Anyone build or own hydraulic pallet forks?

[Sawyer Rob]

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

SR

 

[caver]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[Industrial Toys]

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.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Some pics of the finished product in use. Sandblasted and painted.