Where to buy bare pallet forks.

dkhntr04 · Jan 30, 2012

I'm looking to build a set of pallet forks for my SSQA equipped FEL. I'd like to build my own since I have the skills and shop, and save some money in the process.

I can buy an entire pallet fork attachment ready to use for about $550. I'm looking at the 3k 42" range. However, looking around I cannot find the bare forks for sale anywhere at a price that would make it worth building an attachment rather than just buying one. The guys who can build the complete attachment for $550 have to buy the forks somewhere, any idea where I could get a pair of bare forks for significantly less than the $350-400 I am finding? I'm looking at the notched rail style.

Thanks!

Case485Guy · Jan 30, 2012

have you tried the forklift dealers for used ones? Industrial mechanic shops that repair heavy equipment.? I know over the years we have bought new forks for atleast 3 of our forklifts, usually the shop doing the swap keeps the old ones.Except on the last replacement set, I kept those

C-Range · Jan 30, 2012

Hi Dk,

Fork tines are available at Artillian.com. If you are looking for higher load ratings, watch Craigslist. I see heavier tines coming and going on there regularly, at least in my area anyway. Have fun with your build!

Willl · Jan 30, 2012

They're out there, keep searching.

Hint; craigslist

Scooby074 · Jan 30, 2012

Scrap yards.

Gotta watch though as some companies have policy to cut up forks to prevent reuse. That and it makes them easier to handle.

Yandaddy1110 · Jan 30, 2012

Try Atv Express, a seller on Ebay.

Villengineer · Jan 31, 2012

As was stated before, get them from Artillian. He's a TBN member, plus his fork prices are right in line with what you are looking for.

jimgerken · Jan 31, 2012

I found a forklift scrapyard / repair depot kinda place in Racine WI. They sold me brick tines, which are 2 inches square instead of 2x4. Impossible to bend with my 45 hp tractor, and they weigh half as much as standard tines. Mine were worn undersize for OSHA specs, so were scrap. I think I paid 75 each.

blueriver · Jan 31, 2012

dkhntr04 said:
I'm looking to build a set of pallet forks for my SSQA equipped FEL. I'd like to build my own since I have the skills and shop, and save some money in the process.

I can buy an entire pallet fork attachment ready to use for about $550. I'm looking at the 3k 42" range. However, looking around I cannot find the bare forks for sale anywhere at a price that would make it worth building an attachment rather than just buying one. The guys who can build the complete attachment for $550 have to buy the forks somewhere, any idea where I could get a pair of bare forks for significantly less than the $350-400 I am finding? I'm looking at the notched rail style.

Thanks!

Try these guys PalletForks.com Home Page they are excellent to work with

blueriver · Jan 31, 2012

And I think they got a set on sale for about $475 with free shipping (I think) thats a complete set.

blueriver · Jan 31, 2012

Check this out ...

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/private-party-ads/232330-pallet-fork-attachment-474-brand.html

stub · Jan 31, 2012

I have this set of 42" forks. They are plenty stout. Skid Steer Attachments Pallet Forks Hay Spears Bobcat Cat John Deere Mount Plate

they also have listed 36" forks only with notched plates for $219: Skid Steer Attachments Pallet Forks Hay Spears Bobcat Cat John Deere Mount Plate

They'll probably sell you any anything you want.

jake98 · Jan 31, 2012

Talk to WayneCountyHose, if he's still on here.

Sockwell · Jan 31, 2012

I don't know where you work, but if in an industrial setting, try the forklift repair guy. We contract the maintenance of our lifts to the local dealer. Whenever the service man takes a set off for a customer, he asks the customer if they want him to "dispose" of them. He takes them and sells to folks like us. I got a set of 48" from a 5000# lift for $50.

oldbones · Feb 4, 2012

As mentioned earlier, just contact forklift service centers. I was looking for a ready-made set of pallet forks to fit my Deere 522 FEL mounted on my little 5303 tractor, and the price was $950 to $1000. I found a service center that had what I wanted- the carriage (the frame that the forks hang and slide on), 36" tall back rest (to keep things from falling over the back onto the tractor hood), and a set of 60" (yes, 5 feet long- don't need that long, but....) 4000# forks, all for $350.
I picked them up a week ago, made my own quick attach brackets, welded them to the carriage, and now the assembly is hanging on the loader ready to go. Too cold to paint, so that'll be a spring job.
I had to call several service centers in bigger towns with industry. They all said that these things are in demand. And they only sell forks that will pass testing- liability issues. I've got a total of $450 in the thing, counting the steel for the quick attach.
Not sure what you're mounting yours to, but I wanted mine to be heavier duty than loader capacity rating.

MotorSeven · Feb 4, 2012

DKN, google all the forklift dealers in your area then make a list. Go by, ask for the manager and tell him what you are looking for. As stated above once they drag them around on the pavement they get too thin and have to be replaced. Most places scrap them, so they will either give them to you or sell them at scrap prices. I got 6 brick forks and holding rods F.O.C., but I tipped the guy $40.

JordanFTW · Feb 9, 2012

blueriver said:
Try these guys PalletForks.com Home Page they are excellent to work with

morris9460 said:
Try Atv Express, a seller on Ebay.

blueriver said:
Check this out ...

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/private-party-ads/232330-pallet-fork-attachment-474-brand.html

stub said:
I have this set of 42" forks. They are plenty stout. Skid Steer Attachments Pallet Forks Hay Spears Bobcat Cat John Deere Mount Plate

they also have listed 36" forks only with notched plates for $219: Skid Steer Attachments Pallet Forks Hay Spears Bobcat Cat John Deere Mount Plate

They'll probably sell you any anything you want.

All these are the very same company... ATV Express/Skid Steer Express/Titan/PalletForks.com
I have purchased from them in the past and have been satisfied.

What I like about their SSQA forks are that you can easily adapt a hay spear to it (which you may already have for the 3PH, as I do). Just request the mounts when you order, and I'm told they will add them free of charge and that is a great value at this price point.