Forks Skidsteer Express Pallet Forks

[dustinfox]

I was going to post these in the old thread but I didn't think it was fair to keep that thread at the top of the list given the title. If you don't know what I'm talking about, do a search on "Skidsteer Express Grapple." In that thread, I promised to post pictures when I received my pallet forks. I was expecting them next week but the trucking co expedited delivery to make up for losing the last two shipments.

These things look really solid, as solid I'm sure as any others for much more money. They are full sized forks (not the 3" as on similar weight category from other manufacturers). I'm sure it will do everything I need it for and more. Also glad I got the 42" and not the 48." I can't think of any reason why I would need longer forks. The only thing I'm a little concerned with is the gap between the QA plates. This is a pretty huge gap and I don't know if it is an issue or not. This is the same thing that I found with my Wildcat grapple which they sent me shim plates to correct. I don't expect to be doing the rough work with these that I do with the grapple but it still seems like there shouold be a better fit. Look at the photo below and tell me what you think.

[k0ua]

Dustin I can not tell enough from the photo, but do the forks move back and forth if you grab them from the front and push and shove back and forth.. in other words do the vertical spring loaded pins have enough of the pin through the slot to be secure and are applying pressure so that the forks and the QA plate are unitized with no slop between them at all. This is what you want. My forks fit too tight on the Kioti, and I had to remove a little of the slot metal about 1/8 of an inch to get the pins to go down enough to break over the handle.

James K0UA

[dustinfox]

Dustin I can not tell enough from the photo, but do the forks move back and forth if you grab them from the front and push and shove back and forth.. in other words do the vertical spring loaded pins have enough of the pin through the slot to be secure and are applying pressure so that the forks and the QA plate are unitized with no slop between them at all. This is what you want. My forks fit too tight on the Kioti, and I had to remove a little of the slot metal about 1/8 of an inch to get the pins to go down enough to break over the handle.

James K0UA

There is some slop front-to-back. Maybe hallf an inch. I tried to take some better photos.

[wedge40]

Just my , but I'd get shims again from the SSE and have them welded on.
It seems to me that SSE has jig alignment issue that should be addressed, or your mating equipment doesn't meet spec.
I'm curious if other people on here who have gotten items from SSE had fit issues as well.
I know I got a plate from them a few years back that need some grinding done on it to get it to fit correct.

Wedge

[k0ua]

There is some slop front-to-back. Maybe hallf an inch. I tried to take some better photos.

Well I still think you need to shim it in some way to remove all slop. The vertical pins should contact the slot with pressure and the handle should cam over with some tension.

James K0UA

[JoeBuyer]

From experience with their product, this is pretty much the fit you get and you retrofit from there. However, they have a good price and their customer service is getting better, in part thanks to TBN.

[schweizer]

I got a QA adapter plate from them when I built my own forklift, and it fit perfectly.

[JoeBuyer]

I got a QA adapter plate from them when I built my own forklift, and it fit perfectly.

True, but notice in the close up of his pictures that they don't seem to use their adapter plates on their forks. I have seen both and they are different where the quick attach mates up. The adapter plates do fit as you say and seem to be machine cut and welded. Their pallet forks have gaps, at least in the ones I have seen and look to be a little more hand fabricated and hand welded. But like I said, the prices are good so you have to weigh that out on how you will use the forks. They won't come off from what I have seen, but they are not tight either. I think if they keep up their recent attention to customer service they are a good source for most of us. Just my $0.02

[dstig1]

You'll want to shim that tighter or you risk it popping off at a very bad time. Perhaps less likely with forks than a grapple, as forks tend to be used level only, but I'd fix it now rather than find out the hard way. That is way too loose.

[devildog1]

That is NOT A CORRECT FIT! Do yourself a favor and be safe and either return them for a better fit or shim so there is no play. Check out these.
DevilDog
X-TREME DUTY PALLET FORK-Standard Frame Regular Lift Pallet Fork