Forks Pallet Forks vs. Utility Forks

   / Pallet Forks vs. Utility Forks #1  

rmonio

Platinum Member
Joined
Aug 4, 2002
Messages
641
Location
New Market, MN
Tractor
JD 4600, JD B
(This has been cross-posted to the JD forum also - thanks!)

Does anyone have experience with Pallet Forks or Utillity Forks and what the true differences may be? I ordered my HD bucket (JD4600/460FEL) with the removable cutting edge today - at the same time I also ordered a set of pallet forks (not JD - these were $595). The dealer mentioned that if I didn't need the full functionality of the pallet forks, I could go with a Utility Fork attachment which has 1 1/2 " replacable tines across the front (up to 72" wide on the bucket attachment).

Anyone have any experiences to share? I guess I could use the utility fork to dig, move some boxes/logs, and still have the ability to spear hay bales with it (round or square) - but I was wondering what the real differences were (other than length of fork). Anyone know?

Thanks in advance!

-Bob
 
   / Pallet Forks vs. Utility Forks #2  
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( (at the same time I also ordered a set of pallet forks (not JD - these were $595). )</font>


I am not sure of the difference, But your dealer quoted only $595.00 for the JD pallet forks? I was quoted $1000.00 for their setup. Where is your dealer?
 
   / Pallet Forks vs. Utility Forks #3  
I see where he said non JD on the pallet forks, $595 or less is the going price for SSL pallet forks.
Do the utility forks have weld on ears for the bucket to hang the forks from or are they seperate attachment.
Bucket forks are a PIA to use.
 
   / Pallet Forks vs. Utility Forks
  • Thread Starter
#4  
Yes, these are non-JD as the JD-brand cost about 1K for their package. I will get the brand/manufacturer and post it here today. The dealer is Northwood Equipment in Aitkin, MN. They are pretty price competitive and I'm working through them as they are near our cabin (I'll be up there doing some work when I pick up the units).

I talked with a neighbor last evening who said that having the bolt-on forks (similar to what Rancar has posted about elsewhere) are the way to go. He recommended getting the pallet forks as they will me more versatile in the long run.

-Bob
 
   / Pallet Forks vs. Utility Forks #5  
<font color="blue"> having the bolt-on forks (similar to what Rancar has posted about elsewhere) are the way to go. </font>

Hi Bob...

Not sure what I was referring to in previous postings but I don't have the bolt on forks (that bolt on to the lower edge of the bucket). I have the regular JD forks as seen in the attachment. These are the way to go, IMO. Not sure what your neighbor is recommending. Is he recommending the bolt on forks (since they are the way to go) or is he recommending the pallet forks (since they are more versatile in the long run)?

...Bob
 

Attachments

  • 301178-JDforks.jpg
    301178-JDforks.jpg
    32.3 KB · Views: 445
   / Pallet Forks vs. Utility Forks #6  
I see a couple of dealers around our area have the SSL type 48" forks for $400, 425, and 495, all look the same in photos.
 
   / Pallet Forks vs. Utility Forks
  • Thread Starter
#7  
Bob (rancar) -

I'm sorry if I was unclear - what you have in your attached picture is what he is recommending. He said that the pallet forks would be a better purchase than going with the bucket/forks comfiguration that I've uploaded in my attachment (It's from a catalog the dealer had).

Based on both comments, I've decided to get the pallet forks - although not the JD brand - along with my HD bucket here in a few weeks.

You also had a picture a while back of some forks that were "bolted" on to you bucket. I was thinking of those as something that would be useful in the future - without having to purchase another bucket attachment (ala the uploaded configuration). They are removable from your bucket as necessary, right? Do they use the same bolts as the removable cutting edge?

Thanks for your help -

-Bob
 

Attachments

  • 301659-Tractor Buckets - Catalog - 8-03.JPG
    301659-Tractor Buckets - Catalog - 8-03.JPG
    46.8 KB · Views: 325
   / Pallet Forks vs. Utility Forks #8  
<font color="blue">"...You also had a picture a while back of some forks that were "bolted" on to you bucket...They are removable from your bucket as necessary, right? Do they use the same bolts as the removable cutting edge?</font>

Sorry, Bob....but I don't have these bolt on forks. Maybe, I posted an attachment I picked up elsewhere that showed what these bolt on forks look like. I don't recall. But, I don't own this type.

These bolt on forks are more flexible and very inexpensive. One can bolt them onto the bucket's lower lip but I think you'll have to remove the toothbar to accommodate the forks. I've also seen some photos of these bolt on forks being secured by a couple of tie down chains to bucket hooks that are located on the bucket's upper lip. It's my understanding these bolt on forks are not as durable as the quick hitch pallet forks similar to the ones in my previous attachment. They cannot carry heavy loads without jeopardizing the structural integrity of the bucket's lower lip. In other words, under maximum loads, there's a good chance one may bend the bucket's lower lip.

These bolt on forks can be removed from the bucket as desired. No, they do not use the same bolts as those used to attached the bucket's cutting edge. The bolts come as part of the forks attachment and they screw down in clamp like fashion onto the bucket's lower lip.

A few TBNers have these bolt on forks. I remember Harv posting some pics of his. You might want to PM him if you want to discuss this further.

...Bob
 
   / Pallet Forks vs. Utility Forks
  • Thread Starter
#10  
Hmm. Maybe what I'm thinking of is being mis-labeled. I seem to have gotten the concept of the toothbar confused with adding "forks". Since I'm going to buy the pallet forks separately now, what I want to know concerns the toothbar (and there is quite a bit of discussion on that in other threads).

Sorry for the confusion. We'll consider the matter closed for now.
/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif


-Bob
 
 
 
Top