Using pallet forks as a makeshift lift for implements/small autonomous units.

TGF · Sep 20, 2010

So I purchased some pallet forks from EverythingAttachments.com and they have been probably one of the more useful purchases. I have used them for just about everything other than lifting a pallet. I was working on my ZTR yesterday changing the oil, and I used a 3.5 ton jack on the front frame to tip it back a bit to just drain out a tiny bit more oil and the idea occurred to me to build a pallet with ramps that I could pull the ZTR up on the center of the pallet would be mostly open and the forks would be underneath the wheels. Then I could lift the 700 pound ztr up and clean and inspect the deck at standing height.

I have done this once already with my brush hog. I slid the forks under the deck and lifted it up to unwrap some barbed wire that I had hit with it and got wrapped around the blade assembly. The forks are rated to lift about 1000 pounds so I don't think any of my attachments are going to cause an issue.

gwdixon · Sep 20, 2010

Yup, they are useful.

Reg · Sep 20, 2010

TGF said:
So I purchased some pallet forks from EverythingAttachments.com and they have been probably one of the more useful purchases. I have used them for just about everything other than lifting a pallet. I was working on my ZTR yesterday changing the oil, and I used a 3.5 ton jack on the front frame to tip it back a bit to just drain out a tiny bit more oil and the idea occurred to me to build a pallet with ramps that I could pull the ZTR up on the center of the pallet would be mostly open and the forks would be underneath the wheels. Then I could lift the 700 pound ztr up and clean and inspect the deck at standing height.

I have done this once already with my brush hog. I slid the forks under the deck and lifted it up to unwrap some barbed wire that I had hit with it and got wrapped around the blade assembly. The forks are rated to lift about 1000 pounds so I don't think any of my attachments are going to cause an issue.

I think it would be a VERY BAD idea to use a loader and pallet forks as a service lift to get under a mower, or anything else you have on there.

All the basic reasons for not getting under a FEL apply.
PLUS working with wrenches involves applying torque to bolts, as a whole assembly you would be applying horizontal forces to whatever equipment you have up there.

Not what you wanted to hear; BAD, VERY, VERY BAD IDEA )-:

beppington · Sep 20, 2010

Reg said:
Not what you wanted to hear; BAD, VERY, VERY BAD IDEA )-:

If he lifts the mower, then puts a support or two underneath (2x4's or 4x4's) & straps the mower onto the forks so it can't slide, I see no problem.

TGF · Sep 20, 2010

I am planing on building a special pallet that would hold the mower in place. You recommend proping it up with posts to support the weight so its no all just resting on the fel. I don't see how this is any less safe than jack stands

jcims · Sep 20, 2010

I think the basic idea is that you don't want to bet your life on the integrity of the hydraulic system. If something were to give, a pump, valve, fitting, hose, cylinder, seal, etc, the whole thing could come down on top of anyone underneath or within tumbling distance of the raised part. It's possible that what we're picturing and what you're describing are two different things, but I'd have to agree that it has a potential to be dangerous.

What happens if you kill the tractor engine and rattle the loader controls in all directions? Would it go to the ground or is there something to catch it before it makes you shorter?

TGF · Sep 20, 2010

If I move the loader controls while its off it drops at a reasonable clip. Part of the reason I posted was to get some idea's on if it was safe, and if not how I could make it safe, as it is very convinent. The pallet I have drawen up with hold the mower on it during maintainence it seems what I have not planed for is how to keep the weight up if the hydrolics fail. I am thinking maybe I would build some 4x4 post holders on the bottom of the pallet and effectively put legs on it once it is up in the air. Then lower the loader so its resting on the legs.

jcims · Sep 20, 2010

TGF said:
If I move the loader controls while its off it drops at a reasonable clip. Part of the reason I posted was to get some idea's on if it was safe, and if not how I could make it safe, as it is very convinent. The pallet I have drawen up with hold the mower on it during maintainence it seems what I have not planed for is how to keep the weight up if the hydrolics fail. I am thinking maybe I would build some 4x4 post holders on the bottom of the pallet and effectively put legs on it once it is up in the air. Then lower the loader so its resting on the legs.

If you lose hydraulic pressure, the curl cylinders will let go as well, so you'll have to account for both degrees of freedom.

I'm out of my element, but I think the safest way to do this would be to build a heavy (extra heavy) stationary frame that will hold the equipment (with the help of straps/chains) at the desired angle, and just use the FEL/forks to load and unload it. That way there is not even an implication that the hydraulics play a supporting role (lol). Either that or slap the toothbar on your bucket and dig a pit.