is 1300. I checked the specs (3 pt is 1676 lbs on the BX26). Here's a link to the specs on tractordata.com, and I've matched them to the specs from Kubota (which I don't have a link for). TractorData.com Kubota B26 backhoe-loader tractor attachments information

mecan · May 31, 2016

That 26 is from the next size up from the bx, it's a b series tlb. I would think it would move them, but would be doubtful about lifting them high enough for a trailer. I would look at something a bit bigger and stronger, but as many here say the advice is worth what it cost.

dodge man · May 31, 2016

I think there is some mistakes in the lettering here. There is a B26, not a BX26. The B26 is a pretty heavy duty but small loader backhoe setup and the 1300lb lift sounds correct. There is also a BX2750, which is pretty much the same as a BX25 with a bigger engine and no backhoe, but it won't lift any more than a BX25.

Ideas on how to move the boulders? If you can't lift them, its amazing how much weight you can drag. Can you drag them on a trailer. Also keep in mind straping down something round on your trailer can be a *****. Its almost like trying to push a rope.

seemynewname · May 31, 2016

One option, a bit out of the box for this site, is to forget the tractor idea entirely. If you have a decent rental facility nearby you might want to consider renting a gantry crane, placing it on two pieces of wood (so it doesn't sink) raising the boulders, and backing the trailer underneath.

munzzzzzzz · May 31, 2016

You guys are right, it is the B26 I am looking at, not the BX26. They also have a BX25 (which is what has the 745 lbs of lift) and that's how I got confused. Sorry about that! The specs I listed were for the B26 and that's the one I have available for rental locally.

munzzzzzzz · May 31, 2016

seemynewname said:
One option, a bit out of the box for this site, is to forget the tractor idea entirely. If you have a decent rental facility nearby you might want to consider renting a gantry crane, placing it on two pieces of wood (so it doesn't sink) raising the boulders, and backing the trailer underneath. View attachment 470394

I've actually considered that exact idea. We have one at work, not sure if they would let me borrow it or not, though. I've also considered trying to make my own from 4x8 posts, but not sure if it's worth the hassle. On the bright side, it would be something I'd have whenever I needed it.

munzzzzzzz · May 31, 2016

dodge man said:
I think there is some mistakes in the lettering here. There is a B26, not a BX26. The B26 is a pretty heavy duty but small loader backhoe setup and the 1300lb lift sounds correct. There is also a BX2750, which is pretty much the same as a BX25 with a bigger engine and no backhoe, but it won't lift any more than a BX25.

Ideas on how to move the boulders? If you can't lift them, its amazing how much weight you can drag. Can you drag them on a trailer. Also keep in mind straping down something round on your trailer can be a *****. Its almost like trying to push a rope.

Yes, definitely considered this, I have some heavy duty steel racking uprights and I have even considered trying to build a skid (or two) that the boulders could be winched onto, and then winch the whole thing, skid and boulder, onto the racking (already on the trailer) kind of like a rail and strap the whole thing down. I did post another thread about other ideas, but am considering if it's worth the hassle vs. renting a (maybe) capable enough machine...

Grandad4 · Jun 1, 2016

munzzzzzzz said:
I will probably post a separate thread for this, but if anyone has any better or additional suggestions on how to move them I am definitely open to suggestions. .

A 24" spherical rock will weigh 600-700 lbs, which a B26 would handle easily, but you're right, a 36" diameter rock will exceed 2,000 lbs. You'd either have to bust up the bigger boulders or get bigger equipment.
Alternatively, you could rent a skid steer or track steer instead of a tractor. Much stronger hydraulics, rental probably shouldn't cost much more than that B26. For that matter, you can rent one of those telescoping boom 4wd forklifts that lifts 6,000 lb for something like $365/day from Sunbelt.