Field Forklift Trucks 



These trucks can be operated in orchards that are sodded and where grades are 

 not excessive. Most, however, are too large and expensive for practical orchard use. 

 They find their maximum, most efficient use around Orchard docks and loading areas. 



Forklift Tractors 



These are effective for orchard use. They are essentially conventional tractors 

 with the lift mast attached to the rear of the vehicle. The gear box, steering mech- 

 anism, and driver's seat are reversed so the driver faces the load. Many manufac- 

 turers offer new tractors already modified for about $1,200 more than the basic 

 price of the tractor. Others offer units built on secondhand tractors for about $1,500 

 complete; a tractor of standard make can be modified for about $1,000. Forklift 

 tractors cannot be used like conventional tractors (to pull a plow, for example) un- 

 less they are remodified, which is expensive. 



Forklift Attachments for Tractors 



These attachments are available for both the front and rear ends of practically 

 every tractor of standard make (fig. 3). They are serviceable and operate in prac- 

 tically the same way as those found on industrial lift trucks. They range in price 

 from $450 to $1,000 or more, depending on capacity, the height to which the forks 

 can be raised and other features. AERD recommends rear-mounted attachments be- 

 cause (1) the operator can always see his work, (2) weight of the load is carried 

 by the heavy rear axle and large tires, and (3) steering is usually not affected since 

 the load is off the front wheels. 



m 







.,'i>te7_ ' 



Figure 3. — Tractor equipped with forklift attachments being used to carry apples out of an 

 orchard. Other types of lift equipment are available. 



