I recently purchased a L2501 tractor (my first tractor purchase), and now I'm looking to get some pallet forks. I like the lower weight and price of the PFL1242 forks. When I checked the load curve for the tractor, I see that the gross lift capacity at max height (94") and 500mm forward is 820 lb. That would imply that the PFL1242 (1200 lb capacity) forks is more than adequate at max height. However, upon examining the loader curves, I see that the max lift capacity of the LA525 Loader at 1 ft off the ground is ~1700 lb. That would imply that the PFL1242 forks may be too weak to take full advantage of my loader. Is anyone using the PFL1242 forks with an L series Kubota LA525 Loader? If so, have you encountered any issues like bent forks or a bent fork frame?
PFL1242 vs. PFL2042 for a Kubota L2501 Tractor
- Thread starter Lionfan79
- Start date
I haven’t had mine that long, but I have the PFL1242 forks. From what I’ve been able to determine from youtube videos, the max rating isn’t a true maximum and the forks will hold a bit more.
That being said, even the lighter weight forks weigh 220 lbs which would put you at 1480 maximum or 280 over the rated weight for the forks. If you go with a heavier model like PFL2042 that weighs 330 lbs. You are actually down to 1370 maximum, but of course under the fork rated maximum.
Losing 110 lbs of lift capacity at full height seems like a disadvantage. Also, it’s unlikely just getting something off the ground is going to help that often.
Have fun choosing.
That being said, even the lighter weight forks weigh 220 lbs which would put you at 1480 maximum or 280 over the rated weight for the forks. If you go with a heavier model like PFL2042 that weighs 330 lbs. You are actually down to 1370 maximum, but of course under the fork rated maximum.
Losing 110 lbs of lift capacity at full height seems like a disadvantage. Also, it’s unlikely just getting something off the ground is going to help that often.
Have fun choosing.
I have the 2042 forks for my LX2610. First of all, best purchase so far. I’m really happy with mine and use them for so many different things. I thought the same thing about the 1242, given my capacity, but was told to buy forks around double the lift the capacity. I’m not sure about all the reasons for that, but capacities are rated in so many different ways. I would rather have some wiggle room. As a side note, found some used pallet racks and now putting everything I can think of on pallets.
Thanks for the thoughtful responses on this topic. The interesting points seem to be that if you want to push the loader at high elevation, go with PFL1242. If you want max lift at lower elevations, go with PFL1242. In order to clarify this point, I decided to develop loader curves for both sets of forks which I present below. I developed the curves using the following assumtions:
- The weight of the forks and the load are at 500mm (~20") from the bucket pin.
- When the rated capacity of the forks is reached, the unit can not lift any more weight.
From this graph in appears that if you're under 4 ft, the PFL2042 would be preferred, but if your over 4 ft, the PFL1242 will give more capacity. Of course, I have no idea as to how much safety factor is built into Land Pride's capacity ratings.
- The weight of the forks and the load are at 500mm (~20") from the bucket pin.
- When the rated capacity of the forks is reached, the unit can not lift any more weight.
From this graph in appears that if you're under 4 ft, the PFL2042 would be preferred, but if your over 4 ft, the PFL1242 will give more capacity. Of course, I have no idea as to how much safety factor is built into Land Pride's capacity ratings.
cliffboyer
Active member
Equipment
L3301 w/LA525 loader, G5200 mower w/RC48 deck, Kawasaki 610 Mule, DR mower
I have same loader and the 2042 forks....more handy than pockets on a shirt. Will easily lift 900-1000lbs to trailer height (<24"). But you got to be mindful of where/how weight is distributed, keeping as much as possible toward the rear against the headache rack.
There are other means to lift heavier loads. Recently needed to lift one end of a large chunk of concrete, prolly 2500-3000lbs. Forks would not do it....but swapping over to a beefy root bucket and some chain, was able to lift enough to slip some 2x under it. My point is, the bucket was 200lbs less than forks....just enough to gain the extra oomph I needed.
There are other means to lift heavier loads. Recently needed to lift one end of a large chunk of concrete, prolly 2500-3000lbs. Forks would not do it....but swapping over to a beefy root bucket and some chain, was able to lift enough to slip some 2x under it. My point is, the bucket was 200lbs less than forks....just enough to gain the extra oomph I needed.
You should be fine with the 1242's. The loader rating is at 500mm or 19.68 inches. The pallet forks are rated at 24 inches from the front face of the frame. This is another 6-8 inches from the loader pin. By the time you figure that far away from the pin your capacity has dropped well into the range of the pallet forks.
I have the PFL1242s. Got them with the purchase of the tractor for a steal since the dealer screwed up my paperwork. I have been happy with them so far but haven't lifted too much yet. I did lift a pallet of flooring in my shop that was about 1300lbs just a few inches off the ground just long enough to pull it out from the wall to split it up. I didn't notice any flexing or creaking or anything like that. I am pretty confident you could lift more than 1200 lbs with these forks but I think the loader is going to limit you from lifting enough to cause any real damage.