S175 lifting full totes.

[ZGrant231]

With much searching and no definitive answer. I'm looking to have a set of pallet forks with my s175 to off/on load totes, I'm currently rigging and slinging them with an excavator but I'm about to pull the trigger on a set of forks.


Does any one lift/move/stack full 275/300 gallon totes with pallet forks on a S175?

 

[phil314]

275 gallons of water is 2290 lbs + 150 for the tote = ~2450 lbs total.
That is going to be pushing the limit of a S175 (1750lbs rated).
A lot of that weight will be out a ways in front of the machine.
It might lift it, but the machine is going to be very tippy, even with counterweights.
so moving the tote after you've picked it up will be hard.

You might be able to get away with it if you only have to do it every once in a while.
If you do it every day, you aren't going to be happy with the S175.
An S250 would be much more up to the task.

My S650 is rated at 2690 lift. I unloaded a Bridgeport mill with it (2500 lbs).
It worked, but it wasn't what I'd call fun. Glad I only had to do it once.

 

[Tenwheeler]

I have seen a similar cat with farm tractor suit case weights brackets on the back. Those are easy to remove. Another had a bracket low at the bottom. They pored a concrete block in it.

 

[Jonas302]

Its a little small I can do it with my 555 new holland that has the same rated tipping load as your machine but with a vertical lift boom and extra weights its a far more stable machine its still bouncing the back tires I would never want to pick one off a 4 ft tall semi trailer

On the other hand forks have so many uses that you need a set anyways

 

[JBrady]

The problem I see is you might be able to lift the tote a few inches off the trailer, but as soon as you back up or try to lower to the ground, you are going to face plant.

 

[Tenwheeler]

The problem I see is you might be able to lift the tote a few inches off the trailer, but as soon as you back up or try to lower to the ground, you are going to face plant.

I have done similar things with round bale hay. It a bit disturbing when you become comfortable with your minimum rated machine and the next load is heavier. Having it tilted all the way back helps. Use direct mount forks not bucket extensions. Coming off a double stacked trailer and it is coming to the ground. In that case the skid steer can be driven forward and hold the load up. Then kind of drag it down the side with a little forward pressure. You will not have that option.
Many inexperienced operators of skid steers and Moffets have been injured that way.

 

[62oliver]

Driving on the front wheels is a way of life with small skid steers, you need to be comfortable with your machine and keep your wits about you. Bigger is better.