Loading / Unloading Kubota ZG-20 into Truck Bed

[FinallyGreen]

I have a Kubota ZG-20 ZTR that I need to load into my truck's bed. Can I do that safely, without damaging the mower, with pallet forks?

 

[rc51stierhoff]

Are you asking if it will fit? (Maybe depends on how big the bed of your truck is and how you set it), or are you asking if it can be done? (Sure, it is possible whether you can do it or not((I don’t mean to be disrespectful) I am not really able to judge that . I am not familiar with your machine personally but at glance of the machine specs, it will not fit (level) between the wheel wells in a full size truck, pending size of your bed (ID) but if you put it on a pallet, and blocks under the pallet at front and back so it sets on top of the wheel wells and blocked so as stable front to back and left to right, it’s possible. If you have a flat utility it would be easier, but I suspect you would not be asking in that case.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

I've loaded a Toro 'groundmaster' into the back of an extended Chevy van one day with my forklift. Had maybe an inch to spare widthwise. HOW the guy was going to get it out 100 miles from me would be the real challenge.
'truck bed' ?? 8' box, 6.5' box, 5.5' box ??
What's the ZTR 'footprint' ? A 'bird's eye' view with dimensions will help. Most truck beds are 50 inches wide at the wheel wells (no liner...) to accomadate the newer sleds.

Now it may fit in backwards and not forwards, so grab a tape measure and make a drawing THEN decide which way is best.

 

[FinallyGreen]

I just measured the width of my Kubota ZG-20 ZTR to be 51" and the width of my truck bed (between the wheel wells) to be 51". The fit will be very tight but I'm thinking if I elevate with a pallet it will fit just fine.

My primary question is whether I will damage the undercarriage of my mower by picking it up with pallet forks.

 

[rc51stierhoff]

I just measured the width of my Kubota ZG-20 ZTR to be 51" and the width of my truck bed (between the wheel wells) to be 51". The fit will be very tight but I'm thinking if I elevate with a pallet it will fit just fine.

My primary question is whether I will damage the undercarriage of my mower by picking it up with pallet forks.

I am not sure it was meant to support the machine…Things that hang down normally are not engineered to support what’s above/holding them. I would think it would lift it up into the machine, and I have no idea what it would do to any of the linkages. I’d also be wondering how well it will balance on the forks. But honestly I really don’t know. Those are just my thoughts.

 

[mikester]

Read your owners manual for sling points on the mower. A drive on trailer deck will make your life easier.

 

[Russell King]

I would build a pallet that fits into the truck and then drive the mower onto that pallet (with the pallet on the ground).

Strap mower to pallet then pick up the pallet and mower and place into truck bed.

I have never seen a forklift have enough reach to get the load in a truck bed far enough forward without pushing it so consider that also

 

[GreensvilleJay]

I've always got 5' forks on my forklift and 'extenders' nearby as I used to R/R 8' pickup beds every week,also great for moving/placing 9by12 tractor sheds..
Agree make a custom pallet FOR your machine. I just did that to haul a General bandsaw,laid on it's back it's 2' wide, 6.6 long.

darn shame about the 51" machine, 51' gap..not exactly any 'oopsy-wiggle' room !!