Forks Pallet Fork Qusetions

[TNhobbyfarmer]

I have a Bush Hog M446 FEL on my tractor. When I bought the tractor I priced pallet forks. I got sticker shock when the dealer quoted me a price of $1100.00 for the forks. Are there any good after market forks that aren't so pricey? What about those forks I see advertised on TBN that connect to the bucket? What say ye?

 

[Darren]

I have a Kubota with a factory FEL and factory quick connect for the bucket/forks. The forks are from ATI who advertises on this website. They didn't cost anywhere near $1,000 when I bought them 3 years ago but you need to get a couple of quotes now that steel pricing has gone through the roof.

 

[TN75Jason]

I recently bought a M446 loader for my TN along with pallet forks and a hay spear. The loader has the skidsteer quick attachment mechanism, which allows for lower priced attachments. My dealer said that forks would be $1100 for the older style bush hog-type quick connect, but an aftermarket set of forks for the bobcat-type attachement system was around $600. If yours has the bobcat-type attachment, many different brands of forks would be available to you. I can look at the name on mine, if that would help.

 

[TNhobbyfarmer]

Mine has quick attach system but not sure what you mean by skidsteer quick attach mechanism. Can you explain Jason?

 

[DDT]

They are selling skid steer compatable pallet forks here for $600.

 

[xxxsandman]

Check with Aldomi to see if they make them for your loader. They had the most reasonable deal I could find for my LG Montana 4540 loader. $495, 3,000lb capacity, quick disconnect like my bucket, and about $80 freight. You'll have to buy them from one of their dealers, but they list several on the website. It doesn't matter where the dealer is located, since they will drop ship from the MO factory. I was quoted the best price from Creek County Equip. Inc. 918-324-5998.

I'm VERY happy with pallet forks. They are very high quality and fit perfectly.

 

[MadDog]

I have clamp-on Payne forks for the FEL on my B7800. They handle as much as the FEL can lift, take about a minute to attach or remove and cost about $300. I have used them for off-loading pallets with pretty heavy attachments (1000#) from 18 wheelers w/no problems. They're one of the most useful and cost-effective attachments that I own.

 

[dholly]

MadDog - I'm leaning towards buying those Paynes light duty forks. Seem like just the ticket to move some piles out to the road for the semi-annual town brush pickup. Ever have problems with the clamp turnhandles loosening up while working? Thanks.

 

[MadDog]

dholly: the short answer is no. They have very beefy handles and they are long enough so that you can tighten them down very tight, even if you don't have gorilla forearms and hands (which I don't). Once you tighten the forks down on your bucket, they aren't goin' anywhere.

BTW, I thought a bit about getting the "light" vs. "medium" duty Payne's forks. I haven't regretted getting the "light." There really isn't anything light about them. As I remember it, their weight rating is slightly less than my FEL specs but I can say from experience that they have carried pallets with weight greater than what my FEL can lift; at least what it can't get more than 2" off the ground.

I've said it before --on the basis of usefulness compared to price, my pallet forks and toothbar are the two best attachments that I have.

 

[dholly]

Thanks, one more question. Do they fit on with your toothbar in place?