Skid Steer Pallet Forks for Industrial Material Handling

How to Choose Skid Steer Pallet Forks

Choosing a forklift attachment for your skid steer comes down to three things: what your loader can safely lift, how big your loads are, and whether you already own fork tines. Go through these points before you order.

• Match capacity to your machine. A fork frame's rating tells you what the attachment can handle. It does not tell you what your skid steer can lift. Find the rated operating capacity in your loader's manual and choose a frame rated at or above it. Then keep every load within the lower of the two ratings.
• Measure your typical load. Tines should reach most of the way under a pallet so the load sits firmly against the fork guard. Shorter tines are easier to steer in tight aisles, trailers and crowded yards. Longer tines suit deep pallets, lumber bundles and bulky material.
• Decide between frame only and a complete set. If you already have sound Class 2 tines, a bare fork frame costs less. If you are starting from scratch, pair a frame with new tines in the length you need.
• Choose manual or hydraulic spacing. On manual frames, you slide the tines along the carriage bar and lock them in place by hand. Adjustable hydraulic pallet forks change tine spacing from the seat, which saves time if you switch between pallet sizes all day.
• Think about access and visibility. A walk-through frame has an open center, so you can climb in and out of the cab with the attachment mounted. A slim frame makes it easier to see the fork tips as you line up a pallet.

If you move pallets indoors all day, a dedicated forklift may suit the work better than a loader attachment. Our guide to material handling forklift requirements walks you through that decision.

Skid Steer Fork Frame Options Compared

This table summarizes the fork frames in this collection, using the specifications published for each model. Ratings apply to the attachment only, so check your loader's limits as well.

The Loflin hydraulic fork frame comes with 48", 60" or 72" forks, and you can also buy the hydraulic forks alone. You choose it for hydraulically adjustable tine spacing. Make sure your loader's auxiliary hydraulics work before you pick it.

Fork Tines, Steel and Build Quality

Every Loflin fork frame in this collection accepts standard Class 2 pallet forks, the common hook-mount size for skid steer fork attachments. Loflin heavy duty Class 2 fork tines are made from 1 3/8" solid forged alloy steel and come in 36", 42", 48", 60" and 72" lengths. Forged alloy steel is a common choice for tines because it resists bending under repeated heavy loads.

Other build details to compare:

• Fork guard: Loflin uses 1/4" plate steel for the guard, which helps keep loads from sliding back toward the machine and the operator.
• Carriage bar: a CNC-machined carriage bar with three lock positions lets you set tine spacing for narrow or wide pallets and stops the tines from drifting.
• Frame steel: Loflin frames use heavy-duty steel in a thin frame design. Star Industries frames are built from high strength steel.
• Finish: powder coating is an option on Loflin forks and tines. It holds up to rust and scrapes better than bare steel.
• Latching: Loflin frames take a Class 2 pin kit, sold separately, that latches the forks in place.

The Loflin hydraulic forks use solid forged alloy steel tines that are 1 3/8" thick and 4" wide. Lengths run from 36" to 72", and the standard tine length is 48".

Mounting and Compatibility

Loflin skid steer fork frames are built for standard skid steer quick attach systems, the universal-style coupler widely used on full-size skid steers and compact track loaders. Star Industries ITA-style frames are engineered to attach to specific skid steer models, so confirm your machine before you order. Also check that your coupler plate, levers and pins are in good shape. A worn quick attach can let any attachment shift under load.

For stand-on and compact machines, Loflin mini skid steer fork frames come with Mini Universal / Toro Dingo or Bobcat MT mounts and 36", 42" or 48" Class 2 forks. They are stocked with Toro Dingo and Bobcat MT50 mounts, additional custom mounts are available, and they are American-made. See the full range in our mini skid steer pallet forks collection. If you need forks for a different machine, browse excavator pallet forks.

Care, Inspection and Safe Use

Pallet forks are simple attachments, but they take hard use. These habits keep them working safely:

• Inspect tines regularly. Look for cracks at the heel, where the blade meets the shank. Also look for bent or twisted blades, tips at uneven heights and worn hooks. Take a damaged tine out of service instead of trying to straighten it.
• Check locks and pins. Before you lift, make sure each tine sits in a carriage bar lock position and the pin kit latches fully.
• Keep the carriage clean. Clear mud, ice and debris from the carriage bar so the tines slide and lock freely.
• Look after the hydraulics. On hydraulic forks, check hoses for wear and the cylinder for leaks. For the Loflin hydraulic fork frame we carry long and short cylinder hoses, an end cap, a seal kit and a 1 1/2" X 16" replacement cylinder.
• Protect the finish. Touch up scraped areas to slow rust, especially if you store the attachment outdoors.
• Operate carefully. Center the load, carry it low, go slowly on slopes and never let anyone stand under a raised load.

If you are looking at used skid steer pallet forks, use the same checklist. Check heel wear, straightness and hook condition first, and make sure the coupler plate sits flat. New Class 2 tines can put a sound used frame back to work.

Brands We Carry

Loflin Fabrication makes most of this range: standard, walk-through and heavy duty fork frames, a compact tractor frame, hydraulic adjustable forks, mini skid steer frames and heavy duty Class 2 fork tines sold separately. You can build a matched setup from one maker or replace worn tines without buying a whole new attachment.

Star Industries makes skid steer pallet forks with ITA-style frames: the 110EC-ITA economy frame and the 110WT-ITA heavy duty walk through frame. Each is available as a frame only or with 42" or 48" Class 2 forks.

Pallet forks are only one part of a working loader. Round out your setup with other skid steer attachments: buckets, bale spears for hay and grapples for brush and debris. We also carry material handling accessories.

Shipping and Returns

We ship within the USA only. Most orders need 1-2 business days for processing, and standard transit typically takes 1-5 business days after dispatch. All dates are estimates, and oversized or heavy equipment can take significantly longer. Shipping on some heavy items is quoted separately. If we send you a quote after purchase, you can accept it or cancel for a full refund before the item is dispatched.

• Tailgate delivery: unless we agree otherwise in writing, you unload the freight yourself. Have a forklift, loading dock or enough people ready. Your address must be accessible by a 53’ freight trailer.
• Inspect on arrival: check the shipment while the driver is still there. If you see damage, write "DAMAGED" on the Bill of Lading before you sign. Report concealed damage within 24 hours.
• Returns: we accept returns within 60 days from the delivery date for unused items in their original packaging. Email info@vovlift.com first to get a Return Authorization (RA) number. Returns sent without one are not accepted.
• Costs: you pay for return shipping. A 30% restocking fee applies to returns that pass inspection, and you are also charged the original shipping costs. Refunds take 5-15 business days to process.