Tractor pallet forks 48" vs 60"

[schiker]

I've operated a hard wheeled factory/industrial forklift a time or 3. Never operated forks on a tractor. I am looking to buy a set. I will be using a utility medium - large frame 100HP tractor JD 5603 std FEL and a large compact JD 4720 with MSL loader. Both will be JD FEL hook/pin attach then a JD to SS adapter to SS forks.

Capacity are
Compact ~2000 lbs
Utility ~ 3000 lbs

So common choices are 48" tines or 60" forks. Only 12" more but do they shiver/shake at farther stickout inserting them into pallets?

I guess I'll be doing a bit of everything with them? Mostly unloading stuff from back of pickup or off a gooseneck trailer. Might make a carryall skid and would have to maneuver it in garage.

60" advantage could pick up pallet move back reposition forks to keep from poking stuff and gives a little move size capacity but don't know how many larger pallets I will unload.

I am probably not buying top of line forks probably 3000 lb economy ones. Will 60" just be springy at tip? For Economy is 48" better?

What are your opinions?

 

[Will L.]

I prefer 60”, but it’s easier to over do it and stab something you didn’t want to.
So just be aware of that. It’s far better when loading a pallet (or similar) into a pickup truck because you grab it at the end of the forks and can load past the tailgate without repositioning and less risk of hitting the tailgate.

 

[dbrannon79]

I agree with Will here. longer forks to also help reach across the side of a trailer too. only drawback on them is with tight spaces. Once you drive the tractor with the forks, after a while you get used to them and will know it's limits. it will drive completely different than a forklift with the front wheels steering rather than a forklift with rear steer. also unless the tractor is 4x4, the more weight, the less traction you will have unlike a forklift.

 

[Will L.]

I have to confess- onky used forks on a tractor two or three times.
But on a front end loaded- a ton, and on a forklift way more than I wanna remember.

 

[dbrannon79]

with a tractor of that size, I would even look into a rear fork mast attachment. I may be wrong, but isn't most of the weight on them in the front with the engine? if the rear attachment points will support it, building a hookup for a real forklift mast for the back would give you all the joys of a forklift!