Pallet fork size - 36", 42" or 48"?

[bandaidmd]

The longer the forks, the less the weight you can lift due to center of gravity considerations.
A 36" fork can handle 48" pallets.
Short forks can be extended using a sleeve (made from channel stock that is wider than forks) for occasions that require long such as large piles of branches. The sleeve will work as being longer your weight capacity is greatly reduced.
Shorter is easier to maneuver.

You only lose lifting capacity if your load is at the end of the forks but the extra reach is sometimes well worth it.

To the Op a 36" set will not allow you to get under all three rails of a std pallet from the side as most are 40 or 42 wide x 48 long.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

48" with 4000 Lb rating

Are you just trying to be funny? :confused3: Why would you have that set of forks for a tractor that can pick up 1600lbs at the pins??? My 7520 is rated for 3900lbs to full height, I have picked up over 6000lbs 2' high. My forks are rated for 3500lbs. No problems as of yet going on 9 years. But then I don't use them other that what they were intended for either.

 

[alia176]

Are you just trying to be funny? :confused3: Why would you have that set of forks for a tractor that can pick up 1600lbs at the pins??? My 7520 is rated for 3900lbs to full height, I have picked up over 6000lbs 2' high. My forks are rated for 3500lbs. No problems as of yet going on 9 years. But then I don't use them other that what they were intended for either.

I think he maybe stating that's the setup he currently has.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

alia176, have you decided on a tractor yet? Or should I ask, have you found a tractor yet? If you can find a 3316 vs a 3215, I think that would be the way to go.

Just my :2cents:

 

[k0ua]

Are you just trying to be funny? :confused3: Why would you have that set of forks for a tractor that can pick up 1600lbs at the pins??? My 7520 is rated for 3900lbs to full height, I have picked up over 6000lbs 2' high. My forks are rated for 3500lbs. No problems as of yet going on 9 years. But then I don't use them other that what they were intended for either.

His tractor is rated to pickup 2761 lbs at the pins to full height, and 3727 lbs of breakout force.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

His tractor is rated to pickup 2761 lbs at the pins to full height, and 3727 lbs of breakout force.

OK, so why have 4000lb rated forks? :confused3:

 

[alia176]

alia176, have you decided on a tractor yet? Or should I ask, have you found a tractor yet? If you can find a 3316 vs a 3215, I think that would be the way to go.

Just my :2cents:

I've found a 3316, just trying to iron out some details!!

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I've found a 3316, just trying to iron out some details!!

 

[Paul Thornton]

I an happy with my 42" forks, not too long in the woods but work well on pallets.

L2800 w/FEL - 72" Land Pride rake

 

[930ck]

OK, so why have 4000lb rated forks? :confused3:

When I get a set of pallet forks they will be overrated for my tractors lift not for the carrying capacity but because I would probably abuse them trying to pry things out of the ground.