Mith 2 #1 Posted April 5, 2008 My Dad bought himself a grinder to sharpen milling cutters. Somewhere along the line a friend of mine (with a truck) and myself got roped into moving it. The net weight of the machine is 485lbs, and the coolant tank was full, so we are talking over 500lbs. We got it loaded with much sweat and using a pallet lifter, but when we got it home we couldn't unload it in the same way due to the slope going down into his garage. Someone suggested we try using the loader, not too sure about that, wasnt too sure it would lift and carry that weight, especially on a slope. Being the guy I am, I wouldnt have wanted to show my doubt that my machine could handle the load...... Anyway, we gave it a try (and I kept a brave face), and the tractor took it like only a WH could. The front tyres didnt like it, and neither did I, I was watching the front axle hoping it wouldn't snap and send the grinder flying! Just took it slow and steady, and was ready to jump if it started to roll over on the slope. Got the grinder in the garage in the end, phew. Guess I better try 600lbs next time......NOT! I must get round to upgrading the front axle..... Doesnt look heavy, but boy, is it ever! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kj4kicks 154 #2 Posted April 6, 2008 Wow, what a load ! That would have been one of the few times where dual front wheels might have been nice. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
refracman 167 #3 Posted April 6, 2008 I know what ya mean there Mith I've snapped the front axel carring to much of a load with the GT loader :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Curmudgeon 28 #4 Posted April 6, 2008 Not bad for something that's probably rated for 350 pounds. Nah, sounds about right actually..... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nick 13 #5 Posted April 6, 2008 Mith, That not only looks heavy but the weight looks a bit far out front also. Im sure having the big backhoe on the back helps hold it down but it does make you wonder when the front tires flatten out if the spindles are going to hold up. Nice picture of it in action. If the 4x4 doesnt take up all your time maybe you could build a spindle mod for the WH. Might work best to just build a whole new axle and put some 1" or larger spindles on it. This page shows a few ideas, Front Spindle Upgrade. Nick in Ohio Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stigian 1,234 #6 Posted April 6, 2008 Now, dont go breaking that fine machine Jim :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mith 2 #7 Posted April 6, 2008 The front tyres are up at 35psi, and were pretty bottomed out. The steering wasn't so easy, it was a case of 2 hands on the wheel and wrench it round. Nick, it was a bit far out front. The curl didn't have enough power to tilt it back (should have gone with dual rams...) but it lifted with no problems, about 1000psi on the guage. The backhoe is great for counterweight, keeps the traction on the rear wheels. The rear tyres have 60lbs of fluid each side too. Not to mention 40lbs of hydraulic fluid in the tank. I looked into converting the spindles just after I made it. The hubs and wheels are quite expensive, so I never did the work. Maybe I'll revisit it one day. Ian, you just want it in good condition in case I have to get rid of it! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
willy victor 0 #8 Posted April 6, 2008 Happy Birthday Mith. Willy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mailman 1 #9 Posted April 7, 2008 :thumbs: Hope you enjoy many more! We need to see all those great ideas coming! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stigian 1,234 #10 Posted April 7, 2008 Ian, you just want it in good condition in case I have to get rid of it! That thought never ever once entered my mind Jim. :P Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
