Lever type or Ratchet?

[Papasmith]

I am getting a set of quick attach forks for my 4500.

LOADER BUCKET FORKS " QUICK ATTACH " - eBay (item 260246583550 end time Jun-07-08 13:45:40 PDT)

The forks do not include a chain binder. Does anyone have an opinion as to which would be a better choice, lever or ratchet type?

Thanks

[MrJimi]

The ratchet binder will give you an exact adjustment and the lever will not
HF has the ratchet type on sale very often
good luck

[BarryinMN]

Lever types are cheap & fast but can bruise or break an arm. Ratchet types can rust & become cranky if left out in the elements.

[George2615]

I use the ratchet type chain binder. Like Barry said, keep them out of the weather to prevent rust. I spray mine down with peretrant oil each use. I have used the lever type and rec'd many bruises. Since using the ratchet type I won't go back to lever type.

[AchingBack]

Originally Posted by George2615

I use the ratchet type chain binder. Like Barry said, keep them out of the weather to prevent rust. I spray mine down with peretrant oil each use. I have used the lever type and rec'd many bruises. Since using the ratchet type I won't go back to lever type.

George, do you think the 2615 would be able to lift a 4' x 4' x 4' pallet load of dry hardwood? I was thinking of storing mine this way, and using the forks to bring it to the house when needed.

[Papasmith]

Thanks guys for the great info. Thanks especially to MrJimi for the heads up on the deals at HF.

Dave in NC

[radman1]

HF has them on sale in my area now. About $19. I have a pair. Lever type is also on sale for around $12-13.

[George2615]

Originally Posted by AchingBack

George, do you think the 2615 would be able to lift a 4' x 4' x 4' pallet load of dry hardwood? I was thinking of storing mine this way, and using the forks to bring it to the house when needed.

I don't know what a 4x4x4 pallet of dry hardwood weighs. If its under 1050 lb. (I think thats the ML106 loader limit) or so then it should be no problem. Just make sure you have ballast weight on the back end. If its more than the loader can lift the relief valve set point won't let the loader lift it.

[AchingBack]

Thanks George. And you are right. The weight of firewood is quite dependent on the variety, and moisture content. The ML106 is rated at 1050 to full height at the pivot pins. I'm going put a load on my truck and drive to the scales. If it is too heavy, I will go with a three point fork lift which will easily handle the load, but will require removing an implement instead of just clamping on the forks.

[RedRiver]

the only bad thing about those type of forks is that it puts the weight even farther out in front of the center of gravity of the tractor causing you to need more weight on the rear for heavier loads.