Forks Pallet fork frame styles pros/cons

[chrisclark]

We are getting ready to purchase our first tractor. I noticed a couple of different types of pallet forks and was wondering about them: what are the pros/cons of each style?
1) Some have a full frame that the pallet forks attach to. This seems like it would be a good idea to keep bricks, bags of feed, etc. from falling on your head or tractor when lifting them up high, but it seems to add weight. For example: the top photo on Beaver Valley Supply Company - Danuser Pallet Forks & Multi-Purpose Grapple
2) Some have a "walkthrough" frame (looks like the full frame with a gap in the middle). I'm not sure the advantage to this. For example, the bottom photo on Beaver Valley Supply Company - Danuser Pallet Forks & Multi-Purpose Grapple
3) Some have no frame above where the pallet forks attach. This seems like it could allow material to fall off the back, but seems to save weight. For example: Titan Skid Steer 42" Pallet Fork & Trailer Hitch Attachment[/LIST].

With a compact tractor (considering LS XR4046HC) with limited loader capacity (2500 lbs at pins), it seems that saving weight would be a good thing. Do the full frame forks have a significant improvement in safety over the ones with no frame?

 

[George2615]

You mention the reasons for full frame.
The walk thru frame is designed for skid steer type equipment where it is advantageous to walk thru to get into the cab.
The shorter height frame forks I see used to unload flatbed trucks and warehouse moving where items are not lifted high in the air.
For use on your tractor get the full frame forks as you will have the capability of lifting loads high that could tip back.

I modified my forks for adding a thumb and added additional steel bracing. In the background you can see the added thumb mount on my bucket so I can switch the thumb to it if needed.

 

[chrisclark]

Thanks, George!

I suppose something like The Thumb would be reason to get pallet forks (or at least the fork blades) with significantly greater capacity than the loader so they can hold up to the additional down force?

Thanks,
Chris

 

[George2615]

Chris,
I bought my forks from a local supplier. Mine are sold as skid steer forks. I don't remember the rating but they are either 4000 or 5000 lb. I think the rating is stamped somewhere on the forks. I didn't pay too much attention because I know the rating is almost double what my loader can lift and that gives me confidence they shouldn't break with a 2K load. The thumb just holds things such as logs or brush from falling off the forks and no pressure is on them from the thumb.

 

[Underdog57]

Here is a picture of the Titan Forks before and after I installed the Thumb.

I am very happy with the Titan Forks, I abused them pretty hard last summer digging out stumps and they didn't bend at all. The only thing I wish was different would be to have only one fork removal notch in the center of the bottom rail instead of the 2 notches on either side of the center. I like to push the forks close together for digging & grappling. :2cents: