Forks TPH Pallet Forks

rationalizer · Feb 1, 2003

Hi folks,

I'll be doing some stone work (flagstone for walks and walls)this summer and thought it would be nice to have some pallet forks to move the pallets around. I looked at some of the forks for loaders and decided that I'd rather have one for my three point hitch. I don't need "height" - just lift capacity and stability (I'll be moving them around once they are on the ground) My thought is that could also build a box/platform so I could use it for a "carryall" - to carry wood, a water tank for irrigation etc. etc.

I did a search for "pallet forks" and didn't find much for info TPH mounted units. Does anyone know who makes them? Any experience with this concept would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Bill

Bird · Feb 2, 2003

Bill, you might have better luck if you look for "carry all" instead of "pallet forks" when you're talking about 3-point hitch implements.

trailertrash · Feb 2, 2003

rationalizer:

I did a google search under three point attachments , brought back 418,000 hits that ought to be enough to help at least get you started.

trailertrash · Feb 2, 2003

btw this is the first one up

http://www.mdsmfg.com/Pages/thrpnt.html

tph forks

Hoeman00 · Feb 2, 2003

Does your loader have a SSL quick-tach?
If u get a set to use on it then build a simple
adapter to mount on rear also.
I'm kicking around building one and could also put
the front bucket on it too.
Lots of flexibility w/ this set-up.
There are companies that build this set up too.

rationalizer · Feb 2, 2003

Bird,

I went through the "carry-all" posts - it appears they aren't strong enough to lift a one ton pallet. I'm looking for somthing more "robust" and, possibly, more adjustable than the basic carryalls offered by Northern Tool, TSC etc.

Any ideas?

Bill

rationalizer · Feb 2, 2003

Trailertrash,

Thanks - I did find the MDS site when I did my search. They look like a definite possibility. The capacity looks fine. I will see if there is a dealer near me.

Bill

rationalizer · Feb 2, 2003

Tim,

What is a "SSL Quick Tach"? My JD 4710 has a 460 Loader with the standard Deere "quick tach" set-up for the bucket, snow plow etc

While I expect that I'd use the TPH for moving pallets - I can see the advantage of being able to use it on either end.

Thanks

Bill

Richard · Feb 2, 2003

Hi Bill..

don't know if this will help, but when we did our flagstone (I think 30 tons).. I moved them with Brutus. I understand very well that brutus might be a touch larger than your tractor (having no clue what your machine is like) but this is what I did...

I have teeth on the loader. Prior to doing anything, I wapped a chain under and through the pallet, then tried to get the teeth in the slot where the forks would go. I then, took the chain (which is totally encircling the stones) and hooked it to the bucket so that when I rolled back, the stone would be leaning towards the bucket, supported (sort of) with the chain around them, and the bucket teeth under them.

Since I knew I'd be moving them this way, I asked BEFORE delivery, if they would double band them to help hold them together.

I DID break some... but in grand scheme of the tonnage... I think my back happily accepted the tradeoff via moving by hand.

Moved them where I needed them like a champ.

It WAS a load for the loader, having roughly 2 tons of weight stuck in FRONT of the lower lip, but went slow, kept all close to ground and saved a LOT of backwork. I'm sure the leverage of the stone being out front gave Brutus a workout, but he survived /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Don't know if this will help at all, but it's how I moved mine without any pallat forks.

Richard

Richard · Feb 2, 2003

Oh... I forgot...

To get the pallats off ONE of the trucks, I used my grade 100 chain and essentially made a sling to lift enough for the pallat to slide back.

Not recommending it, but for MY situation, if I'd had sufficient chain length, that method would have worked for me..

Downside is, the chain tends to squeeze the stone and frankly, though we broke only a handful, I didn't like that idea.

I think with more chain, and some thinking (building a 4x4 type "brace" to keep chain parallel) I'd not put the pressure on the stone. As it was.. we had a wedding in weeks to finish this for, and no time for me being creative. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Richard

rationalizer · Feb 2, 2003

Richard,

Sounds like you had a high pressure job to handle! I am discussing delivery with my stone supplier now. I am hoping that he will be able to deliver the pallets "onto the ground". I'm not too keen on trying to unload a flatbed with my 4710. Your system sounds a bit to "precarious" my comfort level. The 4710 is a "big" compact - but it is still a compact! If I needed to I might even rent a forklift for a half day. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Bill

johnnyk · Feb 2, 2003

Here's a 1200 Lb. rated pallet fork from ABC Groff. They also sell a heavier unit with solid forks instead of 2”x4” tubes. It takes a little adapting to fix on my BX22, but a larger Cat. 1 should be no problem. I plan to build a 4'x4' "carry-all" to fit on the forks and use it for yard work.

DDT · Feb 2, 2003

That pic looks like a 3 point bale fork, but it would work as long as the with is OK.

Anonymous Poster · Feb 2, 2003

Hi Bill--We occasionally use a 3 point round hay bale fork to do jobs similar to what you are describing--The lift capacity is usually around 2000 lb and the prices usually run under $250 New--Ken Sweet
Sweet Farm Equipment Co.
http://www.sweettractors.com

Anonymous Poster · Feb 2, 2003

( Hi Bill--We occasionally use a 3 point round hay bale fork to do jobs similar to what you are describing--The lift capacity is usually around 2000 lb and the prices usually run under $250 New--Ken Sweet )

You can see one here

Bill in Pgh, PA

Anonymous Poster · Feb 8, 2003

I found this at a farm auction. Mostly Orchard equment. now I have the best of both worlds(front or back).

rationalizer · Feb 8, 2003

Do you know who manufactured those forks?

Bill

Anonymous Poster · Feb 10, 2003

Rear's Manufacturing
2140 Prairie Rd EUGENE, OR 97402-9738

(541) 688-1002
Contact: Mike Rear
I have no idea what they cost new about $75 to $100 at action