Pallet Fork Frame Dimension

lostcause · May 11, 2020

Picked up a pair of forks at the scrapyard nearly a decade ago for $30, and finally got a tractor with a quick attach and enough lift capacity to make use of them, so I bought a frame and the forks won't fit - they are really close but too tight to slide across the frame. Looks like the frame dimensions I found on the internet are 16" between top and bottom plates, and mine are all of 16-3/16". What's the norm on other fork frames? I'm assuming I need to take some metal off of the frame, but I also want to make sure the forms aren't a little snug too.

KWentling · May 11, 2020

Went out and measured mine. Right at 16"

Industrial Toys · May 11, 2020

I just always made them (or HORST DID, long ago) to fit the forks I had, regardless of dimensions.

fatjay · May 12, 2020

I bought a universal blank 3/8" thick steel welded off ebay for $94 shipped to build/attach my pallet forks. Got 1 1/8" solid round to go through the top, and angle iron welded to the bottom. Total cost was under $200. Make sure whatever you do it's adjustable side to side. I've put these through the ringer time and time again, haven't flinched. My bobcat tips at 1000lbs though, if you're on a bigger tractor you can probably do more.

lostcause · May 12, 2020

Mostly just trying to see if the frame was fat or whether the forks were snug. Probably safe to assume it’s the frame. Obviously mismatched brands but I was assuming some standardization. Guess I’ll have to grind off about 1/8” and see how free the movement feels

KennyG · May 12, 2020

I think you are on the right track. I think my forks are standard. They measure almost 16 - 3/8 inside dimensions. I built my rails with 16 inch spacing and all is well.

kennyd · May 12, 2020

The standard for class 2 fork tines is 16” spacing.

lostcause · May 12, 2020

I guess mine grew on the slow boat over from China. not a huge deal I guess. just a little quality time with a grinder this weekend. The tines need a little scuffing down anyways.