Lifting a ton with MX5400?

[lgeist04]

I agree with the others that 2000lb is the MAX that you could unload and I also would not want to do it all the time. I just unloaded a super sack of pig feed that weighed 2117 lbs. It was on a pallet on my flatbed truck. My pallet forks weigh 300 lbs and it would curl the pallet but not pick it up off the bed. I unloaded about 300 lbs from the sack and then it would pick it up. I have 3 sets of wheel weights on each tire along with rimguard and I had my stump grinder on the back that weighs about 350 lbs so my ballast was around 2150 lbs. I would not want to do it weekly for sure.

 

[Siesta Sundance]

Hello everyone, looking at purchasing an MX5400 with FEL. The stats on the LA1065 have me wondering what I should really expect using pallet forks...especially if unloading a tote bag off a flatbed trailer. Anyone with experience willing to share what they've encountered? This is a primary function of the tractor, so I don't want to end up finding myself underpowered. I realize an M would be better, but the manual transmission is not something that works well with our setup. TIA

Well, I have a M7060 forsale, https://www.orangetractortalks.com/...ctor-wfel-ultragrand-cab-ac-heat-radio.61553/

The mx54 should lift it depending on your setup and forks, keep rpm at 2K/PTO speed. Make sure your the shredder is on the back or spray tank for ballast. **My Mx52 tires are 80% filled that really helps.

During the drought last year I regularly moved totes with water, I usually filled them at 80%, the tractor was happier at that weight/percentage.

 

[Elliott in GA]

Thanks everyone for the input, EXACTLY what I was hoping to learn from this group! Time to rethink the plan. Spoke with a larger operation and they run an M7060 and have no issues unloading. May be time to get some manual tractor lessons.

If you want to stay with a hydrostatic, the M62 would do the job, and you would have a backhoe too. Of course, it is not cheap.

 

[PoTreeBoy]

Thanks everyone for the input, EXACTLY what I was hoping to learn from this group! Time to rethink the plan. Spoke with a larger operation and they run an M7060 and have no issues unloading. May be time to get some manual tractor lessons.

The M7060 (or 7040 with hydraulic shuttle) is a nice rig. I think you'd learn to like it. What other uses do you have for it?

 

[mcmxi]

Thanks everyone for the input, EXACTLY what I was hoping to learn from this group! Time to rethink the plan. Spoke with a larger operation and they run an M7060 and have no issues unloading. May be time to get some manual tractor lessons.

An M7060, M4, M5 etc., would be a good way to go for a one-size-fits-all approach to unloading 2,000lb pallets and also being able to do other tractor work. My M6060 is an awesome tractor and I have no trouble with finesse, you just have to ride the clutch a little when sneaking up on an implement or pallet. Also, you need to remember that there are two throttles. The accelerator on the floor is your friend when riding the clutch, and the hand throttle is your friend in motion.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

A hydraulic shuttle is a much better option for loader work.

 

[Jchonline]

Thanks everyone for the input, EXACTLY what I was hoping to learn from this group! Time to rethink the plan. Spoke with a larger operation and they run an M7060 and have no issues unloading. May be time to get some manual tractor lessons.

M7060 or 6060 has a shuttle shift for quickly changing from forward to backward. It takes a bit to get used to but works just fine.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

re: a shuttle shift for quickly changing from forward to backward.

just do NOT do that with 2000# load on ! Especially if suspended in a 'bag' !!!

 

[PaulL]

Not to circle back too much - but if the primary function is unloading tote bags, surely you'd get a machine that's really good at that? No tractor really is. The suggestion of a cheap forklift or a tele handler is a good one - they are good at exactly that job.

What are the secondary functions - do you need a tractor as well, or is this just a machine for unloading tote bags?

 

[GreensvilleJay]

2nd use was hauling a 'hog feeder' out to the field I think.....

 

[viejo79]

I agree with the others that 2000lb is the MAX that you could unload and I also would not want to do it all the time. I just unloaded a super sack of pig feed that weighed 2117 lbs. It was on a pallet on my flatbed truck. My pallet forks weigh 300 lbs and it would curl the pallet but not pick it up off the bed. I unloaded about 300 lbs from the sack and then it would pick it up. I have 3 sets of wheel weights on each tire along with rimguard and I had my stump grinder on the back that weighs about 350 lbs so my ballast was around 2150 lbs. I would not want to do it weekly for sure.

Bingo - this is exactly what I want to avoid! Really appreciate the fellow hog perspective

 

[viejo79]

If you want to stay with a hydrostatic, the M62 would do the job, and you would have a backhoe too. Of course, it is not cheap.

Shoot at that price point I'm going track loader

 

[viejo79]

2nd use was hauling a 'hog feeder' out to the field I think.....

Yes - moving feeders out to the hog paddocks is also part of this. As for other uses - brush hogging any of the open pastures, moving round bales when needed, and like the chipper attachment too.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

one possible 'option' is to look for a used 3PH forklift unit. I see them once in awhile for sale.
My gut says it'd be safer to unload from a semi trailer than using a loader MAXXED out. Smooooother controls.
I used to lift 1600# giant pumpkins with the D-14 /real loader setup and it was 'interesting'. Weight wasn't the real issue it was the kin swinging while backing up ! A LOT of inertia in a 1600# swinging mass ! From then on I just lifted the kin, used 2nd D-14 to put trailer under the kin, then hopefully lower it carefully...

maybe someone makes a 3PH 'pole boom' rated for 2500# ?

just thinking of possible options, that are safer and easier to control. I assume this is at most a 'once a week' deal ??

 

[Elliott in GA]

Shoot at that price point I'm going track loader

Well, the M62 is also a full fledged tractor with a 3pt hitch and PTO (the backhoe dismounts, unlike the loader). So, the M62 could do your loader tasks and all of your tractor tasks; plus you would have a backhoe - all for the cost of a track loader. You would not have the flow rate of a track loader, but would that be of any value for you?

 

[PaulL]

Yes - moving feeders out to the hog paddocks is also part of this. As for other uses - brush hogging any of the open pastures, moving round bales when needed, and like the chipper attachment too.

What size machine would you need to move feeders absent the requirement to lift a ton on the front? If you found another way to do the unload of the bags, could you get away with an L-class machine?

If so, room for both a forklift and a tractor in the budget.

one possible 'option' is to look for a used 3PH forklift unit. I see them once in awhile for sale.

I like this idea.

I see these: https://wifo.ca/products/forklifts/forklifts.html. No price on them, but looks like a great solution.

This thread (https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/threads/3ph-fork-lift.115078/) has some ideas and some safety recommendations. Looks like cannibalising an old forklift is possible. And it also points to these guys http://edwards-equip.com/forklifts/index.html who have 2,000lb and 4,000lb models. No price again.

 

[mikester]

Hello everyone, looking at purchasing an MX5400 with FEL. The stats on the LA1065 have me wondering what I should really expect using pallet forks...especially if unloading a tote bag off a flatbed trailer. Anyone with experience willing to share what they've encountered? This is a primary function of the tractor, so I don't want to end up finding myself underpowered. I realize an M would be better, but the manual transmission is not something that works well with our setup. TIA

Something like an M59 or M62 will lift 1 ton to full height (10 feet) no problem but you will want a counter ballast. I can lift 3,000 lb pallets of wet sod off the back of a truck with only a blade on the back but the rear wheels are awfully light. With the BH as counter ballast I can leave it in 2WD.

GreensvilleJay is on the money regarding used forklifts. You can find cheap 5,000# cushion tired forklifts all day long if you have a decent driveway.

Also consider something like a large SS or CTL they are cost effective and plentiful. CTL if you have soft ground.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

locally I can get a used 3ph forklift unit for $1500...
also maybe look at 'stackers', could be converted to 3PH
so yet another 'option' to consider or explore.
a 'dead' forklift could donate the mast !

A lot depends on where you are
search Craigslist or FB Marketplace ??

 

[jimh406]

I guess it depends how much often you plan to lift 2000 lb items and how high. Fwiw, I think there is a YouTube video that shows a L2501 unloading a full feedbag from a truck. . There's also a B2601 that's unloading their pig feed.

The L2501 loader is rated half of what the MX5400 is. The B2601 is even less. That being said, if you have a use for an even larger tractor, that will do fine as well. Some of it depends on how it's loaded and how high it has to be lifted to unload.

If you don't mind the extra equipment and need to be always available to unload, it's probably better to have a forklift/skidsteer and separate tractor.

 

[viejo79]

locally I can get a used 3ph forklift unit for $1500...
also maybe look at 'stackers', could be converted to 3PH
so yet another 'option' to consider or explore.
a 'dead' forklift could donate the mast !

A lot depends on where you are
search Craigslist or FB Marketplace ??

I'm seeing used forklifts around 5k here in Dallas, TX. Even broken ones are at least 2k...