Forks 3 pt pallet forks

[avorancher]

I'm looking to purchase pallet forks primarily to haul fruit bins around that weigh about 1000 lbs. each. There seems to be two types... one with forks that adjust side to side and others that are stationary. The movable ones cost more and weigh more. As with all attachments, I'll probably find more uses for them once I own them.

Does anyone have the adjustable type and do you use that feature? Any particular thing I should look for?

 

[beenthere]

I just sent a message about my Deere forks, which may apply to your needs as well. I find the forks very handy and modified my FEL forks with QA to also be QA on the 3pt. The adjustable feature (for me) is VERY important. I use plastic pipe spacers as mentioned in
Deere forks thread

 

[5030]

I have a set of Kubota pallet forks on my M9. They are q.d. and adjustable side to side. I have handled pallets in the area of 2,0000 pounds no problem. The forks are robust to say the least.

Stay away from the Northern Hydraulics pallet forks. My partner has a set and after 2 years they are whipped. They actually bent and the heaviest load has been 4x5 round bales on end that weigh about 1200 pounds each.

My Kubota branded forks and the q.d. frame with back gard was right around $850. You can get good ones for less though. It was a dealer item.

Make sure the forks are forged and certified as to the rated capacity.

You might want to consider scrounging around for a used set of hi-lo forks at a machinery salvage business and making your own q.d. attachment. Q.d. plates are available online and on e-bay.

Do a search here on TBYNet for pallet forks. There are a few threads about making your own. I'd also advise staying away from the bucket mounted forks. While fine for lighter duty, I don't think they would be very safe moving pallets around.

Note, my forks are forged items and each are load tested and serial numbered.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Does anyone have the adjustable type and do you use that feature? Any particular thing I should look for? )</font>

I designed my own 3pt Pallet Fork set up and have used it more times than I ever imagined. Mine uses adjustable forks and I think they are pretty much necessary to give you the maximum utility in the types of loads you can carry.

One thing I can tell you is that you will find it almost a necessity to have a hydraulic top link for moving things around, especially if you plan to drive up onto a trailer to lift pallets. It is possible to use the 3pt forks without a hydraulic toplink but it is much easier and much more versitile with the hydraulic top link.

 

[5030]

Bob:

I got my "front to rear" mixed up. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[CTyler]

I have Bobcat QA 48" pallet forks and they were about $750 or so and will handle a lot more than the 1700lb limit of the loader. The only pallet forks I'm familiar with for the 3pt are the ones sold at Tractor Supply. These are King Kutter brand for around $100 or so. The rating on these is 1000lb if memory serves correctly. The forks are not adjustable though.

There are peeps on this sight that have made a 3pt mount on salvaged fork lift parts for cheap. At least one person has welded up a QA mount to be used on the 3pt. This way the QA forks could be used on the FEL and the 3pt. A QA plate is about $80-90.

 

[CTyler]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Does anyone have the adjustable type and do you use that feature? Any particular thing I should look for?
)</font>

Mine are adjustable and can be locked into position via a pin on each fork. I would think this is preferable so they can't slide around driving across a bank etc.. The length of the fork may be a consideration. Mine are 48" and have needed every inch of them on many occasion. A decent backstop for safety and resting items against. Some are better than others in this regard. The weight can be an issue with a heavy duty fork. For Ex: You don't want forks that weigh 600lbs when you only have a 1000lb lift capacity.

 

[gabby]

If you buy stationary forks be sure they will fit under your pallets. Most pallets are not very wide and most 3ph pallet forks are too wide to fit them.
gabby

 

[dmccarty]

avorancher,

Why do you not want a set of forks for the FEL. I have a set for my JD that I bought last year. Should have bought it sooner. I can get my 4n1 bucket off and the forks on in 5-10 minutes. Pretty easy to do. I just used the forks to help move the tower portion of the kids playset we built over the holiday.

Later,
Dan

 

[keeney]

I like the idea of a set of forks that can go on both the loader quick-attach and the 3-point.

I built a frame for a set of used forged tines that goes on the loader arms, but the frame was a bit light-duty and are all beat up. If I build a new frame, I will also make sure it can go on the 3-point as well.

This gives the most versatility.

- Rick