Going Bigger

[BULLDOG 1]

Hi guys,
I'm new to this site and have been doing some searching and a lot of reading. Nice site! I have a welding / fab business and use my little 2710 to load and unload my truck. I am building a new shop and was thinking about buying a used fork lift, but I didn't want the headaches that come with trying to run a lift on rough ground. So this brings me here. I was wondering, how many here use pallet forks on your tractors? How well do they work? I'm looking at a L4330 and their rated about 1000lbs more then my B2710. Now I can tell ya my 2710 will lift at least double what it's rated for. Is this the same case with a 4330?
Another question... What is a B2710 worth? (2003 4X4) It's got 300hrs and there's not a ding in the sheet metal. It also has loaded industrial tires and a front loader. I'm looking for a ball park price. I would rather sell it then trade it.
Thanks guys,
Randy

 

[BULLDOG 1]

I'm thinkin' I should have started with a different title...

 

[catvet]

Bulldog,

I don't know about that first reply. I have had screw on forks (on the FEL) for my Kubota B7800 (30 HP). I use them all the time. I just got a semi quick release for the loader and stand alone forks. The screw on forks were great but it was difficult to see them with the bucket in the way. Also they couldn't lift as much as I would like with them being so far forward. Of course I'm in the process of buying an L-39 which will have forks with it also. That should really increase my lift capacity. I use the forks for everything from moving pallets to lifting up logs. Can't comment on the different models of tractors you mentioned.

 

[BULLDOG 1]

Thanks for the reply Catvet.
I have a B2710 now. It's very much like your 7800. I love the thing,just need more lifting cap.
Thanks again,
Bulldog1

 

[john_bud]

Bull,

Don't count on the lift capacity being 2x on the larger tractor! Now, with that said, there is a range where the capacity is higher than rated, so picking up something from the ground a foot and moving it will be ok. 2x full height, no way.

On your tractor, I would guess that 20% of the purchase price has worn off. It depends on your local market. Also, this is probably the worst time to sell! If you can wait till spring, it would probably be higher

jb

 

[3RRL]

I'm thinkin' I should have started with a different title...

LOL ...Hmmm interesting 1st reply on your thread...

I thought about clamp on forks but reading here I've decided to make a quick attach fork system to replace the bucket.
-gives more lift capacity
-way better vision

You may look at that as it may be an inexpensive alternative to buying a new tractor....unless that's what you really want? After all, your truck can only carry so much and you may not get it in one shot anyway unless it was one solid object....just my 2¢

 

[Farmwithjunk]

I saw a forklift set-up a few years ago I'd like to have. I was on a job a few years ago, while still in the field. (Carpenter) A guy had taken a surplus forklift mast and fabricated a 3-point hitch on it. He then ran the hydraulics from the remotes on his tractor. By being on the back of the tractor, he only needed to use regular suitcase weights to counterbalance the load. This guy was rather good at handling the tractor in reverse.

 

[tractorsanmore]

Have you thought about a used skid steer with forks , like a bobcat , pretty handy

 

[BULLDOG 1]

Hey Guys,
Thanks for all the replys. Well, all except the 1st one. Thanks admen for deleting it. I'm sorry for not getting back sooner. I have a fab company and things have been kinda crazy around here. Anyhow I'm going to go with the L4330. I have 4 quotes and will make a decision soon. I've gotten from $11,000 - $13,000 trade offers for my B2710 and loader, so I guess I'll trade it in.
Thanks again,
Bulldog1