Step up from CK20

[tacticalturnip]

Pride and efficiency?

 

[ericm979]

An IBC tote full of medium density hardwood is in the 1800-2200 lb range, plus the weight of the tote (~100 lbs) and forks (~350 lbs). A tote is a little over 1/3 cord in volume.

My Branson 3725 which weighs 5800 lbs with loader and loaded rear tires and has a factory rated 2200 lb loader at full height can pick them up and move them but you sure know there's something heavy up front. I would not want to do it with a tractor that's significantly smaller and lighter.

I think you need to look at bigger tractors for moving totes full of firewood.

 

[rScotty]

The FEL capacity is the biggest and what prodded me to even think about replacing the CK20.
If I had 200# more lift at the pins, I would be "OK",, 300# more and I would be golden (I typ have the 5' tiller on the rear, and have loaded rears)

Check the system pressure. There may be a couple hundred pounds of lift ability just sitting there ready to be used....or not.

 

[Sid Post]

Something to keep in mind with adding capacity with the lift arms of your loader, whether new cylinders or more hydraulic pressure, is tractor stability! A few people die each year in tractor roll-overs lifting too much weight and trying to move it on a tractor that is not properly balanced and stable.

I know it's sacrilege on forums like this and, especially over on the Kubota forum, but my Kubota L-4600 is a terrible choice for heavy lifts of tree limbs, firewood, etc. in my pasture. The front axle is not really rated for the loader capacity so, I am only one hidden bump in the grass from overstressing and possibly breaking it. It also lacks stability with insufficient weight in the back, though the OP's backhoe should solve that issue. My tractor is also relatively narrow compared to its height so, general tractor stability is not what I recommend for a novice. The Center of Gravity is relatively high and the loader, even empty, in an open pasture when up high is a bit of an effort tempting fate with a rollover. And yes, I have had to save it once slamming the loader to the ground to get it back on 4-tires before a roll-over when material shifted.

In my case, I am seriously looking at replacing it with a TYM option because they are 12 inches wider and have more steel in the rear axle and other drive components and frame. The loaders are also uprated and don't stick out so far resulting in less "leverage" with a load lifted but, dumping the bucket into something will be a bit more challenging since it won't have as much reach or over hang.

 

[ericm979]

Something to keep in mind with adding capacity with the lift arms of your loader, whether new cylinders or more hydraulic pressure, is tractor stability!

Yep. Lifting 2500 lbs of tote + firewood + forks with a 2500 lb tractor is going to create an ill-handling combination.

the loader, even empty, in an open pasture when up high is a bit of an effort tempting fate with a rollover. And yes, I have had to save it once slamming the loader to the ground to get it back on 4-tires before a roll-over when material shifted.

I never drive the tractor with the loader up high to look under it. I keep it as low as it will go without hitting anything or stuff dragging on the ground too much. If I'm raising it to dump stuff on a pile I do that as I am approaching the pile, on ground that's familiar and level or close to it.

It means that I often need to look around stuff that I'm carrying, but that's a skill that comes with practice.

 

[Slackdaddy]

An IBC tote full of medium density hardwood is in the 1800-2200 lb range, plus the weight of the tote (~100 lbs) and forks (~350 lbs). A tote is a little over 1/3 cord in volume.

My Branson 3725 which weighs 5800 lbs with loader and loaded rear tires and has a factory rated 2200 lb loader at full height can pick them up and move them but you sure know there's something heavy up front. I would not want to do it with a tractor that's significantly smaller and lighter.

I think you need to look at bigger tractors for moving totes full of firewood.

I should have given details,
I cut the totes down, about 1/2 - 2/3 height, My pallet folks are rated for 1600# and weigh about 50#.
I typ only need to get the tote about 6-12" up to move it around,, I'm not stacking them up.
Currently my stock CK20 can get one of my cut down totes just off the ground when it is about 3/4 full.

I sold my Case 580E 15 years ago,, It was just way to big after I finished the house.
At the time, The next size up from the CK20 was the CK30/35,, they only got me an additional ~75# FEL capacity, so I went with the CK20. The offerings by Kubota and JD in my price range and small frame, they only lifted ~750-800#

 

[Slackdaddy]

Something to keep in mind with adding capacity with the lift arms of your loader, whether new cylinders or more hydraulic pressure, is tractor stability! A few people die each year in tractor roll-overs lifting too much weight and trying to move it on a tractor that is not properly balanced and stable.

I know it's sacrilege on forums like this and, especially over on the Kubota forum, but my Kubota L-4600 is a terrible choice for heavy lifts of tree limbs, firewood, etc. in my pasture. The front axle is not really rated for the loader capacity so, I am only one hidden bump in the grass from overstressing and possibly breaking it. It also lacks stability with insufficient weight in the back, though the OP's backhoe should solve that issue. My tractor is also relatively narrow compared to its height so, general tractor stability is not what I recommend for a novice. The Center of Gravity is relatively high and the loader, even empty, in an open pasture when up high is a bit of an effort tempting fate with a rollover. And yes, I have had to save it once slamming the loader to the ground to get it back on 4-tires before a roll-over when material shifted.

In my case, I am seriously looking at replacing it with a TYM option because they are 12 inches wider and have more steel in the rear axle and other drive components and frame. The loaders are also uprated and don't stick out so far resulting in less "leverage" with a load lifted but, dumping the bucket into something will be a bit more challenging since it won't have as much reach or over hang.

I have no intention of the tractor moving with my 1/2 totes more than 1 foot off the ground.

 

[woolyAcres]

Years ago I bought a 3PT -> Skid Steer adaptor that fits on the 3PT but allows me to attach my pallet forks. I probably paid $200 for it but it lets me pickup and move 300gal totes full with firewood and move them around. I do that with my Bobcat CT2025. I think I can lift them about 15-18" so loading onto any kind of trailer could be difficult but for moving them from the woods to house it's no problem.