Unloading VMC-15 - How Big of a ForkLift?

[everettengr]

Well, my VMC-15 is loaded and on its way to SoCal with a delivery schedule of Thursday or Friday :-)
I will rent a forklift to unload and move into the home-shop.
My header is 8', so I am limited on the size of forklift that will fit.
I have scheduled for rent a 6000-lb Hyster 60XM. I'm not too worried about the capacity, but more so the reach of the forks to get fully under the Fadal.
I could go with a 8000-lb but the height is almost 8'. I'm going out to the rental yard today to take some measurement and confirm forklift dimensions.
Can anyone that has moved a VMC-15 provide any insight on the equipment you used and issues you might have had.
I watched the vid from Gough Custom and his forklift looked similar to the 6000-lb I am considering.
Thanks, Mark.

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[ianagos]

I did it with a 5k lift with lots of added counterweight. A 6k loft should be ok.

Also let me know if you need any help I’m in SoCal.

[everettengr]

I did it with a 5k lift with lots of added counterweight. A 6k loft should be ok.

Also let me know if you need any help I’m in SoCal.

Thanks for the offer to help!
If all goes well, it should be a simple unload from the truck and slide into place in the shop. Fingers crossed!!!
Did you add the counterweight, or is this from the rental yard?

[ianagos]

Thanks for the offer to help!
If all goes well, it should be a simple unload from the truck and slide into place in the shop. Fingers crossed!!!
Did you add the counterweight, or is this from the rental yard?

That was my own lift I didn’t want to rent something for that small machine

[everettengr]

That was my own lift I didn’t want to rent something for that small machine

gotcha... going with the 6000-lb, I will let you know how it turns out.

[everettengr]

I did it with a 5k lift with lots of added counterweight. A 6k loft should be ok.

Also let me know if you need any help I’m in SoCal.

I started with a 6000-lb which is adequate to lift, but you nailed it!!! without counter-balance the rear wheels lift.
I went to a 8000-lb and all was good, but dang!!! a VMC-15 is heavy?!?! I think more than the published 5500-lbs., maybe???
Also, 6' forks are a must.
But, in the end, all worked out and the machine is in the shop...

[ianagos]

I started with a 6000-lb which is adequate to lift, but you nailed it!!! without counter-balance the rear wheels lift.
I went to a 8000-lb and all was good, but dang!!! a VMC-15 is heavy?!?! I think more than the published 5500-lbs., maybe???
Also, 6' forks are a must.
But, in the end, all worked out and the machine is in the shop...

Yea because of how the weight is distributed most lifts are rated 24” from the mast. The Fadal weight is a bit farther out. I’m amazed you didn’t get it with the 6k? Did you get it from the front or back?

[everettengr]

Yea because of how the weight is distributed most lifts are rated 24” from the mast. The Fadal weight is a bit farther out. I’m amazed you didn’t get it with the 6k? Did you get it from the front or back?

Both, on and off the truck from the rear. From the front to move it into the shop. The center of gravity seems to be about the center which just makes holding it flat/level on the forks very difficult. Also, the 8000-lb forklift cleared my header by about 1/2", literally. IMO, a 8k-lb with 6' forks is the minimum unless you can add counter-weight.

[ianagos]

Both, on and off the truck from the rear. From the front to move it into the shop. The center of gravity seems to be about the center which just makes holding it flat/level on the forks very difficult. Also, the 8000-lb forklift cleared my header by about 1/2", literally. IMO, a 8k-lb with 6' forks is the minimum unless you can add counter-weight.

I did it with a 5k lift and 5ft forks.

[everettengr]

I did it with a 5k lift and 5ft forks.

i must suck at driving a forklift...

[everettengr]

i have a small shop but the Fadal fits in the corner ok...