TC45DA lifting with pallet fork on FEL

SPYDERLK · Mar 23, 2008

Wayne County Hose said:
"If you can lift it, you can lower it." But, does anyone sit there in one spot lifting and lowering? No. It's when you try to move that the load tips you over. After being a forklift mechanic for 22 years, I've seen it happen way too many times.
Technically, whenever you purchase a piece of equipment new with any attachments, the dealer is supposed to send to the factory for a modified data plate with the new capacities. Check OSHA CFR 1029. Whenever you modify your machine so as to alter it's lifting capacity, you are supposed to contact the dealer for a "permission to modify" and an amended data plate.
The one out, is that agricultural applications are exempt.

The point about uneven ground that Andy made is also good. In every case we are stipulating lifting it off the truck and getting it to the ground in a controlled fashion. Lifting it off the truck and starting to back up gives you every clue you need if you have already judged that the ground slope is uniform. When trying to back with the load suspended, does either back tire lift? If not, back up carefully and lower the load to near the ground before going anywhere. If a tire lifts, STOP. If it comes back down drive the truck out from under the loader [if its a small tractor dont leave the seat - get someone else to move the truck]. Lower the load to the ground slowly and smoothly without moving the tractor. Then go get some ballast or split the load.
larry

Wayne County Hose · Mar 23, 2008

Good advice Larry.

chatcher · Mar 24, 2008

My TC35DA is even more anemic - same loader but lower relief pressure. Many embarassing moments having to unload pallets halfway by hand until the tractor could handle it. Worst time was when my neighbor had a pallet of roofing shingles he wanted on his roof. He couldn't believe I could only lift about five bundles at a time.

I have considered many times adjusting the relief pressure to the same as TC40/45, but I'm sure it would only get me into trouble.

jk96 · Mar 24, 2008

Worst time was when my neighbor had a pallet of roofing shingles he wanted on his roof. He couldn't believe I could only lift about five bundles at a time.

Catcher, I think you have some issues with your loader. A bundle of shingles is about 75lbs x 5 = 375lbs.

Wayne County Hose · Mar 25, 2008

Chatcher, you could put together a nice little pressure test kit for under a hundred bucks. I'll post the pieces if you like. This way you can pressure test and adjust to factory spec for less than the dealer would charge to do it. And, you still have the gauge and fittings.

chatcher · Mar 25, 2008

jk96 said:
Catcher, I think you have some issues with your loader. A bundle of shingles is about 75lbs x 5 = 375lbs.

I'm probably off by a few bundles, but it was a small fraction of a full pallet. The forks and quick attach adapter probably weigh 600 lbs, the spec at 19.7 inches from pivot is only 1386 lbs., and lifting to the roof of a house is an extreme case. But my point is that putting a set of forks on a CUT does not make it a forklift.

Wayne County Hose said:
Chatcher, you could put together a nice little pressure test kit for under a hundred bucks. I'll post the pieces if you like. This way you can pressure test and adjust to factory spec for less than the dealer would charge to do it. And, you still have the gauge and fittings.

I've thought several times about putting a gauge on it. I'd like to have one permanently mounted so I can gauge what I'm lifting.