How much can I really lift??

[Blu 82]

All, I have a 7520 4WD w/ML275 loader (also have backhoe). I will have to offload a delivery truck (my steel bldg) and the company says I need a forklift that will lift at least 3000lbs. Specs say I can lift 3900 lbs w/the loader at the pivot pin. 7520 manual says my front tire capacity w/ag tires is 2320 lbs. Is that per tire or total on both front tires?? So, my question is how much can I lift safely using a forklift?? I have heard that an extimate is to use 75% of your lifting capability at the pivot pins. Also, I have been lifting dirt w/the FEL and have put in 26 lbs of air in each front tire but the tires still seem to bulge a little when the loader is full. Is that ok?? Not sure how much weight I am lifting in the bucket (sand and clay) but the loader lifts it w/no problem. I guess I am wondering how to tell if you are lifting more than the tires and/or front axle are designed for.

BTW my 7520 has about 220 hrs (about 14 mos old) and most problems have been minor except for the ones caused by stupidity on the operator's part (never had a tractor before but am loving every minute). I have cleared land with it, dug stumps, bush hoged, box bladed, and worked it hard. It doesn't look as new as it once did but I bought it to work and so far I am pleased.

 

[MrJimi]

If the building place says
at least 3,000 pounds
I'm very sure it will be much more
be careful

Jim
​

 

[MtnViewRanch]

One of the things to consider is that the 7520 is rated to lift 3900lbs to full height at the pivot pins. That's 11 feet high. I doubt that any of the pallets are that high. If the items are supposed to be able to be lifted with a 3000lb forklift then I would not even give a second thought to unloading them with my 7520. I have picked up and moved a complete ton and 1/2 early vintage truck with my tractor. Now it was light on the rear tires and that was with a 1600lb rear implement on and my tires are filled and I have 4 sets of rear wheel weights. My point being, use your tractor to unload your freight. Another nice thing about unloading with our tractors is that you can usually unload all from one side because of the reach. Try doing that with a standard forklift. Oh, your ag tires are rated for that many pounds per tire. They would be over loaded if you were to lift a maximum load with your tractor. That is why your tires bulge even with the 26lbs of inflation. They should be ok to get your freight unloaded, but on a regular basis your side walls will break down and you would need new tires.
Good luck

 

[Blu 82]

I hope the weight on the back will not be an issue since I can put the backhoe on and that is heavy (about 1600 lbs). Rear tires are also filled with water. Just wondering if the loader can handle 3000lbs w/the forklift (since weight is beyond pivot pt) and whether it will be too heavy on the ag tires or front axle??

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I hope the weight on the back will not be an issue since I can put the backhoe on and that is heavy (about 1600 lbs). Rear tires are also filled with water. Just wondering if the loader can handle 3000lbs w/the forklift (since weight is beyond pivot pt) and whether it will be too heavy on the ag tires or front axle??

I really think that your tractor will be fine for this job. the rear ags are fine, but for some reason they went light duty on the fronts. When I moved that truck I had to use a chain so that the truck would not flip off, 7' wide. You will only be picking up pallets, you should be fine. Your fronts would break down the sidewalls if you over loaded them on a regular basis, but for this job I believe that you will be ok.

 

[bindian]

I hope the weight on the back will not be an issue since I can put the backhoe on and that is heavy (about 1600 lbs). Rear tires are also filled with water. Just wondering if the loader can handle 3000lbs w/the forklift (since weight is beyond pivot pt) and whether it will be too heavy on the ag tires or front axle??

Blu 82,
When you go to unload, if the rear end feels lite, just extend the hoe and it's bucket out low to the ground (like I have in the photo below) and that will shift your center of gravity aft, which will give a more solid feel of the rear tires on the ground.

 

[RedRiver]

Excellent advice above, with a backhoe and rear tires filled I think you should be fine.

 

[Tim_in_IA]

You'll know when you put the forks under. It'll either lift it or it wont. Have the heaviest implement you have on the back. Backhoe is great. When you get the loader under load pay attention to your tires and the rear tires.

I know my 6500 could not lift a bundle of OSB until I split it up with the 3 point. Loaders seem to have a much better mechanical advantage but they also can get you into a lot of trouble since your lifting something so much higher than center of gravity. If you have any doubts at all when you start to lift it stop immediately and get that forklift.

There is no comparison between what a forklift can lift and what a tractor can lift. Apples and oranges.

All, I have a 7520 4WD w/ML275 loader (also have backhoe). I will have to offload a delivery truck (my steel bldg) and the company says I need a forklift that will lift at least 3000lbs. Specs say I can lift 3900 lbs w/the loader at the pivot pin. 7520 manual says my front tire capacity w/ag tires is 2320 lbs. Is that per tire or total on both front tires?? So, my question is how much can I lift safely using a forklift?? I have heard that an extimate is to use 75% of your lifting capability at the pivot pins. Also, I have been lifting dirt w/the FEL and have put in 26 lbs of air in each front tire but the tires still seem to bulge a little when the loader is full. Is that ok?? Not sure how much weight I am lifting in the bucket (sand and clay) but the loader lifts it w/no problem. I guess I am wondering how to tell if you are lifting more than the tires and/or front axle are designed for.

BTW my 7520 has about 220 hrs (about 14 mos old) and most problems have been minor except for the ones caused by stupidity on the operator's part (never had a tractor before but am loving every minute). I have cleared land with it, dug stumps, bush hoged, box bladed, and worked it hard. It doesn't look as new as it once did but I bought it to work and so far I am pleased.

 

[Tim_in_IA]

I was thinking about this on my drive home last night. If you manage to get the loads off the truck make sure you gracefully get them down to right above ground level as soon as possible before you do any turning or moving around. That way if the load is at all tippy you can just drop it the rest of the way and leave it there. I imagine since it is steel building material that you will have some awkward loads to take off.

 

[LAWALLSTRACTOR]

BLU 82,
I believe your loader will lift it, but be careful. Lift the load off of the back of the truch an inch or two, then back up very slowly. When you are clear of the truck very slowly lower it to a couple of inches off the ground, and then transport it to where you need it. Just be careful, keep the load low as possible and make no sudden moves, and you should be fine.