Pallet fork size - 36", 42" or 48"?

[lostcreekranch]

Think it goes without saying that forks capacity need to match up with your FEL capacity. 4000 lb. pallet forks on a FEL that can lift 2000 lbs. (at the FEL pins) is a waste of money.

 

[alia176]

Think it goes without saying that forks capacity need to match up with your FEL capacity. 4000 lb. pallet forks on a FEL that can lift 2000 lbs. (at the FEL pins) is a waste of money.

And not to mention higher capacity attachments detract from your limited lifting capacity.

 

[lostcreekranch]

And not to mention higher capacity attachments detracts from your limited lifting capacity.

Very correct.

 

[7879fordman]

Glad this has been brought up since I have been thinking about buying some couldn't decide what length to get . I have been using my hay forks in pallets and they have been working but i know there not ideal .

Sent from my iPhone 5 using TractorByNet

 

[rmorey]

Sometimes its not possible to match lift capacity to forks rating. Most forks come in either 2,000 lb or 4,000 lb capacity, but loaders capacity range from 750 lb to just under 3,000 lb. I believe that oversized is better than undersized. Less likely to cause damage. :2cents: Besides the difference in price is like $100.

 

[mfridenmaker]

Think it goes without saying that forks capacity need to match up with your FEL capacity. 4000 lb. pallet forks on a FEL that can lift 2000 lbs. (at the FEL pins) is a waste of money.

It's only a waste of money if you could actually find forks rated for less weight that actually cost less...which I couldn't. I got the best deal I could find on a new set of high quality forks plus I got the benefit of a stronger, more durable set. Sometimes there's more than one right answer.

 

[mbullism]

Used forks around here on craigslist and the auction sites seem to go for close to new prices. I have never seen a set of forks for sale for $100.

I just recently found two pairs (3000#/4000# class) on CL advertised for 60 each (40" and 48" as I recall, admittedly well worn at the heels, but perfectly suited for homeowner/small tractor use, imo) and bought a different set for 50, only a half hours drive away. fwiw.

Full disclosure, the pair I bought are 48" rated 8000#, 330# for the pair, my little loaders full height at the pin capacity is 700# I figured by the time I welded up a frame and hung the forks I could use them to run down and get the mail :confused2: These are being incorporated into a 3 pt rig for now to move a pile of large rocks I have, then getting the tips cut off and becoming the basis for a ballast box where their weight wont be a bad thing. :dance1: (after I find a more suitable set for the front, of course...)

MB

 

[MN3240]

I just recently found two pairs (3000#/4000# class) on CL advertised for 60 each (40" and 48" as I recall, admittedly well worn at the heels, but perfectly suited for homeowner/small tractor use, imo) and bought a different set for 50, only a half hours drive away. fwiw.

Full disclosure, the pair I bought are 48" rated 8000#, 330# for the pair, my little loaders full height at the pin capacity is 700# I figured by the time I welded up a frame and hung the forks I could use them to run down and get the mail :confused2: These are being incorporated into a 3 pt rig for now to move a pile of large rocks I have, then getting the tips cut off and becoming the basis for a ballast box where their weight wont be a bad thing. :dance1: (after I find a more suitable set for the front, of course...)

MB

[/I] I know a lot of people find great deals on craigslist. I just havn't been that lucky. Craiglist can be hit or miss, even if you are patient.

 

[alia176]

Looks like the 42" is getting the nod so I'll keep an eye out.

Mind you, I'm shopping for a tractor that hasn't even arrived yet!! The Mahindra 3316 that I'm after has a SSQA loader but does this mounting system follow a standard dimension? In another words, can I get any brand of SSQA pallet fork?

 

[mbullism]

[/I] I know a lot of people find great deals on craigslist. I just havn't been that lucky. Craiglist can be hit or miss, even if you are patient.

No doubt... have you tried searchtempest? (or another compiled search).. it saves a ton of time :2cents:

MB

 

[murphy1244]

SSQA is the Standard, yes any brand that is SSQA

 

[alia176]

Got an email back from Palletforks.com. Titan products are made in Tennessee, very nice to hear.

 

[C4Ranch]

My approach to attachments or implements is go as big as possible based on current tractor so if I upgrade tractors it will be on the lower end of the bigger tractor and can get by. Did this with my forks and 76" Gannon box blade so far. I can see 70-95hp in my future.

Here are a couple pics of things I would struggle with if I had smaller forks. Have 48", kinda wish I went 60".

YMMV

J

 

[xring100]

My approach to attachments or implements is go as big as possible based on current tractor so if I upgrade tractors it will be on the lower end of the bigger tractor and can get by. Did this with my forks and 76" Gannon box blade so far. I can see 70-95hp in my future.

Here are a couple pics of things I would struggle with if I had smaller forks. Have 48", kinda wish I went 60".

YMMV

J

Yeah i agree I'd rather have slightly over rated implements
I managed to bend one of mine about 12" back from the tip they areconstruction attachments 48" 5500 lb heavy lift forks forged. I got it traped under a dumpster when i tried to roll out it was in a 3pt bend

Besides would'nt you rather be this guy than end up with bent forks maybe next time he will use his seat belt. I'm currious if he even lifted this load off the trailer or if he just got unde rit and pulled it off the trailer.

 

[lostcreekranch]

My approach to attachments or implements is go as big as possible based on current tractor so if I upgrade tractors it will be on the lower end of the bigger tractor and can get by. Did this with my forks and 76" Gannon box blade so far. I can see 70-95hp in my future. Here are a couple pics of things I would struggle with if I had smaller forks. Have 48", kinda wish I went 60". YMMV J

C4;

You could look into longer (60", 72"?) pieces of channel with a few flat bar straps across open side of channel, that could just slide over your existing fork for the times you need the length.

 

[k0ua]

Anyone silly enough to think a PHD on the 3pt is anywhere near proper ballast for lifting heavy loads.. well.. they are pretty silly.

 

[murphy1244]

Hope that's his Tractor

 

[kennyd]

Besides would'nt you rather be this guy than end up with bent forks maybe next time he will use his seat belt. I'm currious if he even lifted this load off the trailer or if he just got unde rit and pulled it off the trailer.

Holy crap! Who is that? Is that just a picture you got off Google?

 

[alia176]

I'm hoping to use this same SSAQ pallet forks for the 3pt hitch and I'm guessing I"ll need to fab up something to accommodate this. The usefulness of these forks will be huge in my mind.

 

[motownbrowne]

That's something I've been meaning to ask, what's the best way to adapt ssqa forks for 3 point use? Get a ssqa plate and weld 3pt pins on it, or just add some pins to the forks?