How much lift capacity to lift a ton of pellets with forks?

[screamin400]

I am currently looking at two tractors. A Kioti nx6010hc and a Mahindra 2655. The Kioti has a rating of 2700 and the Mahindra has 3150. Both dealers tell me the tractor can carry a ton of pellets. When the weather breaks I may ask to try on to find out. The forks really cut back what I can lift. Both are nice tractors but leaning toward the Kioti but lift strength is a concern?

 

[freedomlives]

Isn't it just a matter of looking at the weight of the 3pt pallet fork attachment and adding 2000 pounds (assuming a US, not metric, ton)?

 

[screamin400]

I should have been more specific. I am looking for the loader to carry a ton of pellets. Sorry about that.

 

[Mathias NY]

If there is any doubt in your mind, I would ask the dealer too try it. Even if you can't bring a ton of pellets to the dealer with you, they probably have a piece of equipment that you could lift as a demo.

A couple other thoughts for you: Quick attach forks will usually be lighter than the bucket and most capacity ratings are calculated assuming a bucket is attached. Most loaders have a lower rating at full height than at their mid range.

Good luck.

 

[George2615]

I think you answered your own question. Ask each dealer to demonstrate a 2000 lb load using forks and see which one feels better to you.

 

[screamin400]

I am thinking this is exactly what I will have to do to be sure. I am heading back to an indoor farm show tomorrow to look again at all brands and was kind of hoping I would be able to have an idea of what to rule out without spending too much time on a tractor that cannot work. Bottom line is before signing I have to do the test myself.

 

[RandyT]

You have to have a tractor that can handle that type of weight and have plenty of counterweight on the rear to keep the rear tires on the ground. I can lift a ton pallet with my DK45S but have 1000 lbs of rimguard in the rear tires, and then put my 6.5 foot KK box frame disc on the 3 point to have enough counterweight to keep the rear tires down.

Most loaders are rated at the pivot point of the bucket connection, or on a certain distance in front of the pivot point. Forks move the lift point out further than what the bucket is therefore has a major effect on what you can lift safely.

 

[screamin400]

I do not think 2700 pounds at the pivot will lift a ton of pellets. The Mahindra is over 3100. I guess it comes down to who did the rating. I suppose it is possible the Kioti could actually outlift the Mahindra.

 

[LD1]

The 2700 and 3100# ratings at pivot are to max height as well.

Are you planning on lifting a pallet to max height?

Or just half height to be able to unload from trailer or truck bed?

Due to the geometry of the loader and how the cylinder angle changes in relation to lift height....loaders can lift ALOT more if kept lower to the ground.

Some MFG's give an intermediate lift spec.....like to a height of only 59". Breakout force is a good indication of what it can lift at the ground level. Some MFG's give a lift curve in the manual....so at any given point you know what it can lift.

My kubota MX loader is only rated for 2400# at pins an max height. So its a weaker loader than the two you are looking at.

However.....at 500mm forward (~20") which would be the approximate load center of a pallet on SSQA forks......I can lift 3200# at ground level.....and still over 2400# to a height of 59"

So with my weaker loader, I'd have no problems at all unloading 1-ton pallets from a pickup or trailer.

 

[screamin400]

Interesting. The breakout force is much higher on the Mahindra. Not close. So the actual ability to carry stone in the bucket at a height of 2 feet would be better based off of breakout force? I did not know this. The pellets would only be unloaded same as you.