Tractor Sizing I'm looking to buy a tractor to use primarily as an offroad forklift.

[Farmer John15]

Hey guys. I've been wanting to buy a tractor and put a fork attachment on the front of it. I went to the kubota dealer and the sales guy basically all his tractors he had on the lot would only lift 1000 pounds max. I think his were all the 2000 series tractors. So what size tractor do I need to be able to lift 2500 pounds with a fork lift attachment? I'm not looking for a brand new tractor since they have the tier 4 emissions junk on them, but I am a fan of kubota. Maybe even an old ford tractor, it could be 20-25 years old for all I care just as long as it's in good shape.

 

[4570Man]

You’d be way better off with a real off road forklift. It would take a pretty good size tractor to handle 2500 pounds. Like the biggest of the L series might but that’s MX territory.

 

[Farmer John15]

Offroad forklifts are expensive even used.

 

[4570Man]

The telhandlers are but the ones like this are pretty affordable.

 

[hosspuller]

I just used my Deere 5065 to move & stack baskets of firewood. I'd guess about 1500 pounds each. The biggest problem is sight lines. Can't see the fork tips and there is no side shifter, like a real forklift would have. The steering is slow compared to the rear steering of a forklift, so accurate stacking is difficult. Further, Unless you're on a dead level area, fork leveling (side to side) is a problem. A tractor is leveled by the rear tires, since the front tires/axel pivot at the center. A real RT forklift carriage is leveled by the large front tires. All in ... Get a real forklift, A tractor as forklift has too many compromises. :2cents:

 

[aczlan]

The telhandlers are but the ones like this are pretty affordable. View attachment 676844

Yep, those are available around me a couple times a month for $3,000 to $9,000 (depending on age, condition, etc).

Aaron Z

 

[spitter]

Pre emission telehandlers are pretty indstructable especially on farm use . If you read up on it they can be very versitle. Older used ones in good shape can be had for the same price as a new tractor that can handle a 2500 lb pay load with ease . Or get a SS or CTL . Tractors were made to pull not lift. Right tool for right job.:drink:

 

[redman135]

2 suggestions, 1) orchard tractor with the forklift , but I don't know the lift capacities.
2) a reversable tractor, and use a 3ph mounted forklift, this takes advantage of the rear axle load capacity. ie antonio carrera, valmet
good luck

 

[jeff9366]

I want to buy a tractor with a fork attachment on the front. What weight Kubota tractor will lift 2,500 pounds on the Front End Loader?

I'm not looking for a brand new tractor since they have the tier 4 emissions junk on them, but I am a fan of kubota. Maybe even an old ford tractor, it could be 20-25 years old for all I care just as long as it's in good shape.

Tractor FEL lift capacities of 2,500 pounds for compact tractors are relatively recent.

A new Kubota MX weighing 3,700 pounds bare weight, equipped with LA1065 Loader, will lift around 2,300 pounds with 1,200 pounds counterbalance installed on the Three Point Hitch. This combination will make a very long not very maneuverable unit. Rear wheels should be set extra wide to improve stability. MX is suitable for working 15 to 30 acres of cropland.

A new Kubota M6060 weighing 5,300 pounds bare weight, equipped with LA1154 Loader, will lift around 2,500 pounds with 1,500 pounds counterbalance installed on the Three Point Hitch. This combination will make a very long not very maneuverable unit. M6060 is suitable for working 25 to 45 acres of cropland.

You壇 be way better off with a real off road forklift. It takes a pretty good size tractor to handle 2500 pounds.

Offroad forklifts are expensive even used.

Good advice. Safety should be your #1 priority.
Tractors are dangerous. Lifting heavy loads with the Loader are when tractors are most dangerous.

You need a rear engine machine not a front engine tractor with an pivoting axle under the 2,500 pound load. Rear engine acts as counterbalance to front end loads.

 

[jeff9366]

2 suggestions, 1) orchard tractor with the forklift , but I don't know the lift capacities.

Orchard and Vineyard tractors are not available with factory Loaders. O&V tractor metier is stability and high flow hydraulic pump systems to power high volume sprayers.

I retired after thirty-seven years in the wine business.