Forks?

[DMF]

A little help/suggestions please: I noticed a bunch of people have fabricated their own forks to work on their FEL. I have a chance to get an old pallet jack with approximately 4’ long forks on it. What does everyone think about using these as a start? I’m thinking that I’d like to make my fork set so it replaces the bucket, not clamp to it. From what I’ve read, it seams like you end up with better viewing by doing it this way; suggestions?
My main use for this BTW will be to lift palletized boxes of pumpkins. We’ve done “pick your own” in the past, but I’ve had some offers to sell wholesale which appeals to us in many ways. My thought is to build some boxes on pallets, load them up in the field and lift them onto my truck and or trailer to deliver them. Less handling that way for us…

 

[chickenman]

i think that would be a bad idea to use the pallet jack

i built my own fork outfit and used regular forks that i picked up for $75

and another $125 for steal, but my setup is way over board for what you need

i plan on adapting my frame for other uses though

 

[DMF]

Why do you think it's a bad idea? They aren't strong enough?

 

[chickenman]

most i have seen are not made of solid steel as they lift from both ends and dont have to be as strong as forks that are attached only at one end

 

[DMF]

Oh, I see what you're saying. I've seen a bunch of guys have used C-channel so I thought this might be as good and/or better.
Maybe I'll just keep lookingh for a dead fork truck?

 

[pekabu]

I picked up a set of forks in Manchester NH from a fork lift dealer. They must have had 30 or so pairs to pick from. Check the yellow pages.

 

[cleatus]

The c chanel would be stronger than the pallet jacks forks, as they are designed of thinner metal because of wheels on each end.