Forks Pallet Forks

[NYBOB]

I am looking to buy pallet forks for my JD 3720 tractor. I have the skid steer quick attach. My main usage would be moving firewood via boxes I plan to build from wooden pallets. What size would I need? What brand names are good to look at and are there used ones available?

Thanks

 

[reasley]

Good morning, Bob --

I just did the exact same thing recently (the firewood pallets). In fact, I am converting every heavy thing on my property to pallets. I am building a storage building that has a second floor that is specially designed to the lift height of my tractor and I will have a floor pallet jack on that second floor to move pallets once they are there. You might say that I am "palletizing" my property.

Now, back to your firewood pallets. Here's what I did, after trial and error:

Materials:

1. 48x40 pallets, with the two upside "U"s in them for the forks (make certain that you get this kind). In Central Texas, about $6 each new.

2. Roll of 3' high by 100' long rectangular hole fencing from TSC. About $50.

3. 2x4 treated lumber for corners (two at each corner, nailed to each other in an "L."

4. 1x material for top rails.

5. Use air staples to fasten fence to pallet first.

6. Then, air nail corners to pallet.

7. Then, air staple fence to corners.

8. Then, air staple rails to corners on inside, with fence sandwiched between.

9. Then, air staple fence to rails.

Very, very strong and long lasting.

Once you set up production, doesn't take too long to make. Results are long-term, and provide firewood at your home when needed, and stored away from home when not.

 

[wedge40]

Firewood in Texas?

Wedge

 

[NYBOB]

Do you have any photos to show me what they look like completed?

Also, not sure what two upside "U"'s in them mean in the statement below. If can point them out in a photo it would help.


48x40 pallets, with the two upside "U"s in them for the forks (make certain that you get this kind). In Central Texas, about $6 each new.


Thanks

 

[AlanB]

Are you looking for the Pallet forks or the pallets?

I bought the Markham pallet fork frame, and added some locally bought forks. Best deal to be had by far for me. Everything else I found used was either beat to death, or more then the Markham deal new.

For the firewood, I found some large metal pallet baskets, check scrap yards and big factories etc. and am stocking them with wood, I set them down right beside where I am cutting and fill from there. That way, I handle stuff as absolutely little as I can.

Good luck.

 

[NYBOB]

I should clarify....

I am looking for the pallet forks themselves AND ideas on how I can build a pallet to hold firewood.

Thanks

 

[RFB]

I use a set of Bradco quick attach (the same as universal skid steer attachment system) om my 5030 with the Kubota QA system.

They are well made, very easy to mount/dismount, strong, and I use them very often. I would buy them again in an instant without thinking of looking at another brand. They are probably one of the handiest tools I have.

 

[amigauser]

I also have the compact tractor Q/A Bradco pallet forks and they are excellent. I would buy them again. They ran $565 from Bob at Woodbury Tractor in CT.

Inventory - Woodbury Tractor Company, LLC

Norm

 

[NYBOB]

That's another question, everyone says pallet forks are useful. What else can one use them for?

I have 10 acres of land and mow my field with it, cut firewood, maintain my gravel driveway, etc.


Thanks

 

[Mighty Dodge]

You can use them to pop out small stumps and shrubs. I've also popped some larger stumps after they rot up for a few years.

M.D.

 

[RFB]

you can use them to create a (all cautionary warnings understood) a man-lift platform (with suitable rails and safety harness)

You can put together a boom pole for raising trusses etc.

Your imagination will find multiple uses.

 

[jejeosborne]

I do the same thing as AlanB. Here is a link to my setup. I love the metal baskets. They fold flat for transportation or storage and are stackable for seasoning.
Jeff
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/projects/114597-bring-more-firewood-easy-way.html

 

[NYBOB]

I have been looking for wooden boxes, etc locally. I went to a distribution warehouse for produce and an apple grove. I have not been able to find anything to buy.

If anyone has any ideas where to get metal baskets as shown or wooden pallet boxes in the Binghamton NY area, please let me know.

 

[reasley]

Jeff, that was a phenomenal buy on the metal bins!!! My system is the same, but with wood pallets as described earlier. I'm going to be on the lookout for those bins, too.

Bob, I'll try to post pictures of them later on today -- gotta charge the camera battery . . .

 

[jdbower]

A couple of tow straps and you can suspend heavy objects between the forks, just like the trick of having two guys use 2x4s to move stuff. The forks also reach pretty high in the air, using them to lift stuff like rain gutters into place while you're installing them is also a great trick. Plus once you've got a few pallets you'd be surprised at how many things find their way onto them

 

[Oleozz]

There is a small Mennonite company in Mifflinburg Pa that makes quality pallet forks. Their name is Horning Pallet Forks and Welding, I paid $580 for my 48" forks and frame. They are sold throughout Pa but are built in Mifflinburg.

 

[reasley]

Do you have any photos to show me what they look like completed?

Also, not sure what two upside "U"'s in them mean in the statement below. If can point them out in a photo it would help.


48x40 pallets, with the two upside "U"s in them for the forks (make certain that you get this kind). In Central Texas, about $6 each new.


Thanks

Bob, sorry for the delay. Enclosed are the pictures of the log pallets that you wanted. The upside down "U"s are the place where the forks engage. This type of crossbeam (there are 3 per pallet) is stronger than the type that is "open." Note, again, the fencing material. If you make these, this is the minimum (and very sufficient) size that you need to use. Individually, the parts are too small to hold logs (except the base of course). Collectively, and interconnected, it makes a great log pallet.

 

[Harry c]

That's called a "4 way entry" pallet. The "runners" are notched for fork clearance. If you talk to a pallet maker he'll understand what you're looking for.

 

[NYBOB]

Let me understand this, I need the 4 way type pallets(have a friend that works a a produce warehouse). Any particular size? or are they all standard?

I will coming in to lift from the long side of the pallet, correct?

Is there a particular gauge wire I should use?

Thanks
Bob

 

[NYBOB]

I forgot one thing, what type of corner pieces did you use? pressure treated? How did you attach them to the skid and themselves?

Thanks