Forks 2000# vs. 3500# Forks

[JoeL4330]

didn't understand the "breakout force" point...not interested in digging with my forks nor can I think of where I would want to curl a load I couldn't lift. My LA853 loader and my Bradco 2500# forks make a nice match and I can fork one-ton pallets off my pickup ...right at the margin and wouldn't want to give another few hundred pounds away.

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

I have a JD4320 (48 hp as opposed to your 43 in the next larger tractor frame) with a set of Horst 3700# forks. I use them a lot and like them. I am glad I went with these heavier ones. If you are going to use them a lot, I would suggest having some hooks welded on before you bring them home. Also add the pins and eyelets for a three point option and they will be even more useful.

A 400x or cx lifts alot more than the 300x or cx so in your case the larger capacity is justified. Keep in mind they over engineer these forks so you don't have issues.

Matt

 

[jinman]

didn't understand the "breakout force" point...not interested in digging with my forks nor can I think of where I would want to curl a load I couldn't lift.

You are probably right the the 2k lb forks would be just fine, but breakout force has a lot more to do with curl power of the loader than anything to do with digging. The breakout force for the 300CX loader is 3327 lb at the pivot pins and 2416 lb out at about 19" in front of the pins where the bucket lip normally is or about the middle of fork length. Remember also, when carrying loads on forks and driving over bumps, the dynamic shock loads can far exceed the actual weight on the forks.

All that said, the 2k lb forks are probably just fine. Has anyone said what the difference in weight actually is between the 2000 lb forks and 3500 lb forks? My guess is less than 50 lb, but I don't know for sure. I have a set of forks rated at 3500 lb, but they can be upgraded to 4500 lb just by changing out the actual forks that sit on the quick-attach bracket. The heavier forks are just made of slightly thicker steel.

Everyone has to determine how they will use forks and what the extremes of loading are. As long as someone is aware that their loader may have some forces above the lift numbers, they can make a more informed decision. My point is only that a loader with a 1-ton lift can certainly produce more than that in certain cicumstances. Will it matter? Probably not would be my guess.