Pallet Fork extensions

Garandman · Jan 6, 2015

We have the 3" wide x 42" long pallet forks on our L3200. We can pick up one end or the other of our snowmobiles, but the forks aren't long enough to reach past the balance point.

The dealer has some very long extensions on their forklift, and all I've found thus far is 8' or 10' extensions for 4" forks - at a cost of over $400. I looked for rectangular steel tubing and didn't find anything.

Something about 6' long would work for us. Any suggestions? One of the machines is about 400 lbs, the other closer to 600.

Chad450r · Jan 6, 2015

Maybe look at some C channel, you can weld straps across the bottom, no need for square tube. Hi-lo fork extensions look the way those are made.

northern tool sells them

countrybumpkin · Jan 6, 2015

Here are some there only 60" but for the price don't seem to bad.

Titan 60" x 5.5" Pallet Fork Extensions forklift lift truck clamp on slide on: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

s219 · Jan 6, 2015

We use 3/16" wall rectangular steel tube stock for extensions on our forklift at work. Just picked up a couple 8' sections that slide over the forks. If you measure the thickest/widest part of the forks, look for the next largest tube closest to that size at a steel supplier. Rectangular tube dimensions tend to vary in 1/2" increments, though some sizes are more common/available than others. You may be able to get away with 1/8" wall for shorter lengths and lighter loads.

FEL lift capacity drops as the distance from the pin increases, so you might want to do the math to make sure it will work before you spend money on the extensions. It doesn't take too much distance for the L3200's capacity to drop below the 400-600# range. Normally, the loader specs include lift capacity at the pin, which you can use as the "zero" point in the calculation.

Garandman · Jan 7, 2015

s219 said:
FEL lift capacity drops as the distance from the pin increases, so you might want to do the math to make sure it will work before you spend money on the extensions. It doesn't take too much distance for the L3200's capacity to drop below the 400-600# range. Normally, the loader specs include lift capacity at the pin, which you can use as the "zero" point in the calculation.

Already performed the experiment....

lostcreekranch · Jan 7, 2015

Contact they folks at Titan. You can call them and they will give you their best solution.

I ordered a set of their 72" extensions for our Titan 48" x 4000lb. fork which should be delivered today. $215 delivered.

http://www.titandistributorsinc.com/default/titan-attachments/pallet-fork-extensions.html

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Garandman · Jan 7, 2015

Rigus, thanks that's just what I'm looking for.

ENC · Jan 9, 2015

Why not build a pallet to sit the machines on and strap them to it then you can pick them up without extensions and from any side you happen to be on.

Garandman · Jan 9, 2015

ENC said:
Why not build a pallet to sit the machines on and strap them to it then you can pick them up without extensions and from any side you happen to be on.

It's a Chevy Express, don't think there's room.

ENC · Jan 9, 2015

Gotcha! i was just envisioning a way to move them around during the off season or something.

Stonehaller · Jan 10, 2015

I drilled a couple 3/8 holes through the forks and fastened a 2 by 6 to each for fork to pick up my snowmobiles. Cheap and easy.

lostcreekranch · Jan 10, 2015

Received my Titan 72" extension Thursday. They are heavy! Was thinking about making a pair but the Titans were so much easier. Received less than 7 days after ordering.

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Stonehaller · Jan 10, 2015

Those Titan extensions look nice. Here's my 72" extension for picking up my snowmobile. They are 2x8s not 2x6 like I said earlier.

countrybumpkin · Jan 10, 2015

I need to do get a set of extensions for mine, they are only 36" , I've thought about getting a set of 48" for a little more reach.

Garandman · Jan 11, 2015

Stonehaller said:
Those Titan extensions look nice. Here's my 72" extension for picking up my snowmobile. They are 2x8s not 2x6 like I said earlier.

I just broke one unloading so that makes me nervous.

lostcreekranch · Jan 11, 2015

Garandman said:
I just broke one unloading so that makes me nervous.

Assume you are presently using 2x wood extensions? The Titan extensions are made of 1/4" high tensile steel. Titan does not load rate them but, they would have no problem with a snowmobile if your tractor has FEL lift capacity since load is way out from FEL pins.

Titan offers 84" extensions as well.

Good luck!

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Illini22 · Jan 11, 2015

I think I'm going to buy some extensions for my 42" Titan forks. I'm leaning towards the 84", just because. But maybe the 72" would suffice.

oldpilgrim · Jan 11, 2015

remember to factor in the weight of the extensions to your lift capacity.

pat32rf · Jan 11, 2015

I made my forks out of axle shafts from a dump truck, about 36" long and small enough to slide into a section of 2"x2" square tube, once the splines are ground off. With a couple of safety chains & hooks so they don't slide off, they will carry my boat, ATV or skidoo, also lift the raft out in the fall. My extensions are about 6' long.....

flyerdan · Jan 11, 2015

If how thick they are isn't critical that opens up some options. I was looking for material to make some extended forks a while back, and lucked onto some 4x8 I-beams on craigslist. Also got enough .250" 9" wide flat bar to make up the bottom plates and the taper tips. Cost $40. for material, way less than the 2x6 RT I was originally thinking of. Since long forks aren't normally going inside a pallet, the extra size doesn't matter that much. If you're putting something on a flatbed, you might have to do a bit or shoring to get the forks free, but that shouldn't be an issue for anyone who has need of these. And one of the nice things about having a channel on top is that you can put blocks in to make a higher lift point, if needed.