bucket forks hold downs

   / bucket forks hold downs #21  
I wonder if the end of the bolt/washer is not square with the bolt thread, such that the washer's low side hits first and walks sideways as the bolt is further tightened? Easiest remedy would be remove washer for good, grind a shallow cone on the bolt end, leaving a blunt point CENTERED on the bolt's end face, similar to a set screw.

If you had access to a lathe, you could turn that point, or drill and press-fit a protruding, hardened ball bearing on the bolt's centerline that would contact first.
 
   / bucket forks hold downs #22  
You guys have a lot more patience than I do. I would just weld a chain to the back of the fork, run it up the backside of the bucket and attach it at the top. Then put a binder on to tighten it up. No moving forks, no hassle.
 
   / bucket forks hold downs #23  
Yes I realize this is NOT the solution for most, but the best scenario would be to have a dedicated fork attachment with quick attach.

IMG_0611.jpg
 
   / bucket forks hold downs #25  
Yes I realize this is NOT the solution for most, but the best scenario would be to have a dedicated fork attachment with quick attach.

View attachment 593649

That's what I'm hoping to do maybe next year. Quick disconnect bucket never occurred to me when I bought my tractor, it's occurs now.
 
   / bucket forks hold downs #26  
Forget swivel pads, sharpen the ends to a dull point and you'll have better results.
You get much more pressure on a small surface than a large (pad) one.

FYI, I doubt that a dull sharpened head will cause any problems to your FEL bucket.
LOL, the bucket will outlive the clamp on bolts.
 
   / bucket forks hold downs #27  
I was thinking a larger pad surface would get more grip but you make a good point...........
 
   / bucket forks hold downs
  • Thread Starter
#28  
Am going to try that out before I spend 50 or 60 buck on the pads.
 
   / bucket forks hold downs #29  
That's what I'm hoping to do maybe next year. Quick disconnect bucket never occurred to me when I bought my tractor, it's occurs now.

I just found a pic of my shop built two pallet setup with Q/A. I bought a single set, an extra pair of forks, extended each side of the frame and built a backrest.

IMG_2678.jpg

I realize clamp on forks are handy and have their place but personally I view the as being akin to a strap-on d**k.

Never been much of a fan of “make do” devices.....
 
Last edited:

Tractor & Equipment Auctions

2008 Ford F-250 4x4 Ext. Cab Pickup Truck (A49461)
2008 Ford F-250...
2018 John Deere 35G Mini Excavator (A49461)
2018 John Deere...
2005 Sterling Acterra Tender Truck (A51039)
2005 Sterling...
2019-2024 Dodge Ram Front Bumper (A49461)
2019-2024 Dodge...
2018 NISSAN TITAN PICKUP TRUCK (A51222)
2018 NISSAN TITAN...
TOYOTA 42-6FGCU25 LP SIT DOWN FORKLIFT (A50854)
TOYOTA 42-6FGCU25...
 
Top