Keep in mind while contemplating a project like this that a forklift has the mass and wheelbase to keep it pretty steady in the lateral axis. With a high lift like you're discussing you'll have some impressive moment arms acting on the machine. Even 600 pounds at ten feet has a potential of 6000 pounds, and I know with the bucket off my 700 I could almost push it over backwards by myself.
Flyerdan does make a solid point, Im clueless with the math, and what it would take to flip a small machine over, @ 12' with a 1000lbs, that's an engineering equation, anyhow, seat of the pants, my machine I think is in the 7k+ range for weight and lifts almost to 12'. I think it will lift around 2k pounds to that height, and it feels like anything less than stable. I should add my machine has the optional factory rear weight kit. Not sure how light a compact is, or how small the wheelbase, but hes right about the potential math, of it wanting to flip if you get the angle to far back or forward. My neighbor is putting hay in a barn, with his, which is under 500lbs per pallet, and his machine is full size, but not the largest either. Hes not the safest guy out there either ! Not sure why he does not use a hay or grain elevator. I think I need to ask that question, Im guessing he cant get one to that barn due to obstructions, for I know he has a hay elevator.
Thanks all for the input. This photo looks like the forklift is permanent. I intend to unhook the forklift and use the skid steer for skid steer stuff like grading and other implement use. If I don't use the arms to raise the lift, just use the hydraulics to raise the forks, do you still think there is a high chance of tipping? Thanks again.
Mathematically, you get your hands on a true compact ( for example a case 1825b @ 3000lbs), and get a 1000lbs plus the mast itself @ 12', my UN-educated guess, you will have a real liability on your hands. Full size machine, wont be rock stable, but would handle the load, and stay pretty stable (assuming you dont accidentally bump the controls from side to side or back to front, which is really easy to do, and could have catastrophic results with your load at 12'). If you make a miss-step at the controls of a compact, with that load, at that height, and it could probably easily all come "undone". This is my guess, Im not an engineer, I dont play one on TV, and I did not stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. I would seek a professional opinion on this one. Your question, is really geared for an engineer. I will say this, I would not do it. Not unless I was ready to sacrifice the machine, the mast, and maybe my life, and whatever your going to lift. Thats based on a compact, like a case 1825b. Now a full size machine, as long as your good at the controls, its very doable, safe-no, osha compliant, surely not. But as stated my neighbor has been doing it for years (his machine is 6000lbs), but at half your load, and twice the machine. If it was me, Id buy and off road forklift, or a pneumatic tired forklift (not sure what you conditions are and what you are trying to do). But I understand you want he utility of the loader for other work. You can always try, and if it does not work out, you will know that the load was too heavy. BTW, I do have a pneumatic tired hyster forklift, and I have pallet forks for my loader. Turns out a loader does not always function as a forklift, even if it has forks on it.
Great point about the slight twist to the left or right with load up high. It would cause a small skid steer to wobble I guess. I've looked into different machine types but need a small maneuverable for close quarters under roof, will lift 6-700 lbs low, maybe 200-300 lbs to 12 foot high but usually lighter and has to go across terrain. Some lumber, furniture and miscellaneous storage. Any other machine suggestions would be welcome. Thanks.
Depending on where you're located, you might be able to find a deal on an old forklift that would be cheaper than scrounging up a mast and all the related parts. Kind of like it's sometimes cheaper to buy a whole car rather than just an engine. If you have one local, check out a farm auction, like this one just up the road in Woodburn, OR. It's happening this weekend so the link content should be up for a day or two more.
