How To Adjust Your Skid Steer Pallet Fork

One of the most common attachments for a skid steer loader is the pallet fork. It has a frame with two or more metal tines used for lifting and carrying pallets. People can use this attachment for transporting materials on a construction site or loading and unloading pallets from trucks.

But before you can start using a skid steer pallet fork attachment, you’ll need to know how to adjust it. Let’s go over the entire process.

Step 1: Attach the Pallet Fork

Attaching the pallet fork to the machine may vary slightly depending on the make and model of your equipment. Generally, this step involves sliding the attachment onto the lift arms and securing it with pins or latches.

Make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for specific guidance on attaching your pallet fork. You’ll want to check that it’s securely attached and properly aligned before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Space the Forks

To maintain balance and stability while lifting and transporting materials, you’ll need to adjust the spacing of the forks to accommodate the load. You can adjust the fork by spacing the pallet fork manually or hydraulically. The approach will depend on the type of skid steer you’re using.

If adjusting manually, locate the locking mechanism; it’s typically a spring-loaded pin or latch found at the base of the forks. Raise the latch lever or release the locking pin, then slide the forks along the frame rail to the desired position. You’ll want to space them out evenly so they can support the load properly.

Once positioned, reengage the locking mechanism by lowering the lever or allowing the pin to drop into the notch, which secures the forks in place. For easier sliding, some forks feature a powdered graphite surface or can benefit from a light coat of grease on the back.

If adjusting hydraulically, use the skid steer’s auxiliary hydraulics to modify the fork width directly from the operator’s seat. You can extend or retract the fork arms to fit various sizes of pallets.

Step 3: Adjust the Fork Angle and Height

Verify that the forks are at the correct work height and angled to keep the load level. Generally, the forks should be low enough to safely slide under the load without hitting anything, but not so low that they scrape the ground. Adjust the height using your skid steer’s controls. You may have to test this a few times and make adjustments based on the sizes and weights of different loads.

Once the forks are at the correct height, you’ll need to adjust their angle. This is important because it keeps the load stable and prevents it from tipping over. Forks that are angled too far forward can cause the load to tilt too much, while forks that are angled too far back can cause the front of the load to lift off the ground—neither of which is ideal.

The forks should be angled slightly backward so that they form a slight V shape when you view them from above. Use your skid steer’s controls to tilt them forward or backward until they're at the desired angle. Again, getting the angle just right may take a few tries, but once you do, you'll have a secure load that you can safely move to where it needs to go.

Safety Tips

A skid steer is a powerful machine that can lift and move heavy loads. Because of this, you should always exercise caution when working with one. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when adjusting a skid steer with a pallet fork attachment:

Adjust Only When Stationary

You should perform adjustments on the pallet fork attachment only when the skid steer is stationary and the engine is off. This will prevent any accidental movements or injuries.

Wear PPE

Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, steel-toed boots, and gloves. PPE minimizes injury risks when you’re working with heavy machinery. For example, steel-toed boots protect your feet from getting crushed by the skid steer or the pallet fork attachment, while gloves provide a better grip and protect your hands from sharp edges.

Maintain a Safe Distance

Keep a safe distance from people and objects while adjusting pallet forks to prevent accidental damage or injury. Otherwise, you could accidentally hit them with the forks or drop a load on them.

Follow Manufacturer Instructions

Because there are several makes and models of skid steers and pallet fork attachments, it’s important to always follow the specific manufacturer’s instructions for your equipment. Even if you have experience with a particular brand, the various iterations of its products may have different instructions for installing and using attachments. Attempting to adjust the pallet fork on a skid steer without guidance can result in issues with functionality or safety.

Consult a Professional

If you're uncertain about the proper adjustment for your skid steer's pallet fork, consult a professional for guidance so that your equipment works as efficiently and safely as possible. A professional can provide personalized instruction for your specific skid steer model and attachments so that you can install everything properly.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can safely and effectively prepare your skid steer’s pallet fork for operation.

Each type of skid steer and pallet fork has its own specific setup and maintenance steps, so it’s always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s manual for detailed instructions. But if you’re using a Stout Bucket skid steer pallet fork, the tips above should help you adjust it for the best performance. Still have questions or need a hand setting it up? Reach out! We’re always ready to help.