Pallet Forks ... yet another home made set.

Dataway · May 1, 2020

Here are the pallet forks that I just finished for my 1715. Built them as low profile as I could as I have some tight spots I want to get them into. Should be good for at least 1500 lbs, the loader will only lift about 1000. Forks are 11ga 1.5 x 1.5 square tube doubled up in width and reinforced at the stress points, most of the rest is bent 1/4" plate and 1/2" rod. Added some sockets for 2 x 4 uprights if I need them. About 34" of usable fork, don't think the bucket could handle much more. Going to strap it in with 3300 lb ratchet straps (10,000 lb breaking), plus 5/8 anchor bolts. Total cost about $70 for the tube and the straps, took the rest of the metal out of the shop stock. About five hours to fabricate including the measuring and head scratching.

robstaples · May 1, 2020

Nicely done!

Oldpath05 · May 1, 2020

I made my forks just about the same way cept my tip points down and I use two 1" bolts two hold them on.

Dataway · May 1, 2020

Yep, I wanted the points down, but as short as they are I needed the extra length on top to catch as much of a pallet as I can. I see you got some log grabbers on the bucket too

crazyal · May 2, 2020

Similar to what I have but I use chain and binders, not straps. If your loader capacity is 1000 lbs bucket lift capacity you probably will be limited to 500 to 700 lbs. Still plenty of capacity.

Oldpath05 · May 2, 2020

Looking forward for the next picture with those perty blue forks on tractor.

Oldpath05 · May 2, 2020

crazyal said:
Similar to what I have but I use chain and binders, not straps. If your loader capacity is 1000 lbs bucket lift capacity you probably will be limited to 500 to 700 lbs. Still plenty of capacity.

Do you have picture somewhere with your forks on with binder?

Smokeydog · May 2, 2020

I had old solid logging forks that had the tip end bevel on the bottom for sawmill work. Worked good on rough ground getting under a load without digging in the dirt as much. Then got an early set Titan clamp on forks that did the same. Makes sense with most tractors picking loads off the ground. Also work good with pallets.
Now most forks have the tip bevel facing up. Think those would tend to dig instead of slide under?

Dataway · May 2, 2020

Oldpath05 said:
Looking forward for the next picture with those perty blue forks on tractor.

Will take one tomorrow ... but they get less pretty every day

davedj1 · May 3, 2020

One thing with clip on forks is the lift capacity is greatly diminished. The spec lift weight on your tractor, if you read the fine print is "at the pin". Just be careful and don't expect much from them and you'll be fine. Sure beats moving stuff by hand

And they look like they are nicely done!