Thinking about pallet forks……

[nbryan]

I agree, once the powder coat has an opening, the metal is exposed and can rust. This happens with paint as well. Powder coat is worse since it traps moisture underneath the surrounding areas. I do have an old chair-lift seat that I powder coated and have had hanging from a pole on my dock with over 20 years of use now. Still looks new, so it really depends on the "use".

Depends first on the powder coat paint and application qualities. It seems it's too easy nowadays to advertise a paint job as "Powder Coat Tough" or something like that just because it's been powder-coated, it's something valuable or extra special. Well that's true ONLY if the job was performed properly with good materials.
Within one year with my new 5000gvw Load Trail 5x8 hydraulic-dumper trailer the powder coat was saying goodbye. And not even on wear areas. A poor quality PC job can cause more probs than it solves.

 

[Snowman7]

Wow, lots and lots of input. Thank you everyone!

 

[GeoHorn]

Using C-clamps to hold plywood to the forks makes a good work-platform.
(I tried to also upload a video of standing on the platform while welding but the file was too large for the forum.)

 

[Advil]

That's because the EA Compact tractor forks just went up in price when they changed the design. They've got a video on it.

EA hardox tine compact tractor fork kit

Apparently there are no small capacity forged forks available anywhere, they all come from China and are backordered to oblivion.

So they have just now started to make 3000lb capacity forks out of 3 layers of hardox. They're a few lbs lighter (pretty close to the same) compared to the the forged 2200lb forks and can carry more weight.

I'm on the waiting list for these forks along with a grapple. So I assume the forks will be this new type when they ship.

235lbs total including SSQA and frame. Sounds good for 3000lb capacity. I guess we will find out how they hold up.

 

[Goz63]

Using C-clamps to hold plywood to the forks makes a good work-platform.
(I tried to also upload a video of standing on the platform while welding but the file was too large for the forum.) View attachment 74277

Try this instead of standing on the forks.

 

[Lopez69]

I bought and use bolt on forks for my b26,I lifted the max 1200 lb no issues quite few times,.only issue is,where they bolt onto bucket they leave indentations in bucket..so safe to say they kinda bent the inside of loader..after quite long use lifting max…so word to the wise buy and use at your own peril …..good luck