ML108 Front End Loader Limits

[turbopiper]

Hi all.
I have a 2310 with a ML108 FEL. The spec sheet says the lift capacity at full height @ pivot pins (7ft3in) is 1,100 lbs. Breakout force at pivot pins is 2,000 lbs.
What I want to do is attach a set of fork lift arms to the bucket, or get a fork lift attachment in place of the bucket.

What I'm wondering is will I be able to lift a pallet weight of 1,800 lbs from the deck of a semi, 48 to 52 inches off the ground safely, and do this a number of times?

Thanks,
Ted

 

[Jeffery8mm]

The short answer to that is NO. I recently sold my outdoor power business and can tell you what I learned. I had a 2810 with the ML108 loader set up with pallet forks. The mowers that I was unloading from semi trucks were 1032lbs. Broke a cyl unloading the second one. The frist one almost tipped me forward when I come off the truck with the mower. Wound up with a 4500 with the ml260 loader. It got the job done!!
That is from my experience!
Jeff

 

[turbopiper]

The short answer to that is NO. I recently sold my outdoor power business and can tell you what I learned. I had a 2810 with the ML108 loader set up with pallet forks. The mowers that I was unloading from semi trucks were 1032lbs. Broke a cyl unloading the second one. The frist one almost tipped me forward when I come off the truck with the mower. Wound up with a 4500 with the ml260 loader. It got the job done!!
That is from my experience!
Jeff

Thanks for the reply Jeff.
yeah, I'de rather be safe than take the chances of breaking anything, getting injured or injuring others.

Right after I posted the question and looking at some other posts, I found a link to a Westondorf site advertising a Thrifty Lift. Seems to be a little more promising, advertising to lift 3500lbs. Mounted to the rear on the 3 point hitch, just like a forklift. I wonder if that would be more practical? (They never give out prices though... I hate sticker shock!) Anyone have any experience with this Thrifty Lift they would like to share?
Ted

 

[LAWALLSTRACTOR]

Ted,
A ML108 with a set of forks hanging out there would probably only lift about 600 to 700 lbs safely.Take your loader lift capacity and figure 1/2 to 2/3rds of it on the forks. Pay attention to the tractor specifications listed for the rear forks as they are put there for a reason. Make sure the 2310 fits into those perameters. Don't want anybody getting hurt. Good luck!

 

[DavesTractor]

Hi all.
I have a 2310 with a ML108 FEL. The spec sheet says the lift capacity at full height @ pivot pins (7ft3in) is 1,100 lbs. Breakout force at pivot pins is 2,000 lbs.
What I want to do is attach a set of fork lift arms to the bucket, or get a fork lift attachment in place of the bucket.

What I'm wondering is will I be able to lift a pallet weight of 1,800 lbs from the deck of a semi, 48 to 52 inches off the ground safely, and do this a number of times?

Thanks,
Ted

When it comes to lifting pallets, it takes a big tractor to do the work of a little forklift. The 2810 won't lift 1800# in the bucket, and surely won't out on forks. You might pick up a cheap older forklift, it may be cheaper than an attachment.

 

[BigTy]

sounds like it is time for a new tractor. The 2310 just doesn't have enough lead in its pencil for what you are trying to do. An 1800 lbs load at 52" high will exert a pretty good amount of force on the rear of your tractor, and it doesn't weigh all that much (for a Mahindra, ). On top of that, your 2310 only has provisions for one set of remotes, and that would be used to operate the lift cylinder. To level the forks, you would have to turn your top link manually (can be tough with a load on it). You could always install a Fasse or other type of diverter valve to operate a hydraulic top link, but that can get pricey. A bigger tractor, or a forklift, would be the way to go, IMHO.

 

[Westendorf-RR]

Thanks for the reply Jeff.
yeah, I'de rather be safe than take the chances of breaking anything, getting injured or injuring others.

Right after I posted the question and looking at some other posts, I found a link to a Westondorf site advertising a Thrifty Lift. Seems to be a little more promising, advertising to lift 3500lbs. Mounted to the rear on the 3 point hitch, just like a forklift. I wonder if that would be more practical? (They never give out prices though... I hate sticker shock!) Anyone have any experience with this Thrifty Lift they would like to share?
Ted

Hi Ted,
The Thrifty Lift is a great "economical" solution for your application. It is a well built, quality unit. You can expect the unit to run about the same price as a good forklift attachment. It is approximately $1,000 to $1,400 depending on the options you select (i.e. adjustable teeth, bale spear option, top link tilt option, etc....) Call or email us and we'll get you in touch with your local dealer for a specific quote.