HP needed for FEL

[slate mike]

I r realize that it depends on the tractor brand and FEL, but how much HP might I need to pick up 2000 lbs. with FEL pallet forks?

 

[LAWALLSTRACTOR]

You would be best off in the 60 HP range. It isn't the HP that is limiting, but you need a loader with enough lift capacity to lift the load way out on the forks, and heavy enough tractor to with stand the load. Some smaller tractors would probably do it but if you will be lifting this on a regular basis, I would go with the heavier tractor. I usually try to stay somewhat neutral on brand, but I know my Mahindra product and a Mahindra 4500, or 4530 would be heavy enough and still stay in the 40 HP range. Good luck.

 

[IslandTractor]

I think 60hp is a bit of an overestimate. Many (?most) 40hp CUTs will lift 2000 lbs to full height. My Kioti DK40se (41hp) will lift 2700lbs to full height and a lot more at lower levels. Pallet forks weigh a bit more than the bucket so you may need to subtract a hundred or even two hundred pounds from the lift capacity to compensate. If you are lifting only from a pickup bed however you'd be pretty safe to assume that even without adjusting for the weight of the pallet forks you could lift whatever the max capacity is for that model loader to the four foot height.

It may be obvious but you do need to pay attention to counterweight ballast when lifting loads that big. Loaded tires and a heavy implement on the 3pt hitch would be both prudent and necessary.

 

[LAWALLSTRACTOR]

Pallet forks move your load out front by a quite a bit, and most tractor loader lift capacities are rated at the bucket pivot pins. When you move that load out there that far, you lose about 25% of the lift capacity. Also when you are lifting this load on a regular day to day basis, you will find the heavier tractor will hold up much better in the long run.

 

[WH401]

Check the ratings on the loader before you check horsepower. Horsepower isn't as important in picking up 2k lbs as having a hydraulic system and a frame solid enough to handle it is. Look for something that's around the size of a John Deere 4000 series and then go from there. Anything that's around that size should have no problems lifting 2000 lbs.

Just by chance, are you looking to lift pallets of pellets for a stove?