Rough Terrain Forklift

logboy · July 31, 2014, 01:14:26 AM

I find myself in the situation where a Bobcat alone isn't cutting it anymore. The logs and piles of slabs are getting heavier, and now I'm loading semi trailers with slabs. I thought about a heavier Bobcat, but the larger lift arms kill visibility to the point where it's hard to see out the sides of the cab. That's a no go when loading semi trucks. A telehandler would be nice, but a decent used one is in the upper 20s to low 30s. I've found some decent surplus military forklifts around, but I'm scared that I'd have no way to find parts or fix one if it breaks. I'm leaning toward a rough terrain forklift for now. I have no experience with them, just regular forklifts. What does everyone know about them? Recommendations? Machines to stay away from? It needs to start in the winter when it's 0 degrees F.

Gary_C · July 31, 2014, 01:49:13 AM

The step up from a skid loader is usually toward a telehandler, end loader, or grapple loader for loading and unloading trucks. Rough terrain forklifts or forklifts in general do not have the traction or stability for outdoor work unless you are on hard surfaces all the times. And rough terrain forklifts with large pneumatic tires have limited lift capacities for higher lifts because of the bounce in the large tires.

Probably the least cost alternative is if you can find a used low cost grapple loader to go with your Bobcat.

schmism · July 31, 2014, 01:50:59 AM

are you talking one of these
OFFSITE IMAGES NOT ALLOWED PLEASE READ FORUM RULES
or one of these
OFFSITE IMAGES NOT ALLOWED PLEASE READ FORUM RULES

From what ive seen, and heard of bibyman's use, the telehandler (bottom one) is a much better option than the rough terrain forklift.

If used is your game, then perhaps an older CAT 922 (or 940) wheel loader. (lift capacity of of 4000lbs ish)

logboy · July 31, 2014, 02:13:04 AM

The telehandler is the better option, although it doesn't work well in tight quarters and inside buildings. It also comes at 2-3 times the price of a rough terrain forklift. I need to lift around 6k pounds. I'm thinking a rough terrain forklift until I can justify the jump to a telehandler.

Ljohnsaw · July 31, 2014, 02:59:29 AM

Used Telehandler in the 6,000lb range and short reach are much more reasonably priced then $20k. I picked up a WELL used 1985 9038 Skytrak for $8k (9,000lb 38' reach) to build my cabin. I was told I could pick up a non-CA model in Nevada in the 6,000lb size for about $3-4k but didn't have the reach I needed. Then, when I was done, I'd have to sell it out of state - too much effort.

Ianab · July 31, 2014, 03:56:28 AM

A Telehandler has the advantage of the better reach to load and unload trucks. If you are unloading a standard log truck (without it's own loader) then you need to be able to reach up and over the bunks. That and the better off-road ability make them a good option.

Ian

NMFP · July 31, 2014, 07:28:45 AM

I have 2 rough terrain lifts and a telehandler. They all have their applications as the one rough terrain lifts up to 35', the other is a box car model for loading rail cars off of a transfer yard making it easy to swing around but the telehandler allows me to reach the center of a trailer, and reach out into a pile and grab a log that's not right in front.

Call equipment rental companies and see what they have coming in off lease.

My issue right now is parts. My John Deere forklift is a 1980 model but parts are hard to get, champ is a 1965 model but most parts are available at auto parts stores and the telehandler is a lift king which was absorbed by Textron back in the early 90's and parts are hard to find.

Depending on how much work your doing, it might be worth while talking to a rental company or lease company and leasing an older off lease machine.

drobertson · July 31, 2014, 07:29:47 AM

I have the Case 585D, Lifts 6000 lbs. gets around good through the winter, wish I had side shift, and I believe 4x4 would be nice at times as well. They are at times bouncy , and the back tilt could be a better,

Tom L · July 31, 2014, 07:45:29 AM

just for reference, there is a cat tele handler up the road from me that is for sale, 2 thousand hrs with a 6000 lb capacity , it is for sale for $25000, it is in good shape.

kderby · July 31, 2014, 08:30:56 AM

I have two rough terrain forklifts, a Wiggins six thousand pound lift and a Wiggins eight thousand pound lift. The six is the better choice. The eight is a tank (too big and slow). It has an important function within my work system so I keep it. The six does everything I ask. It has never been stuck. It drives around town in service to others. They work well for me. I even have tire chains for winter work.

I borrowed a tele-handler for a few days and I can see how handy they are. They are also triple the cost.

With the two lifts I have a back-up machine on site. I appreciate that when one forklift is down or tied up, I am not shut down. The forklifts only get used a few minutes every day but they are critical to my operation. They save my back, improve safety and increase my productivity. By stacking lumber with the lifts I have a smaller storage area footprint, a cleaner yard and more room to work. They help me be professional when loading out Trucks and trailers. They even unload log trucks when OSHA is not watching. Can you tell I am happy with them?

Gotta get to work!

KD

Dave Shepard · July 31, 2014, 10:59:48 AM

I highly recommend one of these, as long as it is within your lift capacity. This one is 6,000 in close, 1,500 all the way out in front. It takes a big payloader to load a tall stake truck. A lull just laughs at lifting 20', 30' or more in the air. :D Very stable, great traction.

brianb88 · July 31, 2014, 11:53:26 AM

A Lull like the one pictured above would be ideal. These are stout machines. We have one just like this we use at work and while rated at around 9K lbs. We have moved empty breaker tanks that weigh around 12,500 lbs. A very versatile machine. I would love to have one.

Peter Drouin · July 31, 2014, 12:22:05 PM

Yes a 1044 lull 8)

Dave Shepard · July 31, 2014, 12:37:01 PM

1044 8)

JohnM · July 31, 2014, 07:06:07 PM

Don't think anyone has mentioned it but what about a 'bigger' tractor (Kubota M series or similar)? As I'm typing though I'm thinking it's about the same pricing but it would be a smaller footprint. Less lift? ??? (where's the 'shrug' emote? ;D) Those lulls are awesome.

Pics of these massive slabs would be nice, LB. ;)

Dave Shepard · July 31, 2014, 08:51:11 PM

The issue is loading trailers. Not all of them have high bunks, but if you want to load over 10', it takes a big loader, or a forklift with a tall mast. The great thing about Lull type lifts is that you can load the other side of a trailer from this side. ;D Heck, you could even load a trailer on the other side of a trailer with a Lull. 8)

drobertson · July 31, 2014, 09:06:59 PM

lift height and load limits are the main concern. Having the reaching capacity is also a big advantage. Cost verses needs is always a consideration. And it seems that the need often overrides the cost. It boils down to economics, what does one really need, and can get by with and what will eliminate loss of time,( relatively) speaking, my neighbor has the lull, not sure the model, but a real nice machine, just a monthly payment,

mikeb1079 · July 31, 2014, 10:23:23 PM

what used prices are you guys seeing on those lulls? i think the op is trying to avoid a 20k investment

red oaks lumber · August 01, 2014, 09:52:24 AM

we do everything with a skidloader. load semis, load huge logs, move slabs ect. plow snow ,back blade wood yard, also use it in the tight quarters of the finish mill.its the most versitile machine bar none. john deere 326d

Brucer · August 02, 2014, 12:53:43 AM

I used to use a forklift when I was sawing for a timber frame shop (because that's what the shop had).

When I started buying logs I ended up using an articulated loader with a set of forks on the front (because the rent was stupidly low). I can handle 50' logs with it, or full lifts of timbers.

If I had to buy one, I'd go for an articulated tool carrier -- basically a loader with quick change mounts and parallel loader arm geometry. Second choice would be a telehandler. Forklifts and skidsteers chew up the ground in my yard. The articulated machines don't.

Seaman · August 02, 2014, 06:20:25 AM

Have you considered a tractor heister, like a Ford 3000 . Pretty common around here. You sit facing backwards, instead of a 3pt hitch, it has a heister. Makes it rear steer.
Don't have a picture, sorry.
Frank

Ohio_Bill · August 02, 2014, 09:08:10 AM

I have a Allis Chalmers I500 and ones like this sell for 3000 to 4000 around here all the time . Have used it for several years . It is basely a D15 farm tractor modified .

Seaman · August 02, 2014, 08:50:14 PM

Thanks Bill for the picture, lots of thos used around here also.
Frank

logboy · August 17, 2014, 09:08:01 PM

I thought I'd show a picture that puts my problem in perspective. Picked up some pine, oak, and maple logs for a customer who wants them slabbed. Of the five on the truck I could only lift one with my Bobcat 763. The Cat skidsteer that loaded them can lift 3k, and was teetering on its tracks. I'll have to do it the old fashioned way and roll them off with a chain. These are the size logs I deal with regularly.

drobertson · August 17, 2014, 10:11:05 PM

yep! they are big! you may as well figure on at least 25-30k and be done with it, this is used equipment of course, your demands require more than most. Really not sure how you would get in yards with restrictions as to sod damage and the like, and as to bringing them to you if all you had to do is unload? well, you need some serious weight behind the hp. Have you decided on, or got close to a decision?