Sizing of pallet forks

bythec · Jul 20, 2023

I have got lots of good information from this forum for several years and finally decided to post as I could use some advice on sizing pallet forks. I have a Kubota L3710 (37hp) with LA682 FEL and am in the process of (finally) converting it to SSQA. The Kubota adapter (L2230A) is no longer available in Canada am am looking at one made for my loader by HLA. I also plan on buying SSQA pallet forks to replace the clamp on bucket forks I have been using. The clamp on forks had a usable length of 43" which was plenty so I have settled on 42" forks. The most readilly available here are also made by HLA - either 2000lb or 4000 lb capacity. Manual shows lift capacity to max ht at pivot of 1780 lbs and to 5' at pivot of 2250 lbs. I have talked to several dealers and most just look it up, see the 1780 lbs to max ht figure and say 2000 lbs is enough. One dealer said his customers are about equal split between 2000 lbs and 4000 lbs for this size loader. I mostly move logs, including some large white pine, and pallet loads of green split firewood and would rarely lift above 6'. I am leaning towards the 4000 lbs to avoid bending them if I get one fork overloaded- a little more $ and about 65 lbs extra weight - but would be interested in any suggestions. Thanks.

RjCorazza · Jul 20, 2023

I have 4000lb forks for my L4060, and prefer the beefier feel. As long as you can sacrifice the 65lbs in lifting ability I would go with the heavier forks.
Pallet forks were the best addition to my tractor hands down. Two days ago I moved a large shed and shipping container and the forks were perfect for getting them in the final position. Good luck with your SSQA conversion.

GeneD14 · Jul 20, 2023

"Manual shows lift capacity to max ht at pivot of 1780 lbs and to 5' at pivot of 2250 lbs. I have talked to several dealers and most just look it up, see the 1780 lbs to max ht figure and say 2000 lbs is enough."

There have been many times that I've just lifted a load a few inches off the ground that was higher than my tractors 5' lift height capacity. If you ever move a pallet of firewood, concrete block, scrap metal, etc... you will wish that you had the heavier duty forks.

bythec · Jul 20, 2023

GeneD14 said:
"Manual shows lift capacity to max ht at pivot of 1780 lbs and to 5' at pivot of 2250 lbs. I have talked to several dealers and most just look it up, see the 1780 lbs to max ht figure and say 2000 lbs is enough."

There have been many times that I've just lifted a load a few inches off the ground that was higher than my tractors 5' lift height capacity. If you ever move a pallet of firewood, concrete block, scrap metal, etc... you will wish that you had the heavier duty forks.

Good point. I see the lifting capacity at pivot point at 1 ft is 3100 lbs.

TimberFarm · Jul 20, 2023

I have an LS 573 cab tractor and I got 60" 6000lb forks.
Will I ever need that? No. Tractor will never be able to lift that weight. But I want to make sure the forks will never fail for any reason. The 60" I needed because anything shorter and I can't see the ends of the forks.

nyone · Jul 21, 2023

Get the 4k 48in forks. An extra few inches can really help when picking up 40x48in (standard size) pallets

finallydribben · Jul 21, 2023

nyone said:
Get the 4k 48in forks. An extra few inches can really help when picking up 40x48in (standard size) pallets

agree. Helps with a lot of things.

Vigo327 · Jul 21, 2023

So this is almost off topic but as far as not being able to see fork tips, you can raise loader and point forks down until you can see them under the bottom of the fork frame. Get them where you want them, and then lower the loader while sllowly curling the forks up until theyre level again and then drive under whatever you’re picking up. Yeah it may require a slight bit of technique but its easier than Xray vision and easier than needing a spotter when you dont have one.

scootr · Jul 21, 2023

Agreed on 48" forks. Paint the ends yellow for visibility and later get a set 5' extensions if needed.

bythec · Jul 24, 2023

I appreciate all the suggestions. I will definitely go with the 4000 lb forks. I am still considering whether to switch from 42” to 48”. I had planned getting extensions some time in the future. I understand with longer forks would be easier to see the tips of the forks. When using forks to move logs to my mill, either length should work. Most of the pallets I have geared up to move firewood are 40”*40”, with the sides I have added they are 44” deep. I pack the pallets close together so 48” forks will stick out back 4” and may cause an issue with catching pallet in behind. Thanks again.