Question on Pallet Forks

[Diggin It]

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]

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]

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

 

[farmalldx33]

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]

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]

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

PinOn might be an option.

 

[TractorNH]

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]

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]

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

 

[TheMan419]

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.