Think I'll Have Any Issues?

[SWMOMT240HE]

Looking at this to move small loads around the house. For a 240HE....Largest / Heaviest load would be round hay bails approx 800 lbs.

46-in Pallet Fork Attachment – Skid Steer Quick Tach

 

[Bluesteel]

The lack of width adjustment (side to side) on the forks is the first thing that jumps out to me. I personally wouldn't like not having more functionality. Of course that will also come with an added cost if purchasing a new quality set. The added cost would be worth it for the long haul.

 

[jeff9366]

You will not have a problem associated with load weight.

However, 46" fork length is cumbersome when picking up brush and tree limbs for transport.

You might be happier with 42" or 38" fork length.

Adjustable fork spread is useful too. Wide for heavy, compacted loads. Narrow for light brush loads.

I adjust fork spread width once or twice per day. My pallet forks are 38" in length.



Dedicated debris forks are usually 19" to 22" in length.

 

[shooterdon]

Fixed width would be a deal killer for me.

Mine are 42” long and would not want them longer

 

[workinonit]

What's the logic behind short forks?

 

[jeff9366]

What's the logic behind short forks?

It is difficult to position forks parallel to the ground when picking up debris loads.

Long forks tend to go underground and under tree roots. When you lift, the rear wheels may lift from the ground instead of the load.

The OP may or may not need 46" fork length for his hay.

 

[Frankenkubota]

You will not have a problem associated with load weight.

However, 46" fork length is cumbersome when picking up brush and tree limbs for transport.

You might be happier with 42" or 38" fork length.

Adjustable fork spread is useful too. Wide for heavy, compacted loads. Narrow for light brush loads.

I adjust fork spread width once or twice per day. My pallet forks are 38" in length.



Dedicated debris forks are usually 19" to 22" in length.

I agree re fork length and ability to adjust width.

I have the Skid Pro forks that adjust but seem to me to be too long. Buddy has plasma cutter.

The Skid Pro people are great, I also bought their 4 in 1. It’s Heavy and expensive.

On the 4 in 1 they point out they use high quality steel, not sure about forks.

I think the actual forks say made in China, I didn’t know that going in.

Ask for Skid Pro Joe, hes a golfer.

 

[mred2]

My son has this from titan

FRLD Frame with Optional Spears and Pallet Forks

he can use the spear for hay and take it out and put the forks on for pallets and brush.

 

[rodneyn]

I am finding ls 35-40 hp tractor with pallet forks 350 lbs will lift 1400 lbs total. At 1750 lbs you need ballast to lift in my case it痴 BH. Lifting above the hood 1300 lbs will not happen with 350 forks. 800 lbs will but without ballast not recommended. Keep in mind they call them compact tractors for a reason. Safety first assures another day on the tractor seat. I have had my moments of redemption some horrible but a lot good. Lost my grandfather on 450 IH tri cycle front end with trip bucket loader. Large rock shifted and tractor rolled ending his life before roll bars were in existence. Be safe by being smart with front end loaders.

 

[SWMOMT240HE]

Thanks for all the comments / issues pointed out. Much of what I also had thought about...which is why, as a temporary (since I could sell them later), I was thinking of just getting the heavy duty clamp on's for now. All I need it mainly for at this point is the hay, but thought of other extra benefits. At some point, I'll have to pony up and spend the $700-800 and get the good pallet forks.

 

[SeidelRanch]

So, to start I bought that exact same pallet fork. It was OK for the price and held together well, but in the end I sold it.

I could tell that my tractor one day was going to tear it apart and I would not even think of putting it on my skid steer.

What I did buy was this: HD Pallet Fork Hay Bale Spear Skid Steer Quick tach Tractor 48" Blades

It is super strong and I use it on both my tractor and my skid steer. Its easy to convert from forks to hay spear and the backing keeps things from falling on your tractor.

I also have a pair of clamp-ons and rarely use them.

 

[MaineGuy1]

If you are lifting pallets, ATV's or many other things I wouldn't go shorter than 46" Sometimes I wish I had 48" or even more.