Bush Hog FEL ?

[SheepDog]

This is my first post here after lurking here for a short time. I would like to get some of your ideas on an FEL and your recommendations if I am off base in my thinking.

I will be using this tractor for a small tree farm/retail sales and some ranch work. I will also do some spadework. I am leaning towards the Kioti DK40 and the Bush Hog M346 FEL. I like the ability to add the quick attach system to it so I can use a skid steer spade and the lifting capacity of 3500 lbs. I need that kind of lift since the spade itself is 1750 lbs. I like the Kioti for its price and a weight of 3800 lbs unloaded.

I am using a tractor instead of a skid steer because of the price difference of 45%.

I appreciate your comments and thanks for helping.

Richard

 

[Casimir]

SheepDog:

Welcome to TBN. We have a Sheltie, does that count?? /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

On a more serious note, I had a Bush Hog FEL on my first tractor - both were smaller than you are considering. I was pleased with the FEL, except that the front Ag tires on the tractor would hit the FEL mounts if you turned and went through a dip or over a bump at the same time.

It sounds to me like you may be nearing the design limits on both the tractor and FEL. I believe Spencer200 pointed out in another thread that NH often limits the lift capacity on their loaders because they don't want to overstress the front axle - more than for any other reason. You may want to do a little more research. If you actually get 3500 lbs out in front of your front axle, you will definitely need some rear ballast as a counterweight. At what point you may overstress the design limits of the tractor is the big question. If something breaks and the tractor manufacturer can legitimately claim that you overloaded the tractor, it may void the warranty. On the otherhand, you may get away with it for a long time before something fails. Perhaps someone with Kioti can tell you what the design limits are for lifting a load in a loader.

Seems to me I have seen tree spades that mounted on a 3 point hitch, which would probably handle the weight better, but I have no idea where to find one. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
Good luck, whatever you decide. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[BubbaJr]

Here's a link for Tree Toad.

Tree Toad

I wonder how much deeper would the ocean be without sponges.