Rod vs Rail pallet forks - pros and cons.

[hosspuller]

I have a rod style set of forks. I like to fold the forks up and over the rod. This allows me to keep the forks on but reduce the chance of snagging a fence or other object when mowing. Setting the forks back in position merely requires tilting forward. The forks readily pivot.

 

[mwb]

I have the rod style forks also, I also made a rail set for my dad's machine. The rod type have advantages when picking up something (pallet) on uneven ground, you can float one to get them lined up. The fixed rail type wouldn't allow this. I made a grapple for mine http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/190364-homemade-grapple-pics-video.html
and they work awesome for brush and logs. This style of forks 'dangle' when you dump so it can be difficult to position objects, and its impossible to use them to get you unstuck.

I think the best is to have one of each.:licking: Second best option is to at least have either of the fork types:thumbsup:

 

[Just Bill]

The pic of the rod type that Dan posted is like the ones that Ken Sweet sells.
The design wont let them flop around like the normal rod type.

 

[bikerdib]

I like the rail type because they allow you to dump something off; comes in handy when moving logs or brush. Since you have the forward tilt (dump) on your FEL, why wouldn't you want to be able to take advantage of it. The floating fork type (rod type) are fine on an actual forklift because most forklifts only have limited froward tilt.

Here is a thread about my build:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/198801-what-can-320-about-10-a.html

 

[jmanatee2]

Not all rod type allow the forks to swing.

Mine do not (Construction Attachments 42" Compact Tractor loader Pallet Forks CAL-1PFCMPSM42).

I like how easy it is to adjust them. Pull up to a stump or rock, with a tine on each side and then slide the tine over. roll the back and you are lifting the object.

Unless you are doing only pallets I do not think you should have swinging tines.