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Pallet forks, which length?

1599 Views 39 Replies 34 Participants Last post by  mo1, 
G
Has anyone that gotten 42" pallet forks wished they would have went with the 48" ones instead? How easily can you unload a pallet from a truck bed with the 42" forks?
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MarkEagleUSA
Even 48" forks won't help with a pallet at the front of an 8' bed.

Use a pallet puller.

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Gizmo2
I've had 42" tines since 2008 not once have I thought I needed 48" tines and I use the forks a lot.
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gsuders86 said:
Has anyone that gotten 42" pallet forks wished they would have went with the 48" ones instead? How easily can you unload a pallet from a truck bed with the 42" forks?
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I have a Deere 2-series (2520). Never felt the need for longer tines. I've loaded and unoaded pallets in the back of the pickup numerous times without issue. I suppose if it was a heavy pallet of cement bags or shingles at the front of a long bed truck it might be challenging, but I've not had issues with what I've done.

I know that longer tines will hinder you when maneuvering in tight spaces.
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robwheeler
I'm happy with my 42" forks

rob
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sjjd
For manoeuvrability, the shorter the better. I went with 42, compromise between length and manoeuvrability.

When I have a pallet that is too far to pick up, I remove the tailgate and I’m good. Mind you I have a short bed.
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trav
I have 36" and now that I have a bigger tractor I wish I had 42". It is more maneuverable with the shorter forks though.
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D
I've never wished for more than my 42" forks... but if I did I'd just buy extensions. Glad I didn't go shorter though!
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H
that nice
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Firewood Bandit
Probably more important is getting forks that proportionate to the lifting capacity of your machine. Getting heavy duty ones that weigh a lot just reduce the lifting capacity on a smaller machine.
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Kennyd
If I had a 4-series I 'may' want 48", but with a 3-series and anything smaller 42's are perfect.
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VinMar
42" seems to be the sweet spot for most people. I have them and never felt I wanted smaller or bigger. Extensions are cheap better to have an average size fork in my opinion.
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Gizmo2
dixie460 said:
I've never wished for more than my 42" forks... but if I did I'd just buy extensions. Glad I didn't go shorter though!
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M
Most regular size 4 way pallets are 40"x48"

42" forks will only stick out a little bit when entering the cutouts of the 48" long sides of a regular pallet. 48" inch forks would stick out farther and possibly do damage to something parked next to the pallet.

The 42" forks are only 6" short of fully supporting a pallet when enter through the narrow end of a pallet. If the weight of the load is evenly spaced on the pallet there should be no issue with the forks not reaching the end of the pallet.

IMHO 42" forks are an ideal choice for use on regular sized 40" x 48" pallets.
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mark02tj
My tractor using 42" forks to pick up another tractor...
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ejb69
42” is probably the common length on fork lifts. Unless you have some specific need For longer forks. 42” works fine for standard pallets.
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hatsharpener
I have 42" forks. I have needed much larger on occasion to lift large objects (like a play house). In those instances, I have used 2x4s or 4x4s to extend the forks to support whatever I'm lifting. 48" forks would have still needed the additional bracing.
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jdmich
I have both 42” and 48”. Larger tractor of coarse has the 48” and I can see them better. 790 and my 3 point set are 42” so I think depends on size of tractor you have.
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blue87fj60
36” here.
No regrets. Only would have if tractor was capable of lifting anything heavy. Then would of went longer.

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blue87fj60
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