Pallet fork overall width

[mcfarmall]

I am adding fork pockets on a small genset skid that I'm building. I don't have a SSQA pallet fork attachment YET so I want to install the pockets to fit any set of factory built forks that I might be inclined to buy in the future.

The dimension I seek is the overall width outside to outside of the forks when they are set at their widest point. I'm not going to measure a pallet because pallet widths are all over the map, and with my luck I'd measure an oddball.

My plan is to get a variety of responses and then weld my pockets in place so as to accommodate the majority of the responses. Please limit your response to factory-built SSQA pallet forks that would be used on a typical 30-50 hp SCUT/CUT.

 

[Tags]

Most pallet forks will spread out to about 4' on center, but they do make "wide frame" forks too which go out to about 5' on center. I personally would think that if you set the fork pockets any where between 42" and 36" you would be safe.

 

[3Lfarms]

Looking at the palletforks.com site, their non-adjustable width pallet forks use 4” wide forks at 24.75” on center.
Adjustable fork models can vary from 6” to 44” on center.

The fork pocket spacing on your project will need to be determined by the size and weight. If it will weight less than 1000 lbs and will be less than 60” wide with the center of gravity (COG) in the middle, then the 24.75” spacing should be fine and you should be able to move it with any possible set of forks you happen to purchase.

If your genset will be larger than that, or has a COG off to one side, then space them out as wide as needed to keep the COG as close to centered as you can, but don’t go wider than 44” on center.

 

[TnAndy]

Just measured mine, for what it's worth.

Factory built late 90's, name long gone from sticker.

44 1/2" max left outside of fork to right outside of fork. Forks themselves are 4" wide.

 

[skipperbrown]

Just something to think about: When I have my forks set wide it is very difficult to see where the tips are from my operating position. When they are inside the loader frame, I can see them sitting down. Huge difference in the ability to slide the forks in and out of pockets.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I put fork pockets on all kinds of stuff. Even my hot tub.

I make them just a bit narrower than the widest position for some margin of error. BUT, now that I think about it. I have hydraulically adjustable forks, and if I made them the maximum distance, I could just spread them out all the way and know I am good. Same would apply even moreimportantly to manually adjustable forks.

 

[mcfarmall]

Thanks for the replies, fellers. I will plan on spacing the pockets so the forks will measure 40" to the outside and that should have me covered for any pallet fork attachment that I will buy.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I never noticed, but in the background, there is another thing with fork pockets. A dolley to hold my 3ph ditch bank mower. The pockets were just pieces of angle and whatnot, but pockets should always be a tube for best safety.

 

[mcfarmall]

My pockets are actually re-purposed fork extensions. Basically a long piece of channel. I cut them to length and will be welding them onto the bottom of the skid "upside down" so as to create a tube like structure so that my genset won't bounce off the forks if I encounter rough terrain. I'm bolting casters on the underside of the pockets so I can roll the unit around on the floor, then spear it with the forks through the pockets to load it on a trailer or whatever.

 

[TnAndy]

I built a frame out of 2" angle for my Miller Bobcat welder to sit in, with casters on the bottom so I can roll it around in the shop, or pick up it up with tractor forks. I've been over some extremely rough ground with it and never did it ever come close to coming off.....so pockets nay well be overkill.

Using the welder to build a tower at the top of my property.