Best width for pallet forks ?

[Arky217]

If you were going to build bucket forks for your non QA bucket; AND your were going to build them in a manner that the width was not adjustable, what would be the maximum outside to outside dimension so that most pallets would fit ( I don't know if there is a standard for pallet construction, but even so, I doubt that pallets are all built to the same dimensions ).

Thanks,
Arky

 

[pat32rf]

My forks are made from HD truck axles, about 1 1/2" round stock. They are adjustable but one setting fits 95% of my skids. For my use, I wouldn't do without a way to adjust them...One of the narrow settings lets me throw on a set of 2" pipe extensions and pick up a ski-doo from the rear, one on each side of the track. Another wide setting with the same extensions lets me pick up my aluminium boat from the rear. Pull off the extensions and I pick up and load my firewood logs. Flat forks would just be too limiting

 

[CurlyDave]

I agree, adjustable is the way to go. Now if you want to do the least possible work, one one fork has to be adjustable, but the load will frequently be off-center if you do that.

 

[rockinmywaypa]

another good reason to make them adjustable is this, I actually used them to dig a hole into frozen (top) ground by sliding them together. Worked slick as anything to get er done. Just pointed them into the dirt, lifted the weight of the tractor onto them and then rolled them up out of the ground.

 

[Arky217]

All good suggestions, only thing is, they don't address the question.

Thanks,
Arky

 

[Runner]

I'd say that a maximum out to out dimension of about 30 inches would fit most of the pallets in my stack.

 

[CurlyDave]

All good suggestions, only thing is, they don't address the question.

Thanks,
Arky

If I was absolutely dead-set on fixed spacing forks, I would go look at a pallet jack, like this one, - Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices and measure the spacing of the forks on it.

Can't go too far wrong there.

I have one, but it is in OR and I am in CA.

If you have a Harbor Freight nearby they would have one on display, any of the big box stores would have one that they use, or rental yards frequently have them.

 

[FallbrookFarmer]

If you were going to build bucket forks for your non QA bucket; AND your were going to build them in a manner that the width was not adjustable, what would be the maximum outside to outside dimension so that most pallets would fit ( I don't know if there is a standard for pallet construction, but even so, I doubt that pallets are all built to the same dimensions ).

Thanks,
Arky[/QUOTE

My pallet jack is : 27 inches outside edge of forks
14.5 inches inside edge to inside edge
6.25 inches, each fork
Hope it's helpful

 

[RickB]

All good suggestions, only thing is, they don't address the question.

Thanks,
Arky

I would not build pallet forks of any kind that were not adjustable for width. Non-adjustable forks are not useful enough to bother building or buying IMHO.

Your mileage may vary.

 

[Bennet.man]

Arky,
I am in the same boat as you; not having a QA bucket and wanting to build some sort of forks setup. Can you please post pics and descriptions on your build when you get started? I am curious on how you do it. Thanks.