Lightest Weight SSQA Forks

[robertm]

I’m looking for a set of forks for my BX2380. Due to me getting the SSQA that already cuts the lift capacity, I’d like to find the lightest forks.
Ai2 has the lightest I have found (167#), but they are backlogged for some time. I just thought I’d check to see how other fork companies are doing if they are as light. Frankly, I think I’ve covered all bases, and the Ai2 forks look premiere. Just thought I’d see what you all have seen. Thanks.

 

[ultrarunner]

On the 3800 the dealer was emphatic I not order the light forks… I said I want max lift.

He took me out back and showed me twisted light forks off a 3800 same as mine.

Went with heavy snd use them a lot and still perfect but a forklift it isn’t…

 

[Advil]

The lightest 3000lb rated fork frame I've seen is the Artillian at 99lbs (without fork tines).

3000 Lb. Skid Steer Quick Attach Pallet Fork Frame - Artillian

These pallet fork frames fit any Universal Quick Attach or Skid Steer Quick Attach loader meeting SAE J2513 standard. Includes built-in 2-inch receiver *Some Quick Attach Mounts may limit rear passage of ball mount.

www.artillian.com

You have to source your own tines, which is inconvenient but If you go with class II 36" forks those can be 50lbs or less bringing you in at 200lbs total. Which is really really light for "real" forks.

The disadvantage is that the Artillian frame does not have a frame backrest or whatever you want to call it. So your loads can tip back at you easily. If you never lift high or you don't need the backrest to support tall palleted stuff this is the lightest way I've seen to get serious lift capability.

Otherwise the other option is something like what we went with: The Everything Attachments SSQA forks are 235lbs total, 42" tines and have the backrest. That's extremely light for a strong, complete SSQA fork setup. The forks are rated for 2200lbs.

https://www.(Temporarily blocked du...ompact-Tractor-pallet-Forks-p/eta-scpf-42.htm

There are cheaper fork kits out there, but these two options are strong AND light at the same time.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

The lightest 3000lb rated fork frame I've seen is the Artillian at 99lbs (without fork tines).

3000 Lb. Skid Steer Quick Attach Pallet Fork Frame - Artillian

These pallet fork frames fit any Universal Quick Attach or Skid Steer Quick Attach loader meeting SAE J2513 standard. Includes built-in 2-inch receiver *Some Quick Attach Mounts may limit rear passage of ball mount.

www.artillian.com

You have to source your own tines, which is inconvenient but If you go with class II 36" forks those can be 50lbs or less bringing you in at 200lbs total. Which is really really light for "real" forks.

The disadvantage is that the Artillian frame does not have a frame backrest or whatever you want to call it. So your loads can tip back at you easily. If you never lift high or you don't need the backrest to support tall palleted stuff this is the lightest way I've seen to get serious lift capability.

Otherwise the other option is something like what we went with: The Everything Attachments SSQA forks are 235lbs total, 42" tines and have the backrest. That's extremely light for a strong, complete SSQA fork setup. The forks are rated for 2200lbs.

https://www.(Temporarily blocked du...ompact-Tractor-pallet-Forks-p/eta-scpf-42.htm

There are cheaper fork kits out there, but these two options are strong AND light at the same time.

I am confused by your post? The Artillian frame can certainly be had with a backrest, it just has to be ordered separately. I ordered my frame, backrest, and forks all at the same time off of their website. I did get the 3000 lb frame, and it's built like a tank. You can use it with or without the backrest on it. I always leave mine on.

Detachable – Backrest/Brush Guard - Buy Direct from Artillian

Here I'm using the welded in hitch receiver in the frame to move my trailer with.

 

[Vigo327]

The disadvantage is that the Artillian frame does not have a frame backrest or whatever you want to call it. So your loads can tip back at you easily. If you never lift high or you don't need the backrest to support tall palleted stuff this is the lightest way I've seen to get serious lift capability.

If one had a welder (or potentially even just a shop press and a drill?) one simple thing would be to build a couple of simple 'stake pockets' such as you'd find on a flatbed or trailer, and then slap together a simple removable backrest of wood or fairly thin metal so you weren't carrying or staring at it except at times you actually wanted it.

 

[Advil]

I am confused by your post? The Artillian frame can certainly be had with a backrest, it just has to be ordered separately. I ordered my frame, backrest, and forks all at the same time off of their website. I did get the 3000 lb frame, and it's built like a tank. You can use it with or without the backrest on it. I always leave mine on.

Detachable – Backrest/Brush Guard - Buy Direct from Artillian

Here I'm using the welded in hitch receiver in the frame to move my trailer with.

Sorry, could have been slightly more clear.

Yes, there is an add-on backrest for the Artillian and it's a nice add-on, but that will add weight as well. At that point the total weight of the Artillian even with shorter 36" fork tines will probably meet or exceed both the weight AND price of the EA forks kit.

I was separating the two options only by weight difference, which is what the original poster was looking for: Something very light for a BX2380.

 

[McTowner]

I looked into these and was very interested in them. Kubota BX Tractor Pallet Forks - Pallet Fork Attachment for Kubota - Redline Systems
I called and spoke to the owner about using them on my machine. He was very honest and said they would work but I would need to use caution since my machine has more lift capacity compared to a BX.
I ended up going with heavier Tomahawk PF

 

[Advil]

Those look perfect for a BX.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

Sorry, could have been slightly more clear.

Yes, there is an add-on backrest for the Artillian and it's a nice add-on, but that will add weight as well. At that point the total weight of the Artillian even with shorter 36" fork tines will probably meet or exceed both the weight AND price of the EA forks kit.

I was separating the two options only by weight difference, which is what the original poster was looking for: Something very light for a BX2380.

I don't think the back rest weighs 50 pounds. Maybe 40.

Just passing on the information.