Pallet Forks on FEL

[Pinch]

Is there a way to calculate the loss of lift capacity when using clamp-on pallet forks on a FEL? The loader on my tractor has the following published specs:

Breakout force (at 500mm):3,055 lbs [1385 kg]
Lift to full height (at pin): 2,470 lbs [1120 kg]
Lift to full height (at 500mm): 1,830 lbs [830 kg]

I have good quality, heavy duty, American made clamp-on pallet forks. Any way to determine the loss of lift capacity? Also, what is the difference between the specs at full height at 500mm? Does that mean 500mm (20in) forward of the pin? If so it means there is a 25% reduction in lift capacity somewhere near the front of the bucket.

I have a pallet coming soon that weighs 1200lbs and I have never lifted anything that heavy before. Thanks.

 

[Leejohn]

Hope you don't bend your bucket.

 

[K5lwq]

My loader specs are as follows:
Lift full height 2701 lbs
Breakout force 3660 lbs
Roll back ground level 2844 lbs

I have a dedicated pallet fork attachment and just last week had to unload a 880 lbs pallet with my new flail mower on it. The mower was on the pallet long ways instead of cross ways. I would not have wanted any more weight as that was a little sketchy getting it low enough to transport.

My point is that you might be able to handle that load with bucket forks depending on how the weight is on the pallet. But I think you will be at the higher limit of what you can do comfortably. JMO

 

[RjCorazza]

With a 300lb bucket the 500mm spec is down to 1500lbs full height without considering that the load will be further forward than 500mm because of the clamp on forks. I don't know how to calculate the leverage at increasing distances from the pins, but it's going to be significant.
Some manufactures list lift height capacities at less than full height, so it's possible you could lift the pallet a few inches and drive the transport vehicle away then lower the load.

Even with actual calculations it's going to come down to try it, or not. I also would be concerned about damage to the bucket. I hope it works out for you.

 

[CoyPatton]

Hope you don't bend your bucket.

To help reduce this risk, put some heavy straps or chains from the clamp on forks around your bucket to distribute that weight instead of it all being on your cutting edge.

 

[Pinch]

Thank you guys! I'm not going to chance it. I paid for a lift gate and will have them drop the pallet to the ground. From there I can break up the shipment. I lifted a a 660lb pallet off the back of a tractor trailer this week and it didn't strain a bit, but the weight of this shipment has me worried. Thanks again.

 

[CoyPatton]

Is there a way to calculate the loss of lift capacity when using clamp-on pallet forks on a FEL? The loader on my tractor has the following published specs:

Breakout force (at 500mm):3,055 lbs [1385 kg]
Lift to full height (at pin): 2,470 lbs [1120 kg]
Lift to full height (at 500mm):1,830 lbs [830 kg]

I have good quality, heavy duty, American made clamp-on pallet forks. Any way to determine the loss of lift capacity? Also, what is the difference between the specs at full height at 500mm? Does that mean 500mm (20in) forward of the pin? If so it means there is a 25% reduction in lift capacity somewhere near the front of the bucket.

I have a pallet coming soon that weighs 1200lbs and I have never lifted anything that heavy before. Thanks.

Do you know the size of the pallet? Do you know how the weight is distributed?

I do not know how to calculate your question either! My guess is that by losing 640 lbs of lift capacity at 500mm out from the pins, that at 500mm from the edge of the bucket (less than half the length of a standard pallet) you will lose close to 1.5x the lift capacity or more—1830-960=870lbs of lift at 1000mm from the pins.
These are unscientific guesses at best, but it is common knowledge that the capacity decreases the further you get from the pins.
My best guess is you will not be able to lift the 1200lbs with your clamp on forks on a standard or oversized pallet when it is already at a high level (semi truck trailer level.
Again no information on how your pallet will be delivered so you might gain some lift at a lower level (as these figures are max height which you probably will not be working at).
Again not knowing how your delivery is coming, you will have more lift capacity if you could lift using chains/straps from your bucket similar to a boom pole. (That is probably clear as mud.) but if you have access for an overhead lift, you can get that weight under the bucket and have some where between your 24xx-18xxlbs lift capacity. If you have that access, have someone to help stabilize the load with a rope attached for them to be a safe distance from the swing and weight of the load.

 

[PILOON]

Having often calculated loads for lift trucks and then centers of gravity for aircraft* I know how to do that but---
a lot will depend on your counterweight and hydraulics.

All to say hydraulic pressure relief will limit actual weight limits and counter balance (rear weight) the safety issues.

*weight, arm, moment and a reference point (probably front axle on tractor).
arm is the distance, moment is wt X dist,
Example: 1000lbs at 2 ft= 2000, so for 2000lbs you'd be ok at 1 foot. (or 500 at 4 ft.)

 

[Texasmark]

Is there a way to calculate the loss of lift capacity when using clamp-on pallet forks on a FEL? The loader on my tractor has the following published specs:

Breakout force (at 500mm):3,055 lbs [1385 kg]
Lift to full height (at pin): 2,470 lbs [1120 kg]
Lift to full height (at 500mm): 1,830 lbs [830 kg]

I have good quality, heavy duty, American made clamp-on pallet forks. Any way to determine the loss of lift capacity? Also, what is the difference between the specs at full height at 500mm? Does that mean 500mm (20in) forward of the pin? If so it means there is a 25% reduction in lift capacity somewhere near the front of the bucket.

I have a pallet coming soon that weighs 1200lbs and I have never lifted anything that heavy before. Thanks.

Foot-lbs. Up the distance decrease the load by the same ratio.

 

[ning]

The lifting capacity of a front loader changes proportionally to the distance of the load from the center of rotation of the loader arms, which function just like a lever. Lifting capacity is typically quoted relative to the pins for convenience but it doesn't directly tell you much about capacity at eg 30" where the center of mass of a piece of machinery is on a pallet.

Note however that the lever/loader arms are actually lifting the loader & arms as well so without measuring that weight, it will be hard to determine how much you're moving the center of mass by putting your load at a particular location.

Also: the "pins" are the center of rotation for breakout.