Using Pallet Forks

[Doofy]

Received my new 48" Erskine Quick Attach Pallet Forks and find myself needing information. Tractor is an XR3135HC and the problem with having a cab is limited visibility for certain tasks.

How can you tell when the forks are level when you can't see them? The loader buckets level indicator rod doesn't work for this but can possibly be modified.

Is there any type of level indicator that can be bolted to the forks frame that would be visible from the seat?

Any thoughts or ideas? Thanks.

 

[deserteagle71]

Only answer I can give you is "experience".

I've used a forklift for most of my life, and now I have pallet forks for my Kubota. The forks weren't visible on the forklifts and I sure as heck can't see them on the Kubota. A couple days ago I was using the Kubota with forks and must have gotten out of the cab 4 times to see where the forks were in relation to the pallet. With the forklifts, using one several hours a day I could generally tell where the forks were just by the position of the mast and the cylinders. I suppose if I were to use the Kubota with forks that many hours a day I'd get better at it!

Some have mentioned mounting a camera where it could see the forks but I don't know if I want to go that far. Just don't use the forks that much.

 

[Doofy]

I've thought of a remote camera (magnetic mount) but not practical at the moment. There has to be some type of remote or Bluetooth enabled level out there, just for this situation. My biggest problem is just getting them level, front to back.

 

[dragoneggs]

Not much help here either. I'm constantly standing up to get better view on my load. I'm not even sure a camera would be all that great unless it was mounted and could view a level mounted on the fork frame somewhere that wouldn't get smashed. Would be cool if there was an affordable aftermarket mod though. You got me thinking!

 

[Doofy]

The concept should be so simple. If I hang out the door where I can see a fork, I can't reach the control lever. Perplexing.

 

[bcp]

If you are really working mostly on level ground, you might use one of the large RV levels mounted on a flat spot on top of the bucket, at an angle so you can see it, or add a mirror.

I haven't done it since I can see my fork tips, and my ground is seldom level.

Camco AccuLevel Trailer Bubble Level Camco Tools CAM25563

Level | etrailer.com

Bruce

 

[Doofy]

I was thinking of those RV levels and could possibly see it if at a bit of an angle. Good idea.

 

[curtthegreat]

I leveled my forks at ground level, then marked the leveling rod with a sharpie at that point. Not perfect, but it gives you an idea where level is at that point.

 

[CobyRupert]

Get longer forks.

Sharpie on level rod seems like a good idea.
A little rod zip-tied to top of fork frame, parallel with forks would indicate forks angle. With practice, just looking at the top of the fork frame one can get a sense of fork's angle.

 

[RSR]

I've had this same question, but haven't gotten annoyed enough with it to take the time to implement a solution yet. My ideas so far have been (1) a large bubble level placed on the top of the frame of the pallet forks (this may be the same as the RV level some have suggested - I am not familiar with those), or (2) painting, or marking, a stripe of color on the bucket level indicator that corresponds to the pallet forks, as has also been suggested.

I'm interested to see what you decide on, and how it works.