Forks length - 42 vs 48

[eolesen]

About to order some Express Steel forks for using with my Kubota 4701, and debating 42" vs 48" forks.

It will be moving the occasional pallet and logs for the most part. I've borrowed a set of 30 inch fixed forks, goot for logs but hasn't worked out well with heavier pallets where both side rails needed support.

Any good argument for the 48's?

 

[woody]

I can remember wishing for longer but I never wished for shorter. Forks I say Forks

 

[thclimer]

You will be able to see the tips of the 48" much easier than 42" forks, especially if your tractors hood is high or long blocking your view.

 

[nyone]

A standard pallet is 40x48. Unless your just going to pickup pallets from the side get the 48in.

 

[Fuddyduddy1952]

It's a no-brainer!

 

[KCTractors]

About to order some Express Steel forks for using with my Kubota 4701, and debating 42" vs 48" forks.

It will be moving the occasional pallet and logs for the most part. I've borrowed a set of 30 inch fixed forks, goot for logs but hasn't worked out well with heavier pallets where both side rails needed support.

Any good argument for the 48's?

I had 42" then went with 48". Can see the fork tips a lot better!

 

[flyerdan]

I think the only advantage of shorter forks are if you're loading trailers and don't want to punch holes in the nose with shorter pallets. Also if you have pallet racking right up against a building, same reason.

 

[Midniteoyl]

About to order some Express Steel forks for using with my Kubota 4701, and debating 42" vs 48" forks.

It will be moving the occasional pallet and logs for the most part. I've borrowed a set of 30 inch fixed forks, goot for logs but hasn't worked out well with heavier pallets where both side rails needed support.

Any good argument for the 48's?

Get the 48".. My tractor came with 42" and they are *just* short enough that I can't see the tips w/o leaving the seat.

 

[oldtimer 66]

48" and paint the tips.

 

[ning]

I got 48's.

I occasionally need to be careful placing totes since I fork them from the wide side so when I put them in the tote shed by my house I have to drop them a little early, pull back a bit then move the tote the final few inches - minor hassle, but also consider that for that final maneuvering you have the load farther out so effectively increased load (and, longer forks weigh slightly more than shorter forks)

However, the majority of my forking is logs, brush, or whatever, and I'm glad for the extra length.

Do consider that the tips swing really wide when you turn, and the longer the forks the wider the swing.

Get what you think is best and you can always buy a shorter or longer set of forks to go in the same carriage... though they probably are cheaper as part of the carriage/fork package deal.

 

[WM75Guy]

Definitely go with 48" forks as others have said. Rarely are pallets loaded from the side in commercial trucks or at places like TSC. I have 48" and at times wish for 60". When loading multiple pallets in the dump trailer I push them towards the front to get weight distribution correct. The extra 12" would eliminate having to use a pallet puller and chain to get the front one to the back close enough to reach it with forks and drag it back.

 

[eolesen]

Thanks.... 48's ordered... $30 difference on an $815 with tax order.

Sounds worth it based on almost all of the replies. And then there's @Fuddyduddy1952 who almost made the argument against it...

ExpressSteel has a 15% off special running until midnight 02Feb (today), if anyone is looking for an impulse buy.

 

[yanmars]

Late on my part but the 48s.

 

[Fuddyduddy1952]

Thanks.... 48's ordered... $30 difference on an $815 with tax order.

Sounds worth it based on almost all of the replies. And then there's @Fuddyduddy1952 who almost made the argument against it...

ExpressSteel has a 15% off special running until midnight 02Feb (today), if anyone is looking for an impulse buy.

Not against but FOR the 48s!
My 48" forks I ordered from Express Steel are fantastic, very well built (like the lady).