DIY SSQA forks?

[paulsharvey]

I have been in the market for SSQA forks for a while, just not much less (generally more) used, then available from importers new. So, I have bolt on bucket forks (maybe $90?), and I though, Vevor sells SSQA blank plates for cheap ($121), why not cut the bolt on part off, and weld the bolt on forks to the SSQA plate? Just placed the order for the plate.

So, with that, im not going to be able to shift the forks side to side; they will be fixed in position. Should I just set them permanently at 48" OC?

 

[TMGT]

Depends on what you're picking up, standard pallet openings are a lot narrower than 48 on a 4way.

Also you would have to add something to make the mount wider as 48 is wider than the ssqa plate.

What thickness plate did you get? Depending on how much weight you're picking up you might want to add some reinforcements.

Sent from my SM-S921U using TractorByNet mobile app

 

[404nouser]

I would think closer to 36" OC.
But you can take a tape measure and measure the pallets you are aiming for.
IBC totes have outer base dimensions of 40x48.

 

[airbiscuit]

My pallet forks are 25 1/2" on center. You must be very good welder!

 

[paulsharvey]

Depends on what you're picking up, standard pallet openings are a lot narrower than 48 on a 4way.

Also you would have to add something to make the mount wider as 48 is wider than the ssqa plate.

What thickness plate did you get? Depending on how much weight you're picking up you might want to add some reinforcements.

Sent from my SM-S921U using TractorByNet mobile app

I got the 3/8" ssqa plate.

As mentioned, actually, I must have had a brain fart, as yes, 48" is too wide, it would have to be no more than 42" Outside to Outside

Honestly, I lift very few pallets, its mostly a general use, lifting logs, scrap metal, unloading bulky items, ect, but i do need to take some measurements, ive got 3 or 4 plastic pallets, all identical, that are handy for putting generator, welder, air compressor, ect on

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Unless you are an experienced welder with the RIGHT rods and equipment, I wouldn't want to be anywhere near anything you are lifting with that setup!!

SR

 

[paulsharvey]

Unless you are an experienced welder with the RIGHT rods and equipment, I wouldn't want to be anywhere near anything you are lifting with that setup!!

SR

Yeah yeah, I expected some of that. Its a zero risk thing. Let's say a weld breaks, what, I drop some wood or scrap metal, and reweld it. It's not a crane, im not dropping a wall on a crew.

I kinda see it as, I have the forks, and the ssqa plate was $121. Even if it doesnt work, just reattach the clamps to the forks, and use the plate for something else.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

You expected it, because it's true!

SR

 

[airbiscuit]

I lucked out. When I bought my Titan forks (before Covid, and Tariffs), they were $251 with free shipping

 

[4570Man]

Unless you are an experienced welder with the RIGHT rods and equipment, I wouldn't want to be anywhere near anything you are lifting with that setup!!

SR

I welded this set a couple years ago and I’ve lifted 1 ton loads with those forks. If you weld all the way up the back of the fork like I did it should be a non issue. Thats more load than the bolt of forks that are probably just tubes are going to withstand.

 

[EscapedSuburbia]

I see used SSQA forks on Facebook Marketplace all the time. A bit more expensive than the adapter you bought but close enough that I wouldn't cobble my own together. Fixed fork width would be very limiting.

 

[paulsharvey]

I see used SSQA forks on Facebook Marketplace all the time. A bit more expensive than the adapter you bought but close enough that I wouldn't cobble my own together. Fixed fork width would be very limiting.

See, I would think that, but in my area, its rare to see them under $750-1000, used and very used. When import ones are $650-800...