SSQA pallet forks

[Paul Allwood]

Since making the FEL and SSQA mount I've been planning to make a set of SSQA pallet forks, but no rush....until I was going to need them to unload a pallet of a truck at home this afternoon. So a couple of days ago I got started on the frame, and picked up the steel for the forks yesterday afternoon.

Now all that's missing is a coat of paint.

The forks are 100 x 50 x 4 RHS, most of the frame is 40 x 40 x 4 RHS with some 50 x 5 flat, and the forks and frame combined weigh about 41 of (90 lb).

I tested them on a pallet of concrete pavers weighing about 270 kg. Still no ballast, but lifted a foot off the ground ok, and survived with me bouncing up and down on the far end of the pallet.

The forks still need a coat of paint, and I need to add a frame to stop the load from landing on the tractor.

Edit: Thanks @torch for sharing your design. You might recognise some off it here.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

With the top mount of the forks being round, you really need a round solid rod to distribute the load out better.
But, you probably will never be able to get enough weight on the forks to cause you any issues.

 

[Paul Allwood]

With the top mount of the forks being round, you really need a round solid rod to distribute the load out better.
But, you probably will never be able to get enough weight on the forks to cause you any issues.

I think you're probably right that round bar would be better, but I don't think I'll ever bend the piece of square tube that's in there. And I didn't have a piece of round bar long enough.

 

[Anvil HB]

Nice fab work...

 

[Paul Allwood]

Nice fab work...

Thanks

 

[Paul Allwood]

How did we ever used to do anything before ?

 

[Bee-Positive]

My grand kids stand in front of the microwave, hands on hips, foot tapping the floor, saying "come on...hurry up".

You can't really appreciate a set of forks unless you've had to load stuff without ramps or a lift. Nice work.

 

[Paul Allwood]

My grand kids stand in front of the microwave, hands on hips, foot tapping the floor, saying "come on...hurry up".

You can't really appreciate a set of forks unless you've had to load stuff without ramps or a lift. Nice work.

Absolutely. I think I'll wear them out before the bucket (that's still coming). But I do have the steel for the bucket now, so that's some progress.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

I agree that forks are a “game changer” for sure.

Now it’s ‘fun’ to unload the truck/trailer, or move things around.

BTW nice job on fabbing those up.

 

[Paul Allwood]

Thanks. Much easier than struggling to move stuff manually, and yes, it is fun.

Was just saying to my wife that I can't believe how much I've used the front loader and I still don't even have a bucket.

 

[torch]

Edit: Thanks @torch for sharing your design. You might recognise some off it here.

Yes, some of it looks very familiar! <lol> The design has served me well over the years and I'm glad to see it is of use to someone else. I would echo Wolfman's comments and replace the top bar with round though. Even heavy-wall pipe would bear against the round retainers better than square corners.

And yes, how did we manage without? Back when we were younger and stronger? As middle age slips away in the rear-view mirror we must become smarter instead. Forks are a force-multiplier. ;-)