Kubota Forklift and Pallet Fork Attachments

A Kubota forklift tends to be a skid steer loader or compact track loader that have dedicated attachments, normally pallet forks, that turn them into incredibly flexible and powerful forklifts.

The most common forklift attachments for a Kubota tractor or skid steer loader are pallet forks, especially the series made by Land Pride. Their series of models are currently PFL4548, PFL5548 and PFL 5560.

Kubota do not make a dedicated forklift as such, but a number of their engines are used by other manufacturers, such as Viper or Yale.

Kubota Forklift Attachment – Pallet Forks

The PF10 Model, has a lift capacity of 1000 Lbs rating ( 848-144C) and the PF20 Model has a lift capacity for 2000 Lbs ( 848 -143C).

It is important to check, as with any attachment, that these palllet forks are compatible with the specific tractor or skid steer loader that they are intending to be used with.

Pallet Fork Specifications

PFL 4548

• Weight – 187 kg
• Lift Capacity – 4500 lbs
• Frame Width – 1.17 m
• Frame Height – 1.02m
• Tine Thickness – 3.8 cm
• Tine Width – 10.2 cm
• Tine Length – 1.22 m

PFL 5548

• Weight 436 lbs
• Lift Capacity – 5500 lbs
• Frame Width – 1.17 m
• Frame Height – 1.02 m
• Tine Thickness – 4.4 cm
• Tine Width – 10.2 cm
• Tine Length – 48 in

PFL 5560

• Weight – 482 lbs
• Lift Capacity – 2495 lbs
• Frame Width – 1.17 m
• Frame Height – 1.02 m
• Tine Thickness –  4.4 cm
• Tine Width – 10.2 cm
• Tine Length – 1.52 m

Kubota Skid Steer Manual PDF

The operator and service manual for a Kubota Skid Steer is most easily accessed as a PDF document, and can be downloaded either from the main Kubota website, or from a number of other websites online, either as a free download or normally at a minimal cost

The manual is a crucial document in terms of advising both how to operate the skid steer in a safe and efficient way, and at the same time keeping its operating parts running smoothly and effectively as possible

The Kubota parts diagrams that are part of the manual are important in helping anyone to fit or repair a replacement part, either as part of a routine service, or because the part has become defective.

A Kubota Skid Steer PDF manual has a number of sections, which would normally cover the following areas of operation and servicing

• Safety operations
• Dealer service
• Technical data
• Description of machine parts
• Instrument panel and control elements
• Checks before starting – daily checks, checking devices
• Cabin type machines
• Air-conditioner
• Operation of the engine – starting the engine
• Starting with an auxiliary battery
• Stopping the engine
• Skid steer operation
• Running in of the new skid steer
• Starting
• Driving
• Turning
• Up and down, driving
• Parking on a slope
• Operation of the skid steer
• Two pattern selection system
• Operation of the boom
• Operation of the arm
• Operation of the bucket
• Unit swing and boom swing operation
• Auxillary port operation
• How to release pressure trapped in the hydraulic system
• Important information on skid steer operation
• Transporting the skid steer on a vehicle
• Lifting of the skid steer
• Skid steer maintenance – maintenance intervals
• Purging of the fuel system
• Adjustment of tracks
• Changing the bucket
• Fuses
• Operation under cold weather conditions
• Long storage
• Recommended oils
• Lifting capacity

Plate Mounted Pallet Fork Manual PDF

A Kubota Pallet Fork Manual PDF manual has a number of sections, which would normally cover the following areas of operation and servicing :

• Machine identification
• Model number
• Serial number
• Machine height
• Machine length
• Machine which
• Machine weight
• Delivery date
• First operation
• Accessories
• Dealer contact information
• Important safety information
• Assembly and setup
• Fork installation
• Step relocation
• Skid steer and tractor hook up
• Hook up to skid steer hitch plate
• Fork adjustment
• Operating checklist
• Operating safety
• Transport safety
• Skid Steer shut down procedure
• Pallet fork operation
• Picking up a load
• Travelling with a load
• Placing a load
• Unhook pallet fork
• General operating instructions
• Maintenance
• Long-term storage
• Lubrication points
• Pallet fork contact points
• Specifications
• Features and benefits
• Troubleshooting
• Torque values chart
• Warranty

Common pallet fork  / forklift problems

Cannot lift pallet

• The pallet load may be too heavy and needs reducing
• There may be insufficient power to lift the load, and a more powerful skid steer or tractor may be needed

Forks shift sideways

• It is possible the locking pin handle is not properly engaged in the locking groove and need adjusting

Forks bend or break

• The centre of gravity of the load may need adjusting
• The load on the pallets may be too heavy
• There may be disruptive material either on the ground or sticking out of the ground

The load on the pallets continually shifts

• The most common reasons include :
• The load has not been properly secured or centred
• The height of the load needs adjusting – it needs to be nearer the ground
• The palate forks may be too close together
• Travelling too fast
• Travelling sideways or on an incline
• One of the pallet forks may be bent

Pallet Fork Parts

Some of the most common hardware legend parts are listed below

• Blade bolt
• Cap Screw
• Cotter pin
• Cup point Hex socket set screw
• Cross recess flat countersunk head machine screw
• Cross recess pan head machine screw
• Cross recess pan head thread forming
• Cross recess Roundhead machine screw
• Countersunk square neck bolt
• Flat head machine screw
• Full thread Screw
• Hex nut
• Hex centre lock nut
• Lug bolt
• National fine  cap Screw
• National pipe straight mechanical
• National pipe taper fuel
• Roundhead machine screw
• Levelling screw
• Square head set screw
• Wheel studs and hub long bolts
• Wing bolt

Kubota Forklift Uses

A Kubota forklift can be used in a variety of settings, and for a variety of purposes.

This can include farming, construction sites, garden nurseries and small landholdings, campuses, theme parks, timber yards, warehouses, a number of retail outlets, and any type of distribution centre.

Given that the forklift is likely to be used for transporting large loads of materials, it is really important that great care is taken both in the installation of the pallet forks, the use of the forklift, and the training of the operative.

It is also important that environment itself where the forklift is to be used is safe, and conducive to having a tractor or skid steer loader used within these boundaries.

Pallet Fork Installation

A Kubota forklift can either have a two pallet fork installation, or a three pallet fork installation.

The PF 10 and PF20 pallet forks are specifically designed for skid steer and tractor loader buckets. If other types of pallet forks are used, then guidance should be sought either from the tractor manufacturer or from the makers of the pallet fork. Such guidance can also normally be found in the operations manual.

The manual for the PF10 and PF20 palet forks gives detailed guidance on opening the throat of the pallet forks,  how to attach them on to the bucket and how to make sure they are secure.

It is also important to find out if the Kubota tractor or skid teer loader requires any rear ballast. This can be really important from the point of view of stability, as the machine will be used to carry heavy loads.

It is perfectly possible that some rear ballast will be required in order to keep the machine stable, and carry out a core safety function to stop it upending.

Kubota Forklift Safety

A lot of the safety information regarding a Kubota forklift, will be the same as that regarding the use of the Kubota tractor or Kubota skid steer loader in general usage.

Full information can be found in the operations manual, which covers areas such as:

Avoiding underground utilities such as electrics, gas, water, telephone etc.

Safe transport – this is a key safety element off using a Kubota forklift. The forklift may be used in an enclosed area, on the open road, or on a mix of both. In any event, great care needs to be taken regarding speed, load balance and the type of land the forklift is being used on.

Safe maintenance – this is standard advice when looking after any type of tractor or skid steer loader. It refers to maintenance and servicing schedules, as well as daily or weekly inspections and checks.

This is to ensure both the longevity of the usage of tractor, as well as ensuring its safe operation.

Emergencies – this should be covered both in the training of the operative, and in the health and safety policy the company where the forklift is being used.

Awareness of potential emergencies is a key part of risk management, as are fast reactions and specific knowledge,  which can often be the difference between life and death, or preventing serious injury.

It should always be remembered that forklifts are likely to be used to carry significant loads, and as such there is always a potential risk to the operative and other people in the surrounding area.

Safety lights and devices – it is important to use any safety lights or devices that may be fitted to the tractor or Kubota skid teer loader. This can include flashing warning lights, turn signals and voice operated commands.

These safety lights and devices should always be used in any enclosed area, especially where visibility is poor, or where there is significant other activity that may distract people from what is going on around them.

Seatbelts and other safety equipment – it’s really important that any Kubota forklift is fitted with belts and a ROPS, roll over protective structure, both of which should be fully utilised all the time.

Other safety equipment may also be needed, such as a hard hat, safety shoes, safety glasses and earplugs.

Kubota Forklift Operatives

It is crucially important that anyone operating a Kubota forklift should be fully trained and capable not only of operating it, but also of understanding the potential risks and dangers to themselves, other people and the environment where is being used.

This obviously has significant implications in terms of age and training. Anyone involved in the use of a forklift should be fully aware of all of the above advice, and adhere to it at all times.