Std. or HD pallet forks?

[nyone]

Used forks are pretty rare in my neck of the woods. I think when people get them, they keep them forever.

Used forks here cost more than new.

 

[MHarryE]

Many years ago I bought a set of forks - can't remember which company but I got the name on TBN. Were supposed to be fine for my tractor. I'm not sure if the weight limit was stamped on the forks. They may have been used on a tractor with more lift capacity than the Kubota L5740 for which I bought them when the top slide hook - the part welded to the top of a fork that grabs the top rail - failed and dumped that side. Nothing was deformed - just a failed weld. I'd get the HD myself (I now have 10,000# and 4,000# forks) but also keep an eye on stress points.

 

[FERLING]

I've been shopping for SSQA pallet forks for my new Kioti CK2610... lift capacity "in excess of 1800#" according to the Kioti website...

I can almost promise I'll never approach the max lift... I don't move downed trees, buy pallets of stove pellets, stack and move firewood or any other such thing... I'll be organizing my other implements on pallets, moving lawn furniture on a seasonal basis, carrying a 15 gallon spot sprayer... pretty much all light-duty stuff...

I've come across many "light duty" forks in the $500-600 range... unfortunately shipping is a killer, in many cases fully a third of the total delivered price is freight charges... (for personal reasons I'd like to stay away from Titan Attachments... happy TA owners, please forgive me...)

I've pretty much settled on Express Steel forks... Made in America, reasonably priced and, most importantly, REASONABLE SHIPPING COSTS... (thanks to member "NYONE" for the ES recommend!)...

ES has two models: "Standard" which have a 4000# capacity, weigh 305# and cost $740 delivered...

Second option is "Heavy Duty" 6600# capacity, weigh 310# and cost $825 delivered...

For my purposes, the biggest difference, other than the price, is the HD model comes with a forged and machined top rail, the Std model has a "bent steel" top rail... either will work for what I'm planning...

I tend to look to the future... when it's time to move on and sell whatever implements I've accumulated over time...

The HD model seems a "no-brainer" to me... am I missing something?

Resell on HD will be better!

 

[FERLING]

I've been shopping for SSQA pallet forks for my new Kioti CK2610... lift capacity "in excess of 1800#" according to the Kioti website...

I can almost promise I'll never approach the max lift... I don't move downed trees, buy pallets of stove pellets, stack and move firewood or any other such thing... I'll be organizing my other implements on pallets, moving lawn furniture on a seasonal basis, carrying a 15 gallon spot sprayer... pretty much all light-duty stuff...

I've come across many "light duty" forks in the $500-600 range... unfortunately shipping is a killer, in many cases fully a third of the total delivered price is freight charges... (for personal reasons I'd like to stay away from Titan Attachments... happy TA owners, please forgive me...)

I've pretty much settled on Express Steel forks... Made in America, reasonably priced and, most importantly, REASONABLE SHIPPING COSTS... (thanks to member "NYONE" for the ES recommend!)...

ES has two models: "Standard" which have a 4000# capacity, weigh 305# and cost $740 delivered...

Second option is "Heavy Duty" 6600# capacity, weigh 310# and cost $825 delivered...

For my purposes, the biggest difference, other than the price, is the HD model comes with a forged and machined top rail, the Std model has a "bent steel" top rail... either will work for what I'm planning...

I tend to look to the future... when it's time to move on and sell whatever implements I've accumulated over time...

The HD model seems a "no-brainer" to me... am I missing something?

https://www.palletforks.com/skid-steers/pallet-forks-and-accessories/fork-blades/pro-duty-pallet-fork-attachment-60-inch-fork-blades/131112.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&adpos=&scid=scplp131112&sc_intid=131112&gclid=CjwKCAjw5P2aBhAlEiwAAdY7dD2EMkD8kfM5tyd3sUSjqnXUlfSzOueG1NrRVUSHwiOSh8bHw1u0RBoC06MQAvD_BwE

After owning one for 5 years you can't go wrong at this price. I added two 42 inch forks to my making it useful for short and long pickups.

 

[DutchUncle]

You seem to have your mind set on the QA forks, which are nice, no question there. For your stated use however, a set of clamp on forks would serve you just fine, and come in at less than $200. Money saved could be used for another implement down the road.

 

[Code54]

Having had clamp-on forks and now Q/A forks, I would never buy clamp-ons. Yes, they are ok, so is a rake to do leaves, but a large Stihl backpack or a 3pt rear blower is better. The Q/A will allow you to do more - I can easily slide a load sideways with the side of my forks to line something up, the bolts on types don't do well if you don't get things straight on for example.

 

[S854]

You seem to have your mind set on the QA forks…

Actually, it’s bigger than that…

I have a mindset of making things easier in the future… easier on my worn and tired body…

Originally I was looking at a 3 point pallet fork for my MF135… to be used as I described earlier (moving simple, light items)…

Then Mother Nature visited us with a deluge which washed away part of a ”land-bridge” on our property… I tried rebuilding it with the Massey and my box blade… which was difficult at best and wasn’t really working as I had hoped… that’s when Julie and I decided it was time for a tractor with a FEL…

Having a modern tractor not only means I can more easily maintain our property but it also allows Julie to operate the machine…

QA means I dont Have to lift, twist, adjust or fasten the forks to my bucket… I’m sure they’d work fine once I had them connected but, to be honest, for me, the thought of attaching individual forks has me thinking… upfront money is “cheaper” than a visit to a chiropractor…

 

[HighTwelve]

Actually, it’s bigger than that…

I have a mindset of making things easier in the future… easier on my worn and tired body…

Originally I was looking at a 3 point pallet fork for my MF135… to be used as I described earlier (moving simple, light items)…

Then Mother Nature visited us with a deluge which washed away part of a ”land-bridge” on our property… I tried rebuilding it with the Massey and my box blade… which was difficult at best and wasn’t really working as I had hoped… that’s when Julie and I decided it was time for a tractor with a FEL…

Having a modern tractor not only means I can more easily maintain our property but it also allows Julie to operate the machine…

One of my dumber ideas was to buy a set of used forks off somebody’s Bobcat. Seemed like a bargain at $400. Heavy as hell and the standard skid steer mount would work (I thought) on the Great Bend loader on my Kubota.

First, all skid steer mounts are not the same. I had to torch cut off excess metal along the sides, plus the useless Bobcat steps. Next, the d&#n thing had lived a hard life and had a slight twist in it. The bottom rail is bulged and heat and a sledgehammer still haven’t got it completely straight.

In retrospect, I would gladly have spent $300 more for a brand new set.

 

[SmallChange]

I have the ones S854 pictured, and I like 'em just fine.

Since you asked, I'd go with the lighter duty ones, or some other lower cost option rated for more than your tractor.

Tuppence is tuppence.

 

[divyakfm]

Heavy Duty and long forks are the ONLY way to go. A friend and I purchased Quick Attach pallet forkes 10 years ago. Through the years here are some of the other uses. Digging trenches or stumps out; lifting, moving all types or materials or implements, without pallets. My friend drilled a 3/4" hole in the end of one fork so he could use it to hookup and push wagons. He also made a platform so he could stand on to work instead of a ladder/scaffolding. My son used mine to rip out a set of concrete step and side walks. The uses keep expanding as we build/remodel things on the farm. These 2 sets are still true and functional; no welds. Yes shipping is $$$$; we drove 250 miles to get these. Remember you only get what you pay for and are you truly satisfied until you have the best?