Forks To fork or not to fork; that is the question.

[blurrybill]

Okay resident and experienced experts: Your opinions please.

I'm getting closer to buying something; probably the 4310 with 430 loader. Have 8.1 acres with some standing dead small trees and many Eastern Red Cedars that will be removed to improve part of the view for the proposed house. Have lots of brush piles associated with constructing (by hand last year) a 12' path through the groves on the east side of property about 300 yards long. Land is basically flat and all usable bordered by ravines. Plan is to clean up the property, keep some in woodland grasses and continue to mow about 4 acres already in grass. Now, for the problem:

Would it be better to buy a 4in1 bucket with extra hydraulic line or get a HD bucket with toothbar (still have lots of small stumps, etc.) along with fork attachment? Both attach quickly to the 430 arms as I understand it. Need to pick up brush, move cedar logs, might need to unload field stone for fireplace or complete other moving chores. The cost for the HD bucket + forks is probably more, but may be a better way to go. How would I know? Wanted to give you details; sorry about the length, but need your help. Have at it and thanks.

Bill

 

[crb478]

Both could be handy for specific task. To grab and handle brush the 4 in 1 would win in my opinion, The forks are very handy for things like pallets and will carry and move logs well though. The forks are also very useful in transfering building materials from the site onto the foundation. I would think the forks would be more useful once the land has been cleared. Fieldstone can be carried in a regular bucket or stacked on a pallet and carried with the forks and placed where needed. I have always just tossed the stone in the loader bucket and then dumped it near where I needed it, but I may have handled it more that way.

 

[rancar]

Bill,

I'm inking a deal with my dealer tomorrow. I'm getting both for the 4710. I'm getting the 73" HD bucket with HD toothbar attachment and bucket hooks. I will use this for removal and re-building old fieldstone walls. I want a HD bucket that will hold up to the beating I'm anticipating with moving the fieldstone. I will also use this bucket for other utility purposes like snow removal, removing small stumps, etc.

Now, the 4in1, also with standard toothbar attachment and bucket hooks, I will use for working in my 50 acre woodlots...clearing up the old logging trails, moving slash and other windblown, and using the 4in1 dozer and boxblade functions to smooth out the old trails.

If you haven't yet read Spencer's thread entitled "Unbelievable" in the projects forum I think do so. He uses pallet forks to dig up old stumps. I was so impressed with this, I'm going to price out these forks with the dealer tomorrow.

If price is a major consideration for you, I'd suggest the 4in1. This will likely give you the most bang for the buck. Hope this helps.

Regards,
Bob Ancar
Cambridge, NY

 

[blurrybill]

Congrats, Bob! Can't wait to be saying the same thing. I sent you an email with some specific questions.

Bill

 

[cowboydoc]

I really can't say which would be more useful. I have the hd bucket and the forks for mine and both are invaluable. I can't imagine not having them. For what you are saying you want to do the forks will help you greatly. I've never had a 4 in 1 so I can't comment on that part of it. I do most everything you've said though and I get along really well with the bucket and forks. Nice thing to is only two pins to pull and about 2 minutes and you are changed between the bucket and the forks and on your way.

 

[blurrybill]

Thanks, Richard. Have you seen the stump removal post (projects forum) using the skidsteer quick attach forks on the New Holland 33 hp tractor? Now I'm wondering if I should go in that direction for more versatility, but don't know if JD forks are that strong. Your opinion?

Bill

 

[Keoke]

Consider using the 4n1 with a bolt on toothbar. Toothbar, while not as long as the forks is still great for brush work. On my tooth bar I added two extra teeth to do a better job while raking or pushing brush. Lots of luck with new tractor!!

 

[blurrybill]

Thanks, George.

I vascillate every day on which way to go. Seem to see posts on TBN that lead me in both directions. A dealer recently told me the JD 4in1 bucket is NOT as heavily constructed as the standard HD bucket, so for the next 5 minutes at least, I'm leaning toward forks and the HD bucket with toothbar. I have come to believe that a toothbar is a must whichever way I eventually go. Thanks for your input.

Bill

 

[Keoke]

Bill, I have a Long's 4n1 bucket and the JD 73 inch OEM bucket that came with tractor. The Long bucket is built very strong, certainly as strong or stronger then the hd bucket that came with tractor. The 4n1 is far the better bucket for all around work, especially brush and tree work.
The JD, because it is wider,( 73" vs 60") is better for hauling dirt and back dragging. If I had to do it over I would have gotten the 4n1 in 73" as well.

 

[blurrybill]

George,

How do you operate the 4in1? Is there a button on the loader control or a separate lever of some kind to open the "jaws" of the bucket? I know someone developed their own control so that they could push a "thumb" button and operate all functions one-handed. Let me know if you find your setup functional. Where did you find the Longs bucket? I know that Carver sells them but that's a country away for you. Thanks.

Bill