FEL mounted forklift on 3510

[Judy_in_NC]

I was wondering if someone can advise me or make a recommendation.

I am preparing to have a home built and was just told by the contractor tonight that I could save $8000. on construction cost if he didn't have to rent a forklift for 4 months during the construction.

I am guessing there is some sort of FEL mounted forklift that can be purchased. Does anyone have experience with one? Is the FEL solid enough to use it for that purpose - even if you're moving something as heavy as a pallet of bricks? I may be hoping for too much here.

I'd appreciate any advice anyone has.

Judy in NC

 

[DavesTractor]

It's a good idea, but the lift capacity is really limited compared to a forklift. Even a small forklift will generally lift 4000 lbs. Many units of lumber weigh more than that. Out on the forks (24" out) I'm guessing yours will lift between 1100 and 1300 lbs if you have an ML112. It will lift 1972 lbs at the bucket pins, but reduce that by the weight of the forks and the leverage loss.

Perhaps buying a good used forklift for $5000 to $7000, using it for a few months then selling it, even for a 20% loss if you had to, would be a good way to go.

 

[Judy_in_NC]

Yes, I've been researching the issue since I first posted, and that is the consensus I'm coming to - that it would be expecting too much of a FEL mounted forklift.

 

[Judy_in_NC]

For those of you interested in this topic, I thought I'd follow up with further information I have gathered today.

I think I will be going with a 3 pt. mounted pallet fork set.

The 3 pt. on a 3510 is rated at 2865#

My local brick dealer told me today that a pallet of bricks weights about apx. 2000# - depending on moisure content.

My lumber supply tells me that a pallet - or unit - of 2x4x10 lumber will weigh 1820#, and a unit of 2x10x10pt will weigh 2400 # (these are the two dimensions I inquired about to give me some idea of what to expect).

So I think for the most part, I'll be okay with the 3 pt. mounted set. I liked the idea of so much more manueverability with a front-mounted set, but the lift capacity isn't sufficient.

Hope this helps someone else who might be interested in this topic.

Judy in NC

 

[Tim_in_IA]

Judy_in_NC,

Just make sure that they have a way to get the materials off the semi or lumber truck. A regular 3 point wont reach that high, unless you have an unloading dock or ramp. You could easily make something like this with a loader and a few railroad ties. (a loading dock). I've seen them around local farms.

Otherwise some trucks can unload by dumping or may have their own forklifts to get it off the truck initially. I've seen adaptors you can get for the 3pt that multiply the lift geometry to get bales onto trucks for transport but I have no idea how that would effect your load capacity.

When I was building my place we snapped a leg off a bale mover moving a pallet of OSB. Make sure you get a heavy duty set of forks designed for weight. Good luck!

 

[Judy_in_NC]

That's an excellent point that I hadn't considered. I know the brick delivery will be able to unload itself - not sure about the lumber.

 

[Spike42]

Just a thought, I've seen some forklift masts with 3PT mounts that will lift 3000# to 8ft but you would still have to subtract the mast weight from the lift capacity of the hitch. you might check with some equipment dealers in your area. what ever you decide I would still put something in the bucket for counter weight just for a safety factor.

Spike42

4110, 112 FEL, 72" QT bucket, QT pallet forks

 

[Judy_in_NC]

Thanks for the advice.
I ended up ordering a set today from thesmartfarmer.com
They had a set rated at 2000# that will mount either on the 3 pt., or the loader arms - I like the versatility of being able to use it either way.
They'll be able to have it to me by Monday - the other places I was checking were saying two weeks, so I am very pleased with their service.
I'll follow up with my experience with it once I use it some, for those who might be interested.

 

[MajMac392]

Judy, You're really doing your homework on the tractor and forks. Reminds me of the industrious of my wife when she starts researching stuff. Let us know how the forks work out.