quick attach pallet forks

[jrepp44]

I currently have bolt-on pallet forks that attach to the bucket. I cannot see the forks from the operator's seat making it difficult to pick up a pallet. Would changing to the quick attach type give a better view? Any mfg. that might be better than another? Kubota B2650 HSTC. Thanks.

 

[George2615]

I doubt changing to QA forks will let you see better. I have QA forks and still can't see the fork tips. The loader arm QA forks still stick way out in front and are hard to see unlike a skid steer where they are only a few feet in front of your view. That's why I added cameras front and rear. Got the idea from Bullitts thread on a backup camera for $50.

 

[CobyRupert]

Hard to say.
In my case it made it better to see.
You can see trough the frame instead of view blocked by bucket, but this may be because I have the forks set as wide as possible to lift logs. If I had them at standard pallet width, I think I'd still have to stand out of the seat to see over the fork tips over the hood. This would be even worse with the Tier 4 version of my tractor that has taller hoods.

Also when I switched from "bucket" forks, to quick attach, I went with longer forks which helped. Note, even though the forks are longer, they stick out in front of the tractor about the same as the "bucket" forks because you don't have the additional length of the bucket itself. Having the "back of the fork" closer to the FEL pin also helps lift capacity.

 

[joeyd]

I don't have experience with bucket forks only QA. I painted the tips of my forks blaze orange to help see them better. It wears off but is easily reapplied with a spray can.

 

[LD1]

I have QA forks as well as bolt/clamp on ones.

I have to stand up to see the clamp on ones. The SSQA forks are a bit shorter, but I can see them from the seat.

And the best part....you can lift quite a bit more with SSQA forks, because the SSQA forks are lighter than the bucket/clamp on combo.....plus the load is moved in alot closer.

 

[DieselBound]

I have QA forks as well as bolt/clamp on ones.

I have to stand up to see the clamp on ones. The SSQA forks are a bit shorter, but I can see them from the seat.

And the best part....you can lift quite a bit more with SSQA forks, because the SSQA forks are lighter than the bucket/clamp on combo.....plus the load is moved in alot closer.

Yeah, standing up. Either that or a camera, no other way around it really.

Have my SSQA forks. Waiting for a replacement monitor (for cameras) And, well, waiting, waiting, waiting on my new tractor... (I've got fuel tank sitting on a pallet that I need to move and my B7800 ain't gonna do it!)

 

[stuckmotor]

If the quick attach plates on your tractor and the plate on the forks are narrow enough to let you see your load through the frame it might help. My guess is that less metal would mean less strenght, though. Nearly everything seems to be a trade off.

 

[msmith1wa]

I have only had quick attach forks. For me the hood of the tractor prevents me from seeing the forks when they are low.

 

[DieselBound]

I have only had quick attach forks. For me the hood of the tractor prevents me from seeing the forks when they are low.

Remove the hood and you'll have better visibility. Hood is just for decoration anyway!

Maybe attach a wide-angle mirror down on your loader arm? Just for this kind of work. I know how frustrating this can be.

 

[CountryB]

maybe you can mount a convex mirror to the right side of the FEL arm in such a way so you could see the tip of the forks