Question on Pallet Forks

Diggin It · Feb 12, 2019

I know there are probably previous threads, but sometimes they're hard to sort through.

Asked my dealer about pallet forks. They quoted a pair of individual forks that clamp on to the FEL bucket front edge, with no vertical bar to the top bucket edge. Something like these:

I would not be lifting large, heavy loads given the capacity of my machine. An IBC Tote rigged as a work platform, or partially loaded pallets of firewood would be about it.

Have you used these? Is there any need to go to a normal set that attaches to the FEL arms and replaces the FEL bucket?

Or is there a better set of clamp ons I should be looking at?

farmeratheart · Feb 12, 2019

I don’t have pallet forks yet. They are on my wish list! I would not be inclined to work on any platform secured to the tractor FEL with clamp on forks. YMMV
Frank

JNA · Feb 12, 2019

SSQA is the best if you got it. Easier to put on.

farmalldx33 · Feb 12, 2019

Years ago before all these fancy attachments we had a set of forks made at a machine shop that would clamp onto the cutting edge of the bucket and a chain went around the bucket and was secured by a chain binder. We used them for cleaning up brush. They got bent up, repaired and used some more. Sometimes they would come loose. I have two pairs in the corner of the tool shed that haven't been used in 15 years. I do have 4 sets of pallet forks. Two sets for compact tractors, one for my skid steer and one set for my Great Bend 770 loader on my 1066.
There is no comparison IMO. For those who want to move trailers with the front of the tractor you can torch a hole in a pallet fork and put a two inch ball on to maneuver your trailer into the desired place. You will find many things to do with a set of forks and soon will ask yourself what you did without them.

Jack Murdock · Feb 12, 2019

Diggin It said:
I know there are probably previous threads, but sometimes they're hard to sort through.

Asked my dealer about pallet forks. They quoted a pair of individual forks that clamp on to the FEL bucket front edge, with no vertical bar to the top bucket edge. Something like these:

I would not be lifting large, heavy loads given the capacity of my machine. An IBC Tote rigged as a work platform, or partially loaded pallets of firewood would be about it.

Have you used these? Is there any need to go to a normal set that attaches to the FEL arms and replaces the FEL bucket?

Or is there a better set of clamp ons I should be looking at?

I used these ( or tried to ) on my JD790 and my 2520 lifting capacity was much less than the quick connect pallet forks I bought from Frontier and then a set from Titan. I would not bother with these to move firewood totes. IMO

Diggin It · Feb 12, 2019

QA is not an option so there is no need to mention those.

PinOn might be an option.

TractorNH · Feb 12, 2019

If your tractor has a QA on the loader then it would be a much better solution to get a set of QA forks instead of clamp on. If your machine doesn't have one then the first thing I would do is find an adapter for the tractor. You won't regret having the added versatility. QA forks will be faster to install and will not eat load capacity from having the load way out in front of the pins. There are many inexpensive options at PalletForks.com probably in the same price range as the clamp on ones your dealer is suggesting.

MESSMAKER · Feb 12, 2019

I have chain on forks. They work well and I think are stronger and more secure than clamp on models. They need to be tightened periodically but it's not a big deal.

Fuddy1952 · Feb 12, 2019

I just received a pair of Titan 4ft. Forks, 5ft overall, $134 with shipping. Looks well made.

TheMan419 · Feb 12, 2019

I would get the ones with a chain that goes around the bucket. Otherwise you run a real risk of bending the cutting edge of the bucket. I would also get one with a spreader bar to keep them properly aligned.

I think a carry all is my next purchase but forks would be a close second for utility.

deezler · Feb 12, 2019

Clamp-on is less dangerous for bucket-damage IF you have a bolt-on tooth bar to clamp them over (much more rigid overall). - do you?

Fuddy1952 · Feb 12, 2019

Here's a picture of the Titan ones I just got.
I do have a tooth bar for bucket and forks are made for a chain to go around bucket if necessary. $134 free ship I couldn't make them for that.

dalola · Feb 12, 2019

Diggin It said:
I know there are probably previous threads, but sometimes they're hard to sort through.

Asked my dealer about pallet forks. They quoted a pair of individual forks that clamp on to the FEL bucket front edge, with no vertical bar to the top bucket edge. Something like these:

I would not be lifting large, heavy loads given the capacity of my machine. An IBC Tote rigged as a work platform, or partially loaded pallets of firewood would be about it.

Have you used these? Is there any need to go to a normal set that attaches to the FEL arms and replaces the FEL bucket?

Or is there a better set of clamp ons I should be looking at?

i have the 36" (I think?) set from Titan, the lightest duty they have. Even these are overkill for a SCUT. They are very heavy-duty, and I'm certain my BX will peter out before these will.

I find them very handy for a variety of tasks. Most recently plucking cut sections of tree trunks off the ground, moving to the split pile or burn pile. I also made a detachable 1/4" plywood "platform" that I attach to them for hauling brush & light material in/on the FEL.

These are one of my favorite, most used attachments.

cat fever · Feb 12, 2019

I think the clamp on forks are an excellent way to bend your bucket cutting edge. Save up and get a regular set of pallet forks. In the long run you'll be happier. :2cents:

I personally have a set of Titan 42", I use them as much as I do the bucket if not more.

Diggin It · Feb 12, 2019

The ones I'm seeing all appear to have a way to add a chain, strap or some other way to attach them over the top of the bucket as well as the lip. Seems like that should limit stress on the lip.

I don't intend to lift a whole lot of weight given the limits of the lift arms to begin with.

3Lfarms · Feb 12, 2019

Diggin, The problem I think you will have with clamp ons is since they clamp on the front of the bucket, there load is way out in front of,the bucket. If you only have 1000lbs of loft at the pins, you might only have half of that in the middle of the forks. If all you intend to pick up are a few lightweight items, then they should work.
Since you mentioned using them for a man basket type of thing, I am thinking that a little bouncing around out on the end of the forks could very easily bend your loader bucket. I have seen a few bent bucket bottoms from using clamp on forks.

Oldpath05 · Feb 12, 2019

Several years ago I had a bunch of 2"x2"x 3/16 wall tubing, I doubled them up and made 2"x4"x 38" folks, two 1" x 5" bolts/fork, holds in position pretty good, but there mostly used for lifting pallets, the trouble I see with clam on forks is I loose lift power.

tomplum · Feb 12, 2019

I don't know if your MT has the same bucket as my XJ, but the LS bucket on mine seems well made and I wouldn't be afraid to install them myself. Buy the forks and if they feel sketchy at all with your wood, get or make up a carry all for the 3 point. In fact I have the SSQA and purchased pallet forks. The weight of the SSQA and the made heavier than they need to be forks take away from what you can carry.

Diggin It · Feb 12, 2019

I'm working up an idea in the pea sized thinker on top of my shoulders that would go over the bucket lip nearly the full width instead of two clamp points. Have a couple of different possibilities using locally available U channel type materials. I'm not so concerned with trying to get a 1,000 pound capacity since my loader doesn't have that to begin with.

Need to take some measurements and try a few things before I post more.