Buying Advice Homeowner Forklift

WI-citizen · Dec 30, 2024

Sid Post said:
I see those at collector and farm shows occasionally. While handy for a homeowner, they don't have the lift capacity for non-homeowner tasks generally.

I have a neighbor that has one of these. Like any Scrub Cadet model, it doesn't seems to be very powerful.

Sid Post · Dec 30, 2024

WI-citizen said:
I have a neighbor that has one of these. Like any Scrub Cadet model, it doesn't seems to be very powerful.

The vast majority of them were made for light industrial applications. Simple things like plumbers lifting sections of PVC pipe and similar stuff to racks above shoulder height.

scootr · Dec 31, 2024

I bought a cheap Toyota initially. Wasn't sure I would use it enough to justify a bigger investment. Old Toyota is better quality than cheap new stuff (just my opinion).
Once I realized how much I would use a forklift I started searching for a newer better machine. I eventually settled on a little bigger CAT with a shorter mast that fit in the barn etc. I bought new air tires and put em on myself. Later we put brakes on it. Otherwise it just needed propane for the last 5 yrs. I admit it sits outdoors half the time but it hardly ever rains and never snows. I keep the seat covered.
The side shift and automatic are luxuries I enjoy using. Get one with the biggest tires you can afford. I think mine are 22" in front. It does okay within reason, no mud but a graveled hill is okay in reverse even when empty. I got it from a forklift dealer who delivered it. If you are thinking of hauling it, these things are heavy.
When find something you like search you tube for it so you can see it in action. The dealer I bought from sent me a video showing the machine going through its paces and put some 48" forks on it too. GL

WI-citizen · Dec 31, 2024

scootr said:
I bought a cheap Toyota initially. Wasn't sure I would use it enough to justify a bigger investment. Old Toyota is better quality than cheap new stuff (just my opinion).
Once I realized how much I would use a forklift I started searching for a newer better machine. I eventually settled on a little bigger CAT with a shorter mast that fit in the barn etc. I bought new air tires and put em on myself. Later we put brakes on it. Otherwise it just needed propane for the last 5 yrs. I admit it sits outdoors half the time but it hardly ever rains and never snows. I keep the seat covered.
The side shift and automatic are luxuries I enjoy using. Get one with the biggest tires you can afford. I think mine are 22" in front. It does okay within reason, no mud but a graveled hill is okay in reverse even when empty. I got it from a forklift dealer who delivered it. If you are thinking of hauling it, these things are heavy.
When find something you like search you tube for it so you can see it in action. The dealer I bought from sent me a video showing the machine going through its paces and put some 48" forks on it too. GL

This is exactly what I think will end up happening for me too. I'll buy something cheaper and then upgrade as I go. You don't know what you have until you own one and find out what all it can do.

Frxdy · Dec 31, 2024

I have a used Clark, 3,000 pound. I'll tell you....it doesn't matter how well the gravel is packed, it's really easy to spin a tire, and when it sinks in 1/16th of an inch, you are DONE. These suckers weigh in at 6,000 pounds & they will NOT drive themselves up the tiniest of gravel inclines. I've do go one gravel now & then.... but don't stop!

Sid Post · Dec 31, 2024

Frxdy said:
I have a used Clark, 3,000 pound. I'll tell you....it doesn't matter how well the gravel is packed, it's really easy to spin a tire, and when it sinks in 1/16th of an inch, you are DONE. These suckers weigh in at 6,000 pounds & they will NOT drive themselves up the tiniest of gravel inclines. I've do go one gravel now & then.... but don't stop!

Sounds like driving a rear wheel drive pickup in my pasture when it rains!

scootr · Dec 31, 2024

Frxdy said:
I have a used Clark, 3,000 pound. I'll tell you....it doesn't matter how well the gravel is packed, it's really easy to spin a tire, and when it sinks in 1/16th of an inch, you are DONE. These suckers weigh in at 6,000 pounds & they will NOT drive themselves up the tiniest of gravel inclines. I've do go one gravel now & then.... but don't stop!

You can drive in gravel. Crushed rock with sharp edges like 3/4" rock is better than rounded pea gravel.
Pneumatic tires with minimal air pressure are required. The right tires make a big difference.
Drive in reverse for uphill travel.
I do this with my machine constantly

bmaverick · Dec 31, 2024

WI-citizen said:
This is exactly what I think will end up happening for me too. I'll buy something cheaper and then upgrade as I go. You don't know what you have until you own one and find out what all it can do.

5,500-lbs capacity
https://www.amazon.com/Pallet-Jack-5500-Lb-Capacity-Truck/dp/B018ANY73O