Can MY JD 870 Handle This?

[NWL]

Hi all!

I recently found out that my husband would like to use my JD 870 to transport pallets of materials for our business. I would like to know if it is up to the task, and, if so, can I get away with using bucket tines instead of buying a full blown forklift attachment.

Here are the specifics:

- JD 870 with 440 Front loader and 72 box blade on the 3 pt. hitch; Ag tires (not liquid filled)
- Pallets of varying weights; the heaviest pallet would be 2000 lbs.
- Will only be used a couple of days each month to move the pallets.

If my 870 can handle the load, do you think I can use removable bucket tines
(something like this:
Paynes Forks Medium-Duty 2400-Lb. Capacity Forks | Accessories | Northern Tool + Equipment), or do you think I would need the forklift attachment (Not really wanting to change the bucket for the forklift each time if I can avoid it!)?

What should I add, if anything, to the tractor to ensure proper distribution of weight?

If I have left any important details out, please let me know.

Thank you, in advance, for your ideas and opinions. Any information is greatly appreciated!

Nancy

 

[Gator6x4]

A JD 870 weights 2,515 pounds. The maximum lift using the three point is 1,880 pounds. I don't think you will be able to lift enough of a 2000 pound pallet with the FEL to be able to determine you had lifted the pallet at all.

 

[rdln]

No, the 870 with 440 wont lift that...You may with the remotest chance be able to curl this load off of a truck and move it the desired position but that would only be with a dedicated pallet fork and carrier.

 

[jenkinsph]

I wouldn't do it, my 110tlb has a full load with a 2000 lb pallet.
All you need is someone getting hurt on the job.


JMHO, start looking around for a good deal on a used forklift for the business and write it off. It doesn't have to be new if it is only used a few days a month. With tough economic times alot of this stuff is selling dirt cheap now.



Steve

 

[AKfish]

My JD 970 had a FEL capacity of around 1,200lbs. I recall the warning on the hydraulic cylinders for the loader that the cylinders should only be used on 970-1070-1050 tractors.

Point is - the 870 uses smaller cylinders on the loader. I'd guess that the 870 has a lift capacity of around 1,000 lbs.

Buy a dedicated fork lift or invest in a bigger tractor. Good deals out there right now - and the tax incentive for small businesses is pretty impressive, too.

Best of luck.

AKfish

 

[NWL]

Thank you AKfish, jenkinsph, rdln, & Gator6x4 for responding to my post. I figured you guys would be able to figure my problem out much faster than I ever could! Investing in a forklift right now is not monetarily feasible. At the moment we are considering unloading the contents of the pallets onto other pallets to lighten the load for the 870. Not the best solution, but considering we will only have to do it once a month, it will work for now. Thanks to you guys, I now know how much weight my 870 and 440 are capable of handling.

Thanks again for your advice!