Tractor VS Forklift?

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So, Ive been doing a little bit of thinking here, about ways to lift heavy stuff around the shop, if I were to start taking on some of the larger projects Ive considered...Growing up around my uncles dairy farm and my moms homestead, there was always a tractor with a front end loader around, and I cant remember a single time that we had anything we couldn't lift/move...Fast forward a few years to when I used to work in a warehouse for a while, driving forklifts for hours a day.I honestly prefer the tractors... The forklifts had a tighter turning radius and were easier to drive, but the tractors are much more versatile...Which would you want for oddly shaped weldments in the 1000-3000ish pound range? Discuss....[Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009
Reply:We use skidsteer with forks most if we cant lift it then we use a all wheel stern loader kind of a little lull. If on cement all day a fork lift would be niceMillermatic 252millermatic 175miller 300 Thunderboltlincoln ranger 250smith torcheslots of bfh'sIf it dont fit get a bigger hammer
Reply:If you're talking real tractors, that's one thing. My little tractor can only lift my SA-200s about 2-feet off the ground. If I was only welding / fabricating I'd get a forklift. Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Really depends on if you have a secondary use around your place for a full sized tractor. If I had a nice big shop like I've often dreamed about having one day I would deffinatley go with a dual front tire forklift just my opinion of course that and a forklift is designed for lifting heavy, heavy stuff a tractor not so much. I have seen some guys around here use a regular ol' MF tractor to load logs on pulp wood trucks but they also have a 55gal barrel full of concrete rigged up on the 3pt.93 Bobcat 225GMillerMatic 135HF Tig 91811
Reply:If maneuverability wasn't too much of an issue.I would get a fair sized tractor and use the front end loader for the kind of heavy stuff and make a forklift attachment for the draw bar.
Reply:After having used tractors, wheel loaders and forklifts of all varieties I want a telehandler for my dedicated lifting tool. But a pneumatic tire forklift is a close second.Tractors can be very good at lifting but other things are better.Ranger 250 GXTSmith Gas Axe
Reply:Yellow Wrench. Mine is a Case 580K with extenda hoe, Thumb, and forks. It is the worlds most versatile machine. Forklifts are most useful in very big buildings with lots of open space. Forklifts lift, and move. So ends their repertoire. A big tractor/ backhoe/ loader can build a septic system, a pond, plant your posies. extract your kid's tooth, and it makes one hell of a welding tool, able to turn, bend, lift, and a host of other jobs.Don't make the mistake of buying a little one, they are for suburbanites who retired too early, and are driving their wives crazy!Last edited by Willie B; 08-08-2014 at 09:03 PM.
Reply:I've got a lot of hours running both kinds of machines. The forklift has some definite advantages over many styles of bucket forks. A lot of bucket forks are held in place with gravity. That means it can be really tough if you need to tilt the blades forward when going into a pallet on sloped ground. Also the fine maneuvering skills seem to be better on most forklifts I've run. If you need to move over 1/2", some times you have to back the tractor up some to get the blades to shift over with a tractor that steers in the front. The lift with rear wheel steering, doesn't have to move as far forward to get the blade tips to shift. Then there is all the added "goodies" that come on some lifts, like side shift or being able to change the blade spacing from without leaving the seat, or the ability to clamp things with the blades. True not all lifts have those features, but I've seen plenty of used ones at auctions that have special features. It's great to be able to shift a load over 6" to tuck bundles in tight on a truck, or even side shift them under other items to save space. They also go a lot higher, so that can be a real advantage if you pick up some of that H frame racking or cantilevered racking for storing things. You've already covered turning radius which is a huge advantage inside.Now I've used lifts with dump bins or even push buckets. There's no comparison vs doing the same stuff with a proper bucket on a tractor. If it's a skid steer, you have even more options with added attachments you can rent when needed.If I was simply moving stock around in a paved lot or even on tight packed stone, on hard floors inside, the lift wins hands down. On uneven ground/dirt or when you need to move bulk materials or dig occasionally, then it would be a tractor or loader. ( we looked at a small articulated loader with QD forks for loading pallets of concrete color and moving bulk materials like dirt and stone.).No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:City.... Forklift.Country.... Tractor.....zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Originally Posted by Willie BYellow Wrench. Mine is a Case 580K with extenda hoe, Thumb, and forks. It is the worlds most versatile machine. Forklifts are most useful in very big buildings with lots of open space. Forklifts lift, and move. So ends their repertoire. A big tractor/ backhoe/ loader can build a septic system, a pond, plant your posies. extract your kid's tooth, and it makes one hell of a welding tool, able to turn, bend, lift, and a host of other jobs.Don't make the mistake of buying a little one, they are for suburbanites who retired too early, and are driving their wives crazy!
Reply:Personally I'm a loader man my self. There are limitations but there's also a lot of versatility. For the most part around 2000 lbs start to limit out most medium sized loaders. They can be pushed more than that but not by much.   My main gripe with forklift is you have no reach at all. It's all up close with no clearance. I also prefer the added maneuverability of a loader. It's easier to shift things to the side a little than with a forklift. I do things with mine that I can't even dream of doing with a forklift but then I've got a lot more hours on loaders than forklifts.   Telehandlers have there place for sure. But for the most part are to large for me. I like my JD 401C even before I managed to get my backhoe on it. In truth for the most part I preferred it without backhoe since it would fit into tighter spaces. But even with large weight box on the 3 point and fluid in the tires it was still a little light on the back end. The backhoe cures that problem for sure. 4wd would be nice but I get by without it for the most part. I had a 301A before that with a rather tiny little loader and found it to limiting. My old Moline with the big loader having lots of reach out in front the tractor was handy but put way to much load on the axle sticking that far out. Bad brakes, bad steering, hard shifting where just some of the problems with it. But I used it for years and built my current shop with it. When I put that loader on my current 4020 I shifted it back as far as I could to give better balance. I do miss the added reach occasionally but it's much more stable and steers so much better that it's way better overall. I've lifted and moved 5,000+ lbs with it a couple of times since it's been on the 4020. It took it real slow and had it attached real close to the tractor but it did it without any problems with traction and stability. But I do have a really heavy weight box for the rear of it plus a lot of weights on the rear wheels. For those that missed it here's me stabbing a rather large wrecker boom with the 4020. I can't imagine doing that with a forklift. Last edited by irish fixit; 08-08-2014 at 09:49 PM.Millermatic 252XMT 304'sDynasty 280DXHypertherm PowerMax 1250Miller Trailblazer 302 EFIOptima PulserXR feeder and XR Edge gun and more athttp://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm
Reply:Originally Posted by LanseSo, Ive been doing a little bit of thinking here, about ways to lift heavy stuff around the shop, if I were to start taking on some of the larger projects Ive considered.Which would you want for oddly shaped weldments in the 1000-3000ish pound range?
Reply:Doing that with a lift wouldn't be impossible. A set of 6' or 8' fork extensions would make it a lot easier. I'd just slide the blades in so they were touching side by side, then lash the boom to the fork extensions. A 12' carpet pole would also probably work.  Even without the extension, I bet if I  ran a guy wire from the top of the back rest extension over the forks to the end and lashed the rest to the blades, I could probably make it work. Only question would be if the weight hanging out at the end would be too much for the counterweight.I will say you did a nice job hitting your mark on the 1st try..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Lanse in your line of work you need what we call a crane truck, it has a extendable hyd boom that rotates. Where your at they shouldn't be hard to find. Tractor no, fork lift usable around the shop, crane truck use just about anywhere.________________________________Everlast PA140STEverlast PowerPlasma 50And no you can't Borrow them
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWDoing that with a lift wouldn't be impossible. A set of 6' or 8' fork extensions would make it a lot easier. I'd just slide the blades in so they were touching side by side, then lash the boom to the fork extensions. A 12' carpet pole would also probably work.  Even without the extension, I bet if I  ran a guy wire from the top of the back rest extension over the forks to the end and lashed the rest to the blades, I could probably make it work. Only question would be if the weight hanging out at the end would be too much for the counterweight.I will say you did a nice job hitting your mark on the 1st try.
Reply:If you have other uses for a tractor loader setup as mention, go with that. A all terrain fork truck will work too. See what you can find with the best deal. You can find fork truck booms cheap by me or end up making one . You can set a piece of plate on the forks for a table too. If storing inside, I would think the fork truck will take up less space.
Reply:I have a JD 3320 that looks very much like the one CEP has.  It will pick up 1800lb at the most but will not lift that much to any usefull height.  You need to keep the back end heavy to avoid pucker factor issues. For use on the farm, off concrete and loader work you can't beat it.  I have the back tires filled with rimguard for extra weight.For heavy lifting and work on packed gravel and concrete a fork lift is best.  They will lift more, will get inside buildings, get in tight places and will lift higher.  Getting one stuck in gravel can be a problem. A skid steer with forks is nice but how do you get out of the cab with anything other than on the ground.  I refuse to get under any kind of load while in the air.Dan D. Attached ImagesLast edited by DanD78; 08-08-2014 at 10:34 PM.Manipulator Of Metal
Reply:Forklift is much easier to manuever in tight spots and you don't have to worry about flat tires like a loader.
Reply:Originally Posted by M J DForklift is much easier to manuever in tight spots and you don't have to worry about flat tires like a loader.
Reply:Lanse your question is a little broad since you cannot use a hard tired fork lift off pavement and some loaders would need a large door to get in and out and have room to maneuver inside a shopSkid steers leave a lot to be desired when backing up in close quarters...That goes for backhoes also but at least you can see backing up Like welding machines all have a different purpose and some do one thing better than others so we need to narrow it down a bitBacked my CATMA over your CARMA oops clusmy me  What would SATAN do ?? Miller Trailblazer 302 AirPakMiller Digital Elite  Optrel Welding HatArcair K4000Suitcase 12RC / 12 VSHypertherm PM-45Rage 3 sawRusty old Truck
Reply:Sold my tractor and forklift and bought a skid steer. Selling my forklift was a mistake. I am now considering selling the skidder and buying a forklift and a bigger tractor.
Reply:Used to have a Case 530CK loader/backhoe--very versatile. But this little Toyota forklift is much smaller and handier (and cheaper). Lifts 3,000 lbs. Pneumatic tires for dirt.
Reply:We were were able to find a 13000 lb IMT model 8025 truck crane mounted on a 1986 C70 Chevy about 10 years ago from an old railroad sale. There are still some out there. It's capacity is 13000 lbs up close and 2700 lbs out at about 26 feet. I have seen several at sales pretty cheap. That seems to work for us.
Reply:I'd start with a tractor loaderIt's cheap, versatile, cheap to repair compared to bespoke forklift partsIt works in low ceilings  = no mast to take out ceiling trussesIt works on outdoor groundYou can always put side shift, extend, tilt, bucket, spear,  jib crane, man cage...on it.Plus it will move snow, or help dig a hole for fence, or gate or whatever jobs you have.Or that truck crane
Reply:Well  I failed to post we also have an old cat backhoe with forks that we use for forks and bucket for other things. We had it way before the truck crane.   It's hard to beat and very usefulFor you tractor guys, a handy attachment to have is a boom. I use it mostly for my chain harrow. But it works great for setting trusses for out buildings too. Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Project for you. Buy a tractor with a loader and a scrapped forklift mast to mount on the back of the tractor. All terrain loader/lift with the best and worst of both worlds.---Meltedmetal
Reply:Boom poles are nice for setting trusses, but the longer the pole the less you can lift. You need to adapt your setup for the 3pt, usually you can lift more on the 3pt.________________________________Everlast PA140STEverlast PowerPlasma 50And no you can't Borrow them
Reply:At the pellet mill is a Case 580 fork lift. It is usually considered to be too cumbersome for indoor work. It is old, neglected, and unloved. If it were appropriate to feel pity for an inanimate object, I would.The forklift mast on a tractor is better as a concept than a reality.
Reply:Watching your videos and seeing your shop... The shop seems narrow. I would think you would have a hard time manuevering a decent sized tractor with a loader inside. plus it would take up a lot of space storing it in there.... My grandfather has a smaller forklift 3k maybe? it is very handy to have too. we have a skid steer and tractor with a loader, and always use the forklift. And around here a tractor with a bucket is pretty expensive used, at least one that is rated for 3k.- Christian M.C3 Welding & Fabrication - CNC Plasma Cutting-Mobile Welding-Custom welding and fabwww.c3welding.com
Reply:Originally Posted by Willie BAt the pellet mill is a Case 580 fork lift. It is usually considered to be too cumbersome for indoor work. It is old, neglected, and unloved. If it were appropriate to feel pity for an inanimate object, I would.The forklift mast on a tractor is better as a concept than a reality.
Reply:I always liked these forklifts.  Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPI always liked these forklifts.
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPI always liked these forklifts.
Reply:Hate forklifts with a passion.   Skid steer or a TLB gets my vote though a lot of forklifts can be had really cheap at auction. Sub $2k Not so for the other machines.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Really depends on what all you want to do. I'm a heavy equipment mechanic for a local Caterpillar dealer and we have three forklifts at work. They are workhorses, and we use them all the time for pulling off track frames, moving around buckets, and pulling tracks around or moving pallets of components. They are surprisingly versatile. For a fab shop type environment where you are working on hard surfaces and moving stuff around I wouldn't be without a forklift or two. Also great for pulling stuff off of trucks when you get it delivered, such as steel, machines, etc. I would pick up a cheap used one for in shop use. Now if you are outside with plenty of room and moving stuff around, I love a telehandler, too. For all around outside usage a tractor with a Front End Loader is hugely versatile. You can fit them with bucket forks or a purpose built set of forks after you take the bucket off. I wouldn't be without one. At work if we need such a thing we fire up a Cat 950K and we can choose from either the bucket or the forks.Hobart Stickmate LX235AC/160DCRanger 305GVictor 315 O/A rigHope to acquire in the next couple of years: Hypertherm PM45 and Dynasty 200DX
Reply:The White MY 40 with the air tires and the Drott carry deck crane work for me.
Reply:If you want to dig holes or bury septic tanks then you really need a hoe. If you want to load baby trucks then you need a skid steer. If you want to load real trucks you need at least a 988.There is a reason that weld companies own forklifts and don't have an overabundance of ag tractors, skid steers or lawn mowers.A 4-8k LB tubed tire forklift will work on almost all underfoot conditions and work much mo better in a pure welding environment. But they aren't available for 2k (in every day working condition) like was posted. Expect to pay around 10k for a solid ever day model. Mine was born in 1982, and works like a dog. But it's on propane all it's life and is treated like a valuable member of the family.Build a osha compliant man basket, an osha compliant adjustable (for scope and angle) boom, and go make some money. You can do the work of material handling for most welding tasks with other implements but a good sound forklift is the top tier choice.Plus a rolling gantry or two and a few comealongs/chainfalls, you have 85% of all weld/fab work covered.Avoid solid tire models unless you never venture outdoors.Just my personal take so take it or not.J
Reply:It's plenty ugly, but my old Toyota forklift was recently purchased for $1600.
Reply:Homeowners or light use types can maybe get by with a cheap forklift. But there is a reason it was cheap or the commercial owner would still be using it. Repairs/maintenance can add up specialy when parts are hard to find or non existant. Then you have a piece of scrap iron.If you're gonna work it 40-80 hrs per week, for income, then higher dollar machines make all the sense.Tread carefully if you buy a cheap forklift, there is a reason for it.J
Reply:I've always been intrigued by one of these, (or is that 3 of these?)  But may not be too manoeuvrable inside a building, though.  Wouldn't even fit in mine.OK, I probably ruined another thread.....Tim
Reply:Your cheapest way out is build an "A" frame on your truck. I've had it in the shop many times when the gantry crane wasn't right for the job. Where ever you go it will be right there on the truck, ready to pick up what ever you need. Mine will pick up right at 3800#, extends to 19' or lowers down to 3'. Even thoiugh I've had fork lifts, loaders and other forked equipment, I've never been with out my "A" frame and wouldn't. Attached Images
Reply:Originally Posted by BobYour cheapest way out is build an "A" frame on your truck. I've had it in the shop many times when the gantry crane wasn't right for the job. Where ever you go it will be right there on the truck, ready to pick up what ever you need. Mine will pick up right at 3800#, extends to 19' or lowers down to 3'. Even thoiugh I've had fork lifts, loaders and other forked equipment, I've never been with out my "A" frame and wouldn't.
Reply:Originally Posted by pin2hotI've always been intrigued by one of these, (or is that 3 of these?)  But may not be too manoeuvrable inside a building, though.  Wouldn't even fit in mine.OK, I probably ruined another thread.....
Reply:I worked for a company that had a forklift attachment set directly on the front of a John Deere tractor.  There is a reason forklifts have huge axle housings on the front.  This John Deere over the years snapped both right and left spindles twice.  After I left the main frame that is actually the transmission case broke.  For moderate lifts a farm tractor is fine but don't get crazy.
Reply:Second one down. I had the same one when I lived in the idiocracy. It's what I call an all terrain forklift.I would never own another design unless I had some giant warehouse.Lift capacity was nothing special. 4500 # I believe; certainly sufficient.I never had to call for help.http://xawita.strefa.pl/forklift-pro...ank-mount.htmlBubble gumTooth pixDuct tapeBlack glueGBMF hammerScrew gun --bad battery (see above)
Reply:Tractor with either a front end loader or a gin pole on the back.  Tractor is all terain and you can always hook up different implements.   Depending on your ceiling height, the forklift mast my get in the way.
Reply:A good old tractor with a loader bucket is the only way to go. Hell your a welder you can make, modify or build any implement you need for it.www.georgesplasmacuttershop.comPlasma Cutter and Welder Sales and Repairs--Ebay storeTec.Mo. Dealer Consumables for the PT and IPT torch's
Reply:Each implement and application is different. No one tool is perfect for everything. As example, I use my old boom/crane truck a lot out doors, as well as the skid steer with forks, and dual drive wheel Hyster forklift. I have a large gantry for indoor use, but both the skid steer and forklift get a lot of use inside also. The Hyster having a three stage mast. 11,000# capacity, a 15 feet lifting range, yet will go through a 96" tall door is a real asset whether on concrete or dirt, inside, or out. The main thing is don't get hurt trying to half *** something to work. I work a lot by my lonesome and am willing to spend the money to ensure I get to come home to family each evening.SlobPurveyor of intimate unparalleled knowledge of nothing about everything.Oh yeah, also an unabashed internet "Troll" too.....
Reply:I lift truck is by far the better choice for work around a small fab shop.  However, do you have grass to cut?  Dirt to move?  Snow to blow?  If yes, you may be better off with one machine that can do everything.