Forks Gotta question about pallet forks

[GrumpyJoe]

I have a Mahindra 1533 that the FEL will lift about 1700lbs. The few dealers I have spoken to says they have 4000lbs 48in forks. Isn't that an overkill? The forks they offer weigh around 375-400lbs. Woods offers a set of 2200lbs with 42in that weigh in at 275. Do I need 4000lbs forks if my tractor can only lift 1700lbs? I've looked on here and kinda found an answer. But kinda not. Thanks for the help.

 

[WranglerX]

What do you intend to lift with forks..... That should be a criteria in what ever forks you decide on... And the tare weight of forks reduces the lift capacity of your FEL....

 

[Hozzie]

Everything Attachments makes a set of 42" 3000lb forks that would probably be a good match. It's not just about your lift capacity, but the breakout force you put on them, so you need more than your lift capacity.

If you won't be doing things you shouldn't with them, 2200lb will probably be fine. The 3000lb will just give you a little more wiggle room.

 

[sixdogs]

4000 lbs and 48" is overkill for that tractor. I have a set like that and while they're OK for a 90HP tractor, are all my little 790 Deere @30HP can only handle them with a small load of wood on them.

I feel you would be happier with 42" forks that were lighter made and weighed less.
.

 

[dadohead]

Yes... I like your logic better than the dealers. Also consider shorter length if you work in a confined space much. I have 36" forks. They handle pallets fine, allow better maneuverability, lighter, and they can dig like a wood chuck!

 

[dennis103]

I've got a Grand L 6060 it lifts about the same. I purchased a set of 48" x 4000 lb forks. They have worked fine for me, they weigh about 200lbs. I even have a long set of extensions that I put on them to pick up my snowmobile and put it in the back of my truck. I wouldn't get a set that max out at the loader lift spec. I don't think you will save enough weight to off set the chance that you might bend or break a fork. I always use a larger nail than required too.

 

[Boss 302]

If you don't plan on ever going with a bigger tractor then the lighter one should work fine for your needs but, I know in my different experiences' things change and the need for an upgrade is a very real possibility.

 

[tomplum]

I think the MFR said my forks are 300#s. The dealer suggested the 36" forks due to the lift capacity. I use them a lot and I don't really NEED longer ones, though if you will be scooping up brush piles they could come in handy. In the end I wonder if the frame for the forks that snap on the quick attach is the same between the two and what ever extra weight is the length of the fork itself.

 

[sixdogs]

I've got a Grand L 6060 it lifts about the same. I purchased a set of 48" x 4000 lb forks. They have worked fine for me, they weigh about 200lbs. I even have a long set of extensions that I put on them to pick up my snowmobile and put it in the back of my truck. I wouldn't get a set that max out at the loader lift spec. I don't think you will save enough weight to off set the chance that you might bend or break a fork. I always use a larger nail than required too.

I'm not sure about this but I have a set of 48" forks with 4000+ lb rating and seems to me they weigh lots more than 200 lbs. I'm not sure on this but in the barn with a gravel floor I can barely or not at all budge them even a little bit when not hooked up.

 

[sixdogs]

I think the MFR said my forks are 300#s. The dealer suggested the 36" forks due to the lift capacity. I use them a lot and I don't really NEED longer ones, though if you will be scooping up brush piles they could come in handy. In the end I wonder if the frame for the forks that snap on the quick attach is the same between the two and what ever extra weight is the length of the fork itself.

To pick up brush I have used 2x4's edgewise and made extensions that slip over the forks. You can get a huge amount of brush on that way. I don't do much brush so this worked for me.

 

[dennis103]

Sorry, I only looked at 1of the pound specs they break it down fork and backing plate. Just looked on Titan again. 196 lbs for just the 48" forks and another 120# for the backing plate. They didn't offer a lighter duty set that i could find.

 

[sixdogs]

Sorry, I only looked at 1of the pound specs they break it down fork and backing plate. Just looked on Titan again. 196 lbs for just the 48" forks and another 120# for the backing plate. They didn't offer a lighter duty set that i could find.

Easy to get confused since there's so many sizes and types of forks out there. I just called Mast Farm Svc, where I got mine, and they weigh almost 400 lbs. Their lighter 1500 lb, 42" version weighs 250 lbs.

There's more since the 48" forks put any load further out on the forks and that makes the weight feel and act heavier.

 

[Captain Dirty]

As inferred in previous comments, it is probably best to go over the lift capacity to allow for the inevitable abuse (intentional or not) to which they will be subjected. You will undoubtedly try to lift something the tractor won't.

To help with the length decision, paint marks on a 2x4 where you figure the tips of 36, 42, and 48" blades will end. Clamp the 2x4 to your bucket in the position the fork blades will be and see what length has the best visibility from the operator's seat. It is aggravating to approach a pallet or other load, instinctively stand to get a better view, and kill the engine when you touch the accelerator pedal with an unweighted seat. Modern safety devices strike again!

 

[RidgeHiker]

I have 42" forks, as I recall 4000lb. There are times I may prefer longer forks but they also stick out further, make it easier to snag something, and are generally about the right size for my use. Also, keep in mind that most people end up using forks for many things they never expected. Some use them for digging, prying out big rocks, etc. My guess the rating is based upon spreading the weight and pressure across the length of the fork. Might take much force less to bend or damage an end when prying, etc.

Don't know if you could damage forks with your current tractor but to feel comfortable using them for whatever comes up I would prefer heavier duty than lighter.

You can also buy fork extensions that go over the existing fork for greater length.