Fork extension question

[mcfarmall]

I think I'm going to Fab up some fork extensions for my pallet fork attachment. Thinking between 6 and 7 feet long, not planning on super heavy lifting, more for helping balance lighter, longer loads.

Tubing or channel? Post ideas and pictures please!

 

[Edke6bnl]

There are pre-made fork ext. Rectangular tube not outrages pricing

 

[mcfarmall]

There are pre-made fork ext. Rectangular tube not outrages pricing

I'm a make/builder by nature. I'm pretty hard to please with stuff made by others/store-bought. We have fork extensions at my employer but I think I can make a set =/> them.

 

[Captain13]

Heavy channel. I bought a set of extensions a few months ago at an auction but they were made with plate steel so they could be a tapered channel. The top and bottom plates were cut, then the tapered side plates were cut to taper. Then they were welded all the way to make the tapered channel. These are ten foot extensions thatI use on my Woods pallet forks to move a 8x8 chicken coop and 8x15 run. Work like a charm, nothing bent or broke.
I’ll take pics when I get home tomorrow and post for you.

 

[Edke6bnl]

I'm a make/builder by nature. I'm pretty hard to please with stuff made by others/store-bought. We have fork extensions at my employer but I think I can make a set =/> them.

Totally understand just today finished annular drilling over 200 5/8 holes in a 3/4in plate welding table.

 

[mikester]

2x6x0.100 tubing works fine and no additional fabrication needed. Makes good pallet bases too.

 

[Yooper]

Either way will work. What you will run into is the extensions sliding off when backing out. Think of some sort of strap or chain to prevent this and you will be happier with your forks

 

[Jasonized]

Mine are open channel extensions, with a bar welded across the back. Probably the most common type…. To put them on, lift up at an angle and slip them to the back. Setting them down flat moves the back bar up behind the bend in the actual forks, and keeps them from sliding off. Just make sure you have the right distance so they don’t bind.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

I had to move some 9by12 wooden sheds one day, rush job....super RUSH job...one of those HAD TO BE DONE, NOW jobs...
..grabbed 4, 2by6-12 feet long and screwed them together, then made 2nd fork extender.
They worked surprisingly very well and at the end of the job,took them all apart and back onto the shelf.

 

[Jasonized]

Yep! That’s the main reason I got the extenders…. I have a 4x8 bee house. I’d like to move it, but the standard forks are 42”…. Sigh. So, 60” extensions…

if I hadn’t found the extenders, 2x6 (or 8) were my next choice..