Guide to Excavator Pallet Forks
Guides, Tips, & Knowledge Centre Catherine Jordan

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Guide to Excavator Pallet Forks


If you’re looking to increase the versatility of your excavator, pallet forks are a must-have excavator attachment. Designed to lift, move and transport heavy loads with ease, these attachments transform your excavator into a multifunctional machine, making material handling faster and more efficient. In this guide, we’ll explore what pallet forks are, their benefits, how to use them, and why Rhinox pallet forks stand out in the market.

Rhinox 5-9 Ton Excavator Pallet Forks transporting a pallet of materials

What are pallet forks for excavators?


Pallet forks are heavy-duty excavator attachments that let your excavator lift, carry and move palletized loads, construction materials and other items that would normally require a forklift or telehandler. The main benefit of using excavator pallet forks is the increased versatility they give your machine, allowing you to handle tasks across construction sites, farms and industrial jobs. They are ideal for transporting pallets, timber, concrete blocks, containers, steel beams, pipes and landscaping supplies. Excavator pallet fork attachments are especially useful on small, complex or boggy sites where a telehandler cannot fit or a forklift cannot operate. Your excavator can track across uneven, muddy ground and reach awkward areas with ease, such as bringing pallets of bricks around the foundations of a new build house.

Are pallet forks cost-effective compared to telehandlers or forklifts?


Excavator pallet forks are highly cost-effective alternative to renting or purchasing a telehandler or forklift, particularly for operators who already own an excavator. Instead of purchasing or renting separate lifting machinery, adding a pallet fork attachment means your excavator can handle the lifting tasks. This eliminates the expense of buying a telehandler or forklift and avoids any ongoing rental fees, making pallet forks a one-time investment that you fully own and can use whenever required.

In addition to being cheaper, excavator pallet forks enhance the versatility of your existing equipment. They are especially useful on smaller or uneven sites where maneuverability is important. While dedicated machines like telehandlers or forklifts may be more efficient for lifting at height, pallet forks provide a flexible, cost-saving solution for lifting tasks in complex areas without requiring additional operators or machinery. With their 360° rotation and superior maneuvrability across soft or uneven surfaces, excavator pallet forks provide a practical and cost-effective alternative to buying or renting a forklift or telehandler, without sacrificing functionality.

Are pallet forks universal?


No, excavator pallet forks are not universal, and not all pallet forks are interchangeable. While some can be used across a range of different excavators, many are designed to fit specific makes and models. Differences in carriage mounting systems, such as multi-pin pick-up or dedicated pick-up, and weight ratings can affect whether a pallet fork attachment will work correctly on your excavator. For example, Bobcat and John Deere attachments are not always interchangeable (especially if they have dedicated x-change or wedgelock pick-ups), so you should always verify that the pallet fork attachment is suitable for your excavator make and model before purchase to avoid hassle. If you're unsure if the attachment is compatible with your excavator, we recommend to get in touch with the manufacturer to check.

Excavator Pallet Forks - Floating Forks (Top) VS Fixed Forks (Bottom)

What is the difference between fixed and floating pallet forks?


The key difference between fixed and floating pallet forks comes down to how the tines are mounted to the carriage and how they move during use. Fixed forks are attached to the carriage in two places - at the top and bottom - so they stay in a set orientation, although they can still slide side-to-side along the frame. When the frame is tilted forward, the forks follow the same angle, which can make it harder to position them under pallets or uneven loads without the tines digging into the ground.

Floating forks are attached at a single pivot point on the top of the carriage, allowing them to rotate freely on a bar. They work with gravity to stay level with the ground as the attachment tilts, making it easier to slide under pallets, stillages or containers without spilling material. Floating forks provide greater flexibility for awkward or uneven loads, as the tines naturally adjust to the position of the load. Ultimately, the choice between fixed and floating forks depends on operator preference and the type of work being done, with floating forks generally considered easier to use for careful load handling.

How to use pallet forks?


To use pallet forks on your excavator, begin by checking that your machine can safely handle the load by confirming the Working Load Limit on the data plate attached to the carriage. If your pallet fork attachment has multiple pin sizes, select and fit the correct pins for your excavator, storing any unused ones in the rack at the back of the attachment. For forks with a dedicated pick-up, this step isn’t necessary. Mount the forks using either your quick hitch coupler or by direct mounting. If using a quick hitch, align the coupler with the fork hangers, connect and secure it before lifting. Adjust the forks to the correct spacing for your load and lock them in place with the fork screws on the top of the fork. When handling loads, position the forks carefully underneath, avoid driving them into the ground, and lift slowly with controlled movements. To detach, lower the forks to the ground, unlock the quick hitch or remove the pins and disconnect the forks safely. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for lifting capacities and maintenance.

Stand-out Features of Rhinox Excavator Pallet Forks


Rhinox Excavator Pallet Forks with Dedicated Hangers

Available Pallet Fork Sizes


Rhinox excavator pallet forks are available in a wide range of sizes to suit many of the most popular excavator models in the industry. We manufacture pallet forks to fit excavators from 4 to 25 tons, ensuring there’s a suitable option whether you operate a compact mini excavator or heavy-duty construction excavators. We also offer compatibility with dedicated hanger systems, including Bobcat X-Change, Kubota Quick Attach and Deere Wedgelock. Explore our full excavator pallet fork range.

Multi-Pin Pick-up & In-Built Pin Storage


One of the stand-out features of Rhinox 5 to 9 ton and 12 to 25 ton pallet forks are the multi-pin pick-up system. Each set of forks is supplied with interchangeable pins (see table below). This multi-pin design allows you to switch pin sizes, so the same attachment can be used across a range of different excavator models. The in-built pin storage also ensures that unused pins can be safely stored while the attachment is in use. The Rhinox 5 to 9 ton pallet forks are also supplied with a set of 55 mm dog bone pins to fit the Bobcat E55. All information about attachment weight and lifting capacities can be found in the table below.



Lifting Capacities & Pallet Fork Weight


The lifting capacity of pallet fork attachments depends on the size of the excavator they’re designed for. Rhinox pallet forks are LOLER-rated and come with clearly marked Working Load Limits (WLL) displayed on the data plate for safe operation. To give you peace of mind, every set of pallet forks purchased from Rhinox comes with a 6 month LOLER Certificate and a Certificate of Conformity, both valid from the date of dispatch. This certification means you can trust that your pallet forks are safe for lifting, quality compliant and ready to perform.

  • Rhinox 4 ton pallet forks have a lifting capacity (working load limit) of 1,100 lbs.
  • Rhinox 5 to 9 ton pallet forks have a lifting capacity (working load limit) of 2,755 lbs.
  • Rhinox 12 to 25 ton pallet forks have a lifting capacity (working load limit) of 5,511 lbs.
  • Rhinox dedicated pick-up pallet forks have a lifting capacity (working load limit) of 2,755 lbs.

Size Compatibility

Pin Sizes

Pallet Fork Weight

Working Load Limit
4 Ton Pallet Forks 38 mm or 40 mm 380 lbs 1,100 lbs
5 to 9 Ton Pallet Forks 45 mm, 50 mm & 60 mm 770 lbs 2,755 lbs
12 to 25 Ton Pallet Forks 65 mm & 80 mm 1,025 lbs 5,511 lbs
Dedicated Pick-Ups Pallet Forks N/A Pick-up type dependent 2,755 lbs

Rhinox Excavator Pallet Forks - Built-in Stand

Heavy-Duty, Reinforced Carriage


Rhinox excavator pallet forks are made from strong structural steel to withstand the demands of tough working environments. The main carriage features a heavy crash plate to add a layer of strength and protection to the bottom half of the carriage as the tines move during use. Rhinox pallet forks also feature a centre brace bar to support the natural bowing point of the tine bar. The tine bar buckling under heavy loads is a common challenge across the industry, so the Rhinox centre brace provides targeted support to help prevent this issue. For operator convenience, all essential details, such as attachment weight and lifting capacities, are clearly displayed on the product data plate attached to the carriage, making sure all your essential information is always available when you need it.

Built-in Stand


One of the challenges with excavator pallet forks is that the attachment weight is concentrated at the rear of the attachment, which often causes them to tip backward when detached from the excavator. To solve this issue, Rhinox pallet forks come with a built-in stand. This simple but effective feature prevents the attachment from rocking backward, keeping them upright and stable, which makes reattaching to your excavator quicker and easier.


Rhinox Excavator Pallet Forks - Floating Forks

Adjustable, Floating Forks


Each fork, or tine, on Rhinox pallet forks measures 47 inches long and 4 inches wide, and is constructed from HB400 hardened steel for superior wear resistance. A standout feature of Rhinox pallet forks is the floating fork design. The forks are connected to the carriage at a single pivot point, which allows them to move with gravity. This 'floating' motion ensures the tines stay level with the ground, making it much easier to slide them under pallets and reducing the risk of spilling or dropping loads. Rhinox pallet fork tines are also fully adjustable, meaning you can manually slide them left or right to change the spacing between tines. This flexibility allows you to adapt quickly to different pallet sizes and lifting requirements on your jobsite.

Maintenance of your Rhinox Pallet Forks


So, you may be wondering, "how do I maintain and care for my excavator pallet forks?". Fortunately, Rhinox pallet forks are designed to be low-maintenance so minimal maintenance is required, but a little care will go a long way in keeping them in top condition. To ensure smooth operation, we recommend that you keep the tine holes greased so the forks can slide easily along the bar when being adjusted. This isn't an essential task but it will help slow wear from friction over time. During use, always lower the forks to the ground gently to prevent unnecessary damage to the tines and carriage. It’s also good practice to regularly inspect the forks for signs of excessive wear, loose components or other damage, and address any issues promptly. By following these simple steps, you’ll extend the life of your pallet forks and keep them working safely and reliably.

Where can I purchase excavator pallet forks?


If you’re looking to buy excavator pallet forks, Rhinox makes the process straightforward. Our full range of pallet forks, suitable for 4 to 25 ton excavators and compatible with popular hanger systems are available directly through the Rhinox website. By purchasing Rhinox pallet forks, you not only get a high-quality, durable attachment but also benefit from free freight across the lower 48 states, a lifetime weld guarantee and a machine fitment guarantee for complete peace of mind. Plus, our helpful US-based sales and customer service team is on hand Monday to Friday to answer any questions you might have and ensure you find the best attachment for your excavator. Browse our full pallet fork range today to find the perfect fit for your excavator.