3ph Pallet Forks vs FEL forks

   / 3ph Pallet Forks vs FEL forks #1  

meledward23

Gold Member
Joined
Sep 13, 2004
Messages
428
Location
too close to Graceland....
Tractor
1025R
Thoughts and opinions on the differences.

The obvious is the FEL lifts higher and will have tilt control.

The 3PH does not lift as high. The 3 PH also will not have the same tilt control unless you add a rear remote and hydrualic top link. Not sure if a 3PH fork will tilt up as it lifts or if it will hold level without remote/hydralic top link. Though either way you would be limited to one or the other. For picking up logs or lifting and moving pallets each would have a different advantage.
However most tractors and the few I am thinking of, are generally 3PH stronger.

I am experienced in loader operation forks. I have no experience with a 3PH forks.

A FEL may be more useful. But, the cost to add SSQA + SS Forks is about the same as a Hydraulic top link, Remote and 3ph forks on at least one machine I am looking at, and likely similar on others. The disadvantage of FEL flexibility vs having a hydraulic toplink, remote, and more strength is what I am considering.

So I hereby open this subject to discussion. Those in the know can put down my limited experience ;) .



For those that want specific tasks. I have a small shed (think old west outhouse) on skids. Few hundred pounds I figure. I have a small chicken house that is plenty heavy. Both I would like to move. Probably more than once, designed on skids so I can get under them. I know I can move them with a strong FEL. Also I have some Logs and such over the years I expect to be moving. I will probably dig up a tree to move it and can you get a 3PH forks to go down into a hole and meet a rootball? Of course I can always use the bucket and chains if need be. (Don't worry, I know more about digging and moving trees than I do most other subjects combined). All around just some basic Fork work. In general I find forks very useful so I want them one way or another. However if I can get reasonable performance and pay for a hydraulic toplink and remote at the same time then I will be happy to do that. I really like my remote/top links.
 
   / 3ph Pallet Forks vs FEL forks #2  
<snip>
For those that want specific tasks. I have a small shed (think old west outhouse) on skids. Few hundred pounds I figure. I have a small chicken house that is plenty heavy. Both I would like to move. Probably more than once, designed on skids so I can get under them. I know I can move them with a strong FEL. Also I have some Logs and such over the years I expect to be moving. I will probably dig up a tree to move it and can you get a 3PH forks to go down into a hole and meet a rootball? Of course I can always use the bucket and chains if need be.

Up to the rootball a 3pt would suffice. I've only got a 30hp tractor and use the 3pt in my sig to lift and move some heavy logs (up to ~1,500 lbs), I just have trouble keeping the front end on the ground.
My criteria for picking 3pt was greater capacity and price. I only paid about $130 a few years ago.
3-Point Pallet Fork

If you search here some peeps have adapted fork-lift masts to their 3pt.
 
   / 3ph Pallet Forks vs FEL forks #3  
If you plan on unloading or loading pallets on a trailer the FEL is the way to go. I buy shavings, pellets, feed, and fencing materials on pallets. I store in the hay barn, use the tractor to unload and use a pallet jack to move them around. I move them over to the stables as needed. I can unload from the back of trailers when a carrier arrives with something on a pallet. You cannot do that with the 3 point forks.
 
   / 3ph Pallet Forks vs FEL forks #4  
If you are using a 3pt hitch without a quick attach, you can have different mounting positions on the implement for the top link, causing different degrees of tilt.

Bruce
 
   / 3ph Pallet Forks vs FEL forks #5  
I bought a used FEL fork attachment to use on my machine.
I'm presently adapting the pin-on mounts to fit my loader.
Next step is to add 3pt pins & a toplink bracket so I can use it on the other end for heavy stuff.
In this case, you can have your cake and eat it too!
 
   / 3ph Pallet Forks vs FEL forks #6  
I bought a used FEL fork attachment to use on my machine.
I'm presently adapting the pin-on mounts to fit my loader.
Next step is to add 3pt pins & a toplink bracket so I can use it on the other end for heavy stuff.
In this case, you can have your cake and eat it too!

And if you have top-n-tilt on your 3PH it gets sweeter yet!
 
   / 3ph Pallet Forks vs FEL forks #7  
And if you have top-n-tilt on your 3PH it gets sweeter yet!

If only!
I really need to get a TnT.
It would make using the rear blade soooooo much better, not to mention being able to tweak the tiller, brush hog & the chipper on the fly.
 
   / 3ph Pallet Forks vs FEL forks #8  
Kodiak makes forks that pin on the loader or 3pt hitch. 2500lb capacity.

I have them. They work great.
 
   / 3ph Pallet Forks vs FEL forks #9  
I made a set of forks for my 3ph years ago & have found it to be 1 of my most used tools.
The position of the top link where it attaches to the tractor should be adjustable (it is on mine) so the forks can be made to tilt back as you lift the load.
Granted they are limited in lift height but they can lift & carry much more than the loader and they put the weight on the rear axle.
I have a pallet with 1500lbs on it that I carry for traction & stability when using my loader.
The nice thing is I can quickly pick up & drop my ballast as needed.
The 3ph forks have also been used to pick up & carry very large boulders for placement on my property line.
My 3 cents!
 
   / 3ph Pallet Forks vs FEL forks #10  
I like them both. Sometimes I will put forks on the front and rear to move stuff. I like the forks on the fel better because they are qa and faster to hookup to. When I made my 3ph fork everyone said you need a hydraulic toplink but you really don't, it just makes things easier. Once you get the toplink set you don't really need to move it. I wish I would have had a set of 3ph forks for the 8n years ago. My fel forks are my by a company called lofflin fabrication. They where $600. They are 4000lb capacity and 48" long. Agrisupply has a couple of sets for the 3ph. Keep in mind that the 3ph will lift more. Forks are so handy I have everything on pallets. Watch craigslist and you may get lucky and find a set and call every tractor dealer in your area and see what they have and don't forget ebay.
 
 
 
Top