Pallet Forks----------WELDING

lenray · Mar 26, 2014

The pallet forks are shaped like an L---Mine are 42 in. on the long side and 22 inches on the short side.Is it possible to cut the 22 inch part off and over lap the 42 inch one about 10 inches and have just a straight one of about 54 inches???

Is that fork lift metal weldable???? I would like to bolt them into my heavy duty Ind. loader bucket to lift some slab wood bundles.

thanks

jon f mn · Mar 26, 2014

You should be able to weld that with 7018 on DC. I would cut the ends in a point so the weld doesn't go straight across. Also cut the edges so there is a good V to weld the sides.

lenray · Mar 26, 2014

Thanks Jon I am a 69 geezzzer and drive a sprinter van for a local co. here in Mi. EXPEDIATE----Had 4 trips to Calif. this year. Just a part time gig--been to 49 states. Always enjoy your stuff...........also have 8 tractors

colekicker · Mar 26, 2014

Maybe you should make some extensions? At the dealership I worked at we had some that were basically channel iron that slid over the forks on the forklift to extend the fork.

Hank ABAB · Mar 26, 2014

These forks would have been heat treated, so be careful about using them if you do weld them.

ramtuff · Mar 26, 2014

Last year I got real good scolding when I mentioned that subject.After that I was afraid to look over there where they was layin, afraid they would jump up and get me

redforlife · Mar 26, 2014

Maybe possible to weld. Your welding point is probly not going to have a rating that the fork has as it is. Meaning = its hard to say what your extensions would be capable of lifting. 22 inches can create alot of leverage on the point where they are welded. I have also seen extensions made out of channel iron. That seems more logical to me. Make them basically as long as you want. If you use your head making channel iron extensions, they can be added and still be removeable when not needed.

Brian Allen · Mar 26, 2014

Generally a no-no!
These forks are engineered to work as manufactured.
Welding should only be done by a certified welder and they must be re-certified before use!
Personally, I would try to buy a good used set that are suitable.
Check fork lift sales places, they might have some used ones for sale.
Brian

Frank 41 · Mar 26, 2014

Just get some channel about 60" and cut the center 6" out. Leave the sides and drill hole on both sides. Slip them over your old forks and put the bolt behind the bend in your old forks. It will not take a very large bolt-3/8, because your old forks are carrying about all of the weight. I used them pickung up pro boxes with 50 bags of beans-3000#+.

Dachshund · Mar 26, 2014

Jon f mn has the idea. Local sawmill has a set that was welded together. No problems, even picking up 4-5 14' logs at a time. BIL has a set that was flame cut lengthwise to be put on a smaller tractor. I would probably go with extentions in your case, though - WAY easier...

showcrop · Mar 26, 2014

I keep saying that I'm going to make extensions for mine. They sure don't give that steel away though. I would have a problem ruining a good set I think, even if I had an extra set.

Duner Wi · Mar 26, 2014

I made extensions out of rectangle tube.
I have a spare set of forks but will not cut them up. Good forks are not inexpensive.

jerrybigrig · Mar 26, 2014

Are your forks worn out??? Right where the fork bends is the heel...if it is thinner than the upright shorter part don't use them ...they WILL snap I don't have the ratings right in front of me but I,ll get them ....NEVER weld up the heels thinking your replacing metat ..you are removing the tensel strength from it which will cause it to fail when loaded

Anonymous-0 · Mar 27, 2014

NO, don't weld them!!! Like was suggested and used by many, make some channel iron extensions to fit over the existing forks. Take some channel that fits over the fork, weld a few plates about 4" long on the bottom to box it in and drill holes to put a pin across the back behind the bend in the existing forks. You only need to add 12". Probably lots of pictures of fork extensions on the net. OSHA really frowns on modifying forks in any way, including just putting a small hole in the fork for a pin to pull things backwards. DON'T ATTEMPT TO WELD FORKS TOGETHER! Forks are certified and modifying them voids the certification. I realize you just want them for your own use but DON'T attempt to weld them. Depending on the particular fork, they might be weldable but even then it would have to be done in a controlled environment done by a qualified welder using a very specific welding procedure. Along the same lines as never weld on steering or suspension components on a vehicle. Anybody telling you otherwise doesn't know what they're talking about. 7018 would NOT be the proper rod for welding forks even if they were weldable.

lenray · Mar 27, 2014

thanks fellas--will be looking for longer forks and or extensions. much app0reciated

Pallet Forks----------WELDING

lenray

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jon f mn

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lenray

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colekicker

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Hank ABAB

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ramtuff

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redforlife

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Brian Allen

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Frank 41

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Dachshund

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showcrop

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Duner Wi

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jerrybigrig

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Anonymous-0

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lenray

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