42 or 48 inch pallet forks

corl · Feb 10, 2014

I have an MX5100 HST Kubota and am contemplating buying pallet forks. I can see a lot of uses for them but don't know enough to make a decision. Prices are all over the board and I have no idea if I should get 42 inch or 48 inch blades. Dealer has suggested 48 inch. I have rigged the tractor so I can stand up while working without the engine dying so I will not have trouble seeing the blades no matter what length I choose. What criteria should I use to make the choice? Thanks for the help!

Will probably be moving wood and brush, tree limbs etc and lifting some pallets

motownbrowne · Feb 10, 2014

48" will stick out the back of most pallets. You'll be happy with either. 48"s if your doing mostly brush and wood, 42"s if you're doing mostly pallets. Let us know what you choose.

newbury · Feb 10, 2014

I got clamp-on 42" (from Palletforks.com) for my M4700 and have moved a lot of brush with them.

And a number of pallets.

Well worth the $240.

C4Ranch · Feb 10, 2014

Advantages of going small - lighter, cheaper, maneuverable in tight quarters

Go big - fit more material, easier to lift pallets out of pickup trucks/position pallets on trailers, easier to see, lift 5.5x5.5' deer blinds, room to quarter 5 hogs, etc

I kinda wish I went 60 vs my 48 but never heard if anyone wishing they went shorter...

Herkypilot · Feb 11, 2014

48" on my MX5100. I used them a good bit for brush until I bought a grapple. Much more efficient for many things.

deere5105 · Feb 11, 2014

Went through same decision. Went 48". No regrets. As someone posted, might would like the 60".

Notforhire · Feb 12, 2014

I would suggest you look at WILDKAT ATTACHMENTS by Mid-State Equipment Buckets, Grapples, mowers, augers, and more for your Bobcat, John Deere, and others! , They have 48" forks for $600. I bought a set a couple of years ago, and have been very happy with them.
I don't think 42" offer any advantages that would make me choose them over a 48".

The weight of the forks may be a factor. The more they weigh, the less you can pick up.
I had a set that I built from a salvaged forklift. They worked OK but were real HEAVY

Good luck, Bill

Herkypilot · Feb 12, 2014

Notforhire said:
I would suggest you look at WILDKAT ATTACHMENTS by Mid-State Equipment Buckets, Grapples, mowers, augers, and more for your Bobcat, John Deere, and others! , They have 48" forks for $600. I bought a set a couple of years ago, and have been very happy with them.
I don't think 42" offer any advantages that would make me choose them over a 48".

Good luck, Bill

I have the same set from Wildkat. Yes, it has worked well. Not too heavy which keeps reasonable lifting capacity and it's rated capacity is well above my tractor lift capacity. I welded some steel tie-down points to both sides so that large items can be efficiently strapped on the forks for safety.
Btw, Wildkat has given me a little better deal than the web price when I show up in person to buy. I believe I bought mine for $500 about 2 years ago-but I'm only 40 miles from them. While you are at it - you may as well look at their grapples. They have good prices on those too. I was just using mine on Monday to clean out some brush to extend my driveway. What a back saver!

HP