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

alia176 · Jan 23, 2014

Just curious what size is a good all around length for forks. I'm picturing a set of pallet forks rated around 2,000lbs but wasn't sure what length would be good for all around use. I see myself using the forks more for non pallet lifting work - engine pulling, moving/carrying bulky items. But now that I'll have forks, I may opt for finding pallets to store things on.

I need a skidsteer quick attach style of pallet fork so my choices are huge. But, I'd like to find a vendor that'll do free shipping or low cost shipping to a terminal. I am finding decently prices 2,000lb rated for less than $600 but the shipping comes to $400! If you have any preferred vendors, please let me know. Why 2,000lbs rated? My loader can only lift 1400lbs!

My local CASE dealer has the HLA attachments pallet forks model HD20B0500, 2000 lb for $800. These look great, made in Canada. So, I have a local option. I'll call around more tractor places next week.

Thanks for your inputs.

kennyd · Jan 23, 2014

I like 42" myself, they fit most pallets perfectly.

JAD99 · Jan 23, 2014

I'm using 42 also. Typical for pallets and good all around.

k0ua · Jan 23, 2014

kennyd said:
I like 42" myself, they fit most pallets perfectly.

Same here, That is what I have.

SSdoxie · Jan 23, 2014

I have 42".

Industrial Toys · Jan 23, 2014

Sometimes long forks are very usefull but othertimes they get in the way. I would never buy new pallet forks as so many are always available up here (canada) from fork lift service guys. Like $100.00/pair!

I bought a whole carrier with hydraulic adjustable forks for peanuts! Just welded on a skid steer plate. Never get off your machine to adjust forks again!

My first fork carrier for my JD 6200 came from HLA when you could still buy direct from the factory and I supplied the forks.

xring100 · Jan 23, 2014

I like my 48" never wanted shorter. But I have thought about getting a set of 60" from the local recycling yard. I could see how some people like shorter forks but I routinely lift large objects and wood that is bigger than standard pallets. Then again I can Lift ~2900 lbs (800 mm forward, max height). The longer the forks the easier the tips are to see. I have to stand up to see mine

MtnViewRanch · Jan 23, 2014

42" for me also.

grsthegreat · Jan 23, 2014

have 42" myself. they were $100 cheaper and also lighter ... win win

MN3240 · Jan 23, 2014

I would vote for 48" universal style skid steer forks, even with a 1400# lift capacity. The longer forks are very handy for loading and unloading pickup beds, 8' wide trailers, pallet racks, etc.. I store snowmobiles and 4 wheelers on 48" wide pallet rack and it's nice to have the vehicles fully supported when lifting them. 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.

Buppies · Jan 23, 2014

Mine are 42 as well any longer would get me into trouble. Have you tried Everything Attachments?

PILOON · Jan 23, 2014

The longer the forks, the less the weight you can lift due to center of gravity considerations.
A 36" fork can handle 48" pallets.
Short forks can be extended using a sleeve (made from channel stock that is wider than forks) for occasions that require long such as large piles of branches. The sleeve will work as being longer your weight capacity is greatly reduced.
Shorter is easier to maneuver.

Hdoilcan · Jan 23, 2014

I'm thinking if getting the 42" also. Don't really know what the extra 6" would do for me for the extra money they cost.

Lou66 · Jan 23, 2014

I have 42 and 48 inch.. I use which one is the easy to get to at the time.. but I do like the 48 for hay,, round or square,, but the 42 would do the same job I guess.. so get the 42's.. cheaper and lighter.. Lou

devildog1 · Jan 23, 2014

48" works well for me and my L3540 on pallets and such. The 48"also works good for using them as saw horses, cutting wood or lumber. I'm not sure which size is best just know I'm happy with the 48"'s
DevilDog

motownbrowne · Jan 23, 2014

So, here's what happened to me when I recently bought forks. I got a great price quote for a set of construction attachments 48" regular duty 3000lb capacity forks from a nearby dealer. Called again to confirm the price, drove to get them and the was told the quote was a miscommunication, but that they would honor it since I had made the drive. Cut the deal, then went to load them, and they weren't there. So... They have me the carriage from a heavy lift set (which I guess is the same) and a set of used 42" forks to take home. The dealer is going to deliver the 48" set when they come in. Originally I wanted 42", which is what I have, so now I have to figure out if I should get the 48s that I paid for, or stick with the 42s. I guess I'll play with these for a while and see if the dealer wants to make me a good deal on these used ones. I like that the 42s don't stick out through the pallet, but I can't see the tips from my seat.

EverythingAttachments · Jan 24, 2014

alia176 said:
Just curious what size is a good all around length for forks. I'm picturing a set of pallet forks rated around 2,000lbs but wasn't sure what length would be good for all around use. I see myself using the forks more for non pallet lifting work - engine pulling, moving/carrying bulky items. But now that I'll have forks, I may opt for finding pallets to store things on.

I need a skidsteer quick attach style of pallet fork so my choices are huge. But, I'd like to find a vendor that'll do free shipping or low cost shipping to a terminal. I am finding decently prices 2,000lb rated for less than $600 but the shipping comes to $400! If you have any preferred vendors, please let me know. Why 2,000lbs rated? My loader can only lift 1400lbs!

My local CASE dealer has the HLA attachments pallet forks model HD20B0500, 2000 lb for $800. These look great, made in Canada. So, I have a local option. I'll call around more tractor places next week.

Thanks for your inputs.

42" seems to be the "sweet spot" for small tractors. Our Construction Attachments compact pallet forks weigh only 220 pounds, but they're rated to lift 1,800 pounds which is also pretty "sweet"!!
These forks now feature locking forks like a traditional forklift, rather than being mounted on a rod.

Shipping to a staffed commercial business in Tijeras OR to the freight terminal in Albuquerque would be $100. We have skid steer quick attach models as well as JD QA models in stock and ready to ship.
For those that have loaders with pin-on buckets, they will custom build a set for a $125 build fee most of the time, which is great for B and BX Kubotas. I sold a set for a Mahindra Max with a pin mount yesterday.

I hope this helps.
Travis

Xfaxman · Jan 24, 2014

These are 42" pin top forks from a forklift repair shop. Each fork weighs 135 pounds, frame is 284 pounds.

Found these 48" block forks on eBay. 2" square and weigh 80 pounds each. Already had the light frame.

bigtiller · Jan 24, 2014

You'll get used to any length you get. For the work you described, I think longer would be better than shorter. Maybe even 60" would work for you. But again, it's all in what you get used to.

For about 20 years I have operated equipment with any where from 36 to 102 inch long forks. I gotta say that the 102's that were on a JD 642 front-end-loader were the most useful of all of them.