Using Pallet Forks

[Doofy]

Received my new 48" Erskine Quick Attach Pallet Forks and find myself needing information. Tractor is an XR3135HC and the problem with having a cab is limited visibility for certain tasks.

How can you tell when the forks are level when you can't see them? The loader buckets level indicator rod doesn't work for this but can possibly be modified.

Is there any type of level indicator that can be bolted to the forks frame that would be visible from the seat?

Any thoughts or ideas? Thanks.

 

[deserteagle71]

Only answer I can give you is "experience".

I've used a forklift for most of my life, and now I have pallet forks for my Kubota. The forks weren't visible on the forklifts and I sure as heck can't see them on the Kubota. A couple days ago I was using the Kubota with forks and must have gotten out of the cab 4 times to see where the forks were in relation to the pallet. With the forklifts, using one several hours a day I could generally tell where the forks were just by the position of the mast and the cylinders. I suppose if I were to use the Kubota with forks that many hours a day I'd get better at it!

Some have mentioned mounting a camera where it could see the forks but I don't know if I want to go that far. Just don't use the forks that much.

 

[Doofy]

I've thought of a remote camera (magnetic mount) but not practical at the moment. There has to be some type of remote or Bluetooth enabled level out there, just for this situation. My biggest problem is just getting them level, front to back.

 

[dragoneggs]

Not much help here either. I'm constantly standing up to get better view on my load. I'm not even sure a camera would be all that great unless it was mounted and could view a level mounted on the fork frame somewhere that wouldn't get smashed. Would be cool if there was an affordable aftermarket mod though. You got me thinking!

 

[Doofy]

The concept should be so simple. If I hang out the door where I can see a fork, I can't reach the control lever. Perplexing.

 

[bcp]

If you are really working mostly on level ground, you might use one of the large RV levels mounted on a flat spot on top of the bucket, at an angle so you can see it, or add a mirror.

I haven't done it since I can see my fork tips, and my ground is seldom level.

Camco AccuLevel Trailer Bubble Level Camco Tools CAM25563

Level | etrailer.com

Bruce

 

[Doofy]

I was thinking of those RV levels and could possibly see it if at a bit of an angle. Good idea.

 

[curtthegreat]

I leveled my forks at ground level, then marked the leveling rod with a sharpie at that point. Not perfect, but it gives you an idea where level is at that point.

 

[CobyRupert]

Get longer forks.

Sharpie on level rod seems like a good idea.
A little rod zip-tied to top of fork frame, parallel with forks would indicate forks angle. With practice, just looking at the top of the fork frame one can get a sense of fork's angle.

 

[RSR]

I've had this same question, but haven't gotten annoyed enough with it to take the time to implement a solution yet. My ideas so far have been (1) a large bubble level placed on the top of the frame of the pallet forks (this may be the same as the RV level some have suggested - I am not familiar with those), or (2) painting, or marking, a stripe of color on the bucket level indicator that corresponds to the pallet forks, as has also been suggested.

I'm interested to see what you decide on, and how it works.

 

[Avenger]

For the different implements I have on my FEL I have marked the level on the level rod. Here is how I did mine:

Hook up to new thing on FEL
Set it down on the ground level.
Use a sharpie to mark the rod at the top of the tube
Remove the rod
Use a dremel tool to grind out a small amount of metal on the sharpie mark, all the way around making a slight groove
Use different colored fingernail polish and top coat to paint the groove. Color match to implement (red for the red tine bucket, black for bucket, silver for crain, etc)
Wipe off excess to only show the different color rings.
Reinstall rod.

The groove helps to keep the color there, and I can see the 'silver' one easily enough. The top coat just protects the color, making it last a bit longer.

I dont have pallet forks. But my crane with a trailer ball on it is extremely difficult to see. Seeing it level is easy with the rod, knowing where the ball is, is another issue all together. Putting an extension on helps, but I still need to 'stand' in the cab to see the darn thing down low.

I hope this helps.

 

[PCABE5]

How is the LS rod, is it just straight?

My John Deere and now New Holland both have notched level rod's. So it's level whether it is a bucket or my pallet forks.

 

[Doofy]

I leveled my forks at ground level, then marked the leveling rod with a sharpie at that point. Not perfect, but it gives you an idea where level is at that point.

My leveling rod has already disappeared into the tube before the forks are level. I would need to install a longer rod.

 

[Doofy]

I could also cut a notch in the leveling rod tube and paint the rod in the proper spot.

Ahoy! Problem Solved! I just put the tractor in the garage where the floor is level and Lo and Behold, I have 2" of level rod showing. I do think I will notch around the rod and paint the notch a bright color. I can also do the same when I put the grapple on again this summer.

Thanks Guys

 

[Avenger]

My leveling rod has already disappeared into the tube before the forks are level. I would need to install a longer rod.

Do you have a welder? You could add an 'extension' to the rod pretty easily. Make it flush with the tube.
Just grind both rods to a blunt point, like two sharpened pencils touching graphite. Fill it in evenly, grind off excess to make it round. It's such a small rod, without any load... Just a thought.

 

[Doofy]

Problem Solved. Thanks

 

[shooterdon]

I got a cheap back up camera and use magnets at the appropriate spots on my implements

Use it for pallet forks, tree/post puller, grapple, and for hooking Up SSQA. Cost was $75. Leave enough slack at the connectors.

 

[Doofy]

That sounds like a reasonably priced solution also.

 

[3Lfarms]

I have 60” long pallet forks. I am so glad I didn’t get shorter ones. As long as they are, I can just see the tips at ground level for picking up pallets.
I know most CUTS can’t pull off 60” 5k lb capacity forks, but some slip on extensions should make them long enough to see over the hood.

 

[papachaz]

I've thought of a remote camera (magnetic mount) but not practical at the moment. There has to be some type of remote or Bluetooth enabled level out there, just for this situation. My biggest problem is just getting them level, front to back.

a few years ago, my wife bought me a wireless back up camera that hooks on the license plate of my truck. I wired it to a switch I can turn on and off when I want to, so it doesn't go off when I go into park. This year, I bought a second one, and put it on the back of my camper, and can switch the monitor between the two. I usually leave it on the camper, so I can keep up with traffic behind me.

it's a Peak brand, and if you do ebay, they're not expensive at all. I'm sure you could figure a way to mount it to a magnet or even some type of permanent mount on the forks. I don't have a cab on my tractor, so don't have near the trouble using the forks