Anyone build or own hydraulic pallet forks?

Tags · Nov 5, 2015

Im tired of constantly having to get out of my tracked skid loader to adjust my forks when I'm doing a planting job. I'm looking for opinions from people that may have built some themselves or bought a set and if so what brand and are they pleased with them. Im looking to build/buy a set that will handle 5 - 6 thousand pounds. Any info would be welcomed...

otlski · Nov 5, 2015

Tags, I don't have a hydraulic set and have not used a set but I do have a pair of forks that I estimate rated for between 5-8K lbs that I will not use. I paid $75 for them and wouldn't mind getting it back. So as your thinking evolves, if you lean toward building, keep me in mind. I am in New Hartford CT.

Dan

4570Man · Nov 5, 2015

I haven't ever seen such even on real forklifts.

farm boy00 · Nov 5, 2015

Have seen them many times on forklifts. They ate on every pair at our steel supply. It seems like you could could go to a scrap yard and get them

PILOON · Nov 5, 2015

Having once sold fork lifts, I do recall hydraulically adjustable forks being an option but very ever sold.
Side shift, yes--as well as barrel clamps--but never width adjustable.

Industrial Toys · Nov 5, 2015

I found a salvaged hyd adjustable carrier at a fork truck dealer. Got them cheap and just welded on a SS quick attach plate. I use them on my small wheel loader and didn't need side shift as the machine will do that. They are the greatest thing since sliced bread! Having said that, after about ten years, I notice a cylinder is leaking, and I will have to address this.

The only thing is that now I have to hook up the hoses, and since I have a hydraulic coupler, it still requires getting out of the cab. Sometimes I just use them without connecting them. Now that's just plain LAZY!

Tags · Nov 6, 2015

Thanks for the replies. I have seen em' mostly at nurseries where they are used daily and companies do sell em for the skid steers. If I buy a set I just want to buy the right ones. If I build a set I was just looking for any pointers anyone may have

kennyd · Nov 6, 2015

Horst Welding/HLA Attachments makes some with up to a 7500lb rating:

HLA Attachments - Equipment -

Specifically these: HLA Attachments - Hydraulic Pallet Forks

MMagis · Nov 6, 2015

I know they make them, our electric lift here at work has them. Best thing since sliced bread. I could probably snap a few pictures if that may help?

franklinute · Nov 6, 2015

When you say planting job are you planting trees and shrubs? I own a set of Nursery Jaws 6' long. You can't handle
pallets but for trees and shrubs B&B or container they work great. They are adjustable from the seat using two
hydraulic cylinders. Check out DPM, Inc-Nursery Jaws Loader Attachments For Moving B&B Trees, Boxed & Containerized Trees and Boulders

Sawyer Rob · Nov 6, 2015

ALO sells a hydraulic set, I have their forks without the hydraulic option and they are TOP quality!

SR

caver · Nov 6, 2015

Our new forklift has them since I requested they get them and they actually listened. They are great and everyone hops on that forklift first.

Big Barn · Nov 6, 2015

I've seen them but never owned a machine with them. If converting one I would imagine it would only be possible with shaft /pin mounted forks and not hook type.
Just looking at my carriages here (about 6 hook and 5 shaft). If retrofitting I could get by with having the hydraulic cylinder moving just one fork.
Maybe a solenoid valve on the side shift control to actuate it?

Terry

TractorGuy · Nov 6, 2015

otlski said:
Tags, I don't have a hydraulic set and have not used a set but I do have a pair of forks that I estimate rated for between 5-8K lbs that I will not use. I paid $75 for them and wouldn't mind getting it back. So as your thinking evolves, if you lean toward building, keep me in mind. I am in New Hartford CT.

Dan

Wish I could find that deal down here. I'm looking for a pair or even one fork for an idea I have.

Tags · Nov 7, 2015

franklinute said:
When you say planting job are you planting trees and shrubs? I own a set of Nursery Jaws 6' long. You can't handle
pallets but for trees and shrubs B&B or container they work great. They are adjustable from the seat using two
hydraulic cylinders. Check out DPM, Inc-Nursery Jaws Loader Attachments For Moving B&B Trees, Boxed & Containerized Trees and Boulders

Yes I am planting trees and some larger shrubs when I'm doing or subcontracted to help out with a plant job. I have seen the nursery jaws but I already have lots of attachments and I think the hydraulic pallet forks would be handier all around. I am usually unloading the trees off the truck that delivers them as well as moving pallets around of stone or sod or anything else that needs moving.

franklinute · Nov 9, 2015

Look at the nursery jaws website. They are making a set of forks to handle pallets, the fork spread
is adjustable and the angle on the forks is adjustable. Most of the high production wholesale nurseries
have at least one set of nursery jaws. If you have a good operator the nursery jaws can handle two or
3 trees at a time. I like the 6' length because we load flatbed semis from the side and when loading
across the trailer the operator doesn't have to run into the side of the trailer esp when the trailer has toolboxes. There are other companies that make adjustable plant handling devices and most work fine.
About 20 years ago I made a set of "pinchers." I used two pieces 8' long 2x8 rectangular tubing, slid
these over the forks, welded a bolt on top of each tube about 2' from skid steer mount, put a cylinder
on the bolts, did some heating and beating on the end of the tubes to fit a plant rootball and I had a crude set of hydraulic forks. They were so long I could pick up a tree and place it on the roof of my shop.

franklinute · Nov 9, 2015

Tags, if you attend any of the major nursery trades shows this winter the nursery jaws co.
will probably be there. They sometimes have show specials, free freight or I bought one out of
their booth and took it home after the show.

MORRISONSTEEL · Nov 9, 2015

There is an interesting pallet fork att for skid steers sold by Sheyenne tooling and mfg called the tele-fork

Industrial Toys · Nov 9, 2015

These were the forks as I found them. I think I may have paid $500.00 CDN.

I have used them to pinch and carry large rocks but this is bordering on abuse!

Oh, I did make the mistake of welding a SS plate straight on. Now, I don't have much upward tilt, but can bring the forks down past perpendicular which serves no purpose.