I spoke to a heavy machine mechanic by phone today, about a possible trade but that didn't work out. As the main issue is the weight of this machine against the sand. He suggested a possible fix is to remove the counterweights. I've looked and it appears the counterweight on this machine is the back, almost all of it.

Questions - How much does that counterweight weigh? And can the machine operate, at a reduce capacity, without the counterweight on the back?

I know, now from practical experience and also discussing it with a local heavy machine guy. I just didn't realize how loose my soil in the back yard was. He is suggesting a 4WD lift and I'm also considering a tractor with bucket/lift on front.

Either way I need to sell or trade this one I have now. I would appreciate any suggestion on what it's value is in it's current state. I had the starter rebuilt, runs good, no brakes, and I replaced the old LPG tank with a new aluminum one last week.

If this truck gets stuck then a newer truck the same capacity will be worse because they are equipped with smaller tires than your present machine.

My backyard is too sandy to use this particular machine. I need to trade or sell it.

What is its value as it sits with the non-functional brakes?

No it sounds like a transmission issue. You would have to perform transmission pressure checks to verify it.

Thanks duodeluxe!

The reverse seems to have more torque than going forward. Is that an issue with a hydraulics or something else?

No, there is a differential which allows the wheels to turn independently and at different speeds. The handle is the parking brake handle. Your serial # is Q1901... not O1901....
In order to access the brakes, remove the wheels. Do not try to remove the slotted countersunk bolts. In the back of the brake drum there are 12 or 16 nuts that must be removed. Put a drain pan under the axle and remove the brake housing assembly. Remove the big slotted nut. Suspend the brake housing upside down between the forks and hit the axle shaft with a piece of wood and a hammer and you will see the brake assembly.

Also, is there any way to lock the two front wheels together so they will turn at the same speed?

Here are the numbers on the id plate:

FMF-040 (model)
O-1901-165 (possible serial)
12444-B (possible serial)

What is the serial # of your truck?

Update so far: Had the Starter rebuilt and it runs great now, replaced the old leaky LPG tank, replaced the ignition key switch that was sticking and leaving the starter engaged! and it runs pretty good now.

Next major issue is there are NO BRAKES at all. On the ground it's fine but on concrete it rolls one way or the other and gains momentum quick, so the good news is the bearings are good :-).

I would appreciate any guidance on what and how to check the brake system. There is a lever on the front that leads to two cables, which I assume are the parking or emergency brake, those do no work either.

Thanks for the info! I will remove the starter today and take it down to a repair place nearby that I believe does heavy machine work.

Napa might have one or be able to get on. A starter repair shop could probably fix it. Anyone involved in forklift repair could get you one also. The capacity of a FMF040 is 4000 lbs. A guess on what the forklift weighs is about 7000 lbs.

Seems the starter has a short or something as it keeps getting hot and now has stopped working. Seems like an easy fix to swap if I can find a local source for the starter.

Anyone know if I can get one of these from the local Autozone or Napa?