Loader Anyone using clamp on pallet forks with their 2500 Series tractor?

sideskraft · Jan 25, 2018

I'm debating on getting the 4000 lb 43" Titan clamp on forks for my 2540. I can't see ever lifting more than 1000 lb with them (maybe a pile of logs). I've read numerous reviews and posts about people using these with very few regrets. My concern is about potential deformation of the bucket. Apparently if the forks are clamped close to the outer part of the bucket, along with using common sense with load weight, the risk of bucket damage is dramatically reduced. I really can't justify buying the "real" forks and attachment, based on how little use they'll get and light loading. Anyone who has used these forks for lifting 500 to 1000 lb loads?

duffer · Jan 25, 2018

I bought a pair about a year ago, and have been very pleased for the most part. I probably don't have as much HP as you do, but I've lifted all kinds of stuff with mine. The issue with pallet forks on the bucket is the reduced lifting capacity by your hydraulics due to the load being further out from the main lifting point on your FEL.

You have a valid concern about damaging the bucket with the screw down clamps as they can cause 'dimples' in your bucket, albeit somewhat hard to do.

I got a couple of scrap 6" x 6", 1/4" steel plate to put under the fork clamps to disperse the weight. They work great...if you don't have a couple of pcs of steel plate, use a piece of 3/4" wood. It works too.

IMO the forks are a great buy.

JerryK · Jan 25, 2018

sideskraft said:
I'm debating on getting the 4000 lb 43" Titan clamp on forks for my 2540. I can't see ever lifting more than 1000 lb with them (maybe a pile of logs). I've read numerous reviews and posts about people using these with very few regrets. My concern is about potential deformation of the bucket. Apparently if the forks are clamped close to the outer part of the bucket, along with using common sense with load weight, the risk of bucket damage is dramatically reduced. I really can't justify buying the "real" forks and attachment, based on how little use they'll get and light loading. Anyone who has used these forks for lifting 500 to 1000 lb loads?

Have not personally used the clamp on type fork. A neighbor has a set and seems to like them. But I, for one, think that a regular set of QA forks are worth thinking about. They allow you to use about the full lift capacity of your FEL since the load can be closer to the pivot point. I also think that the QA forks are really a handier option on the FEL than even the bucket. I use the krap out of mine. I buy cement/mulch/blocks in quantity on a pallet and just unload with the QA forks. And the forks are also handy during tree falling season. You can pick up just about the whole tree off the ground and buck up the blocks at belt level... Anywhilst, I LIKE my QA forks....

sideskraft · Jan 25, 2018

JerryK said:
Have not personally used the clamp on type fork. A neighbor has a set and seems to like them. But I, for one, think that a regular set of QA forks are worth thinking about. They allow you to use about the full lift capacity of your FEL since the load can be closer to the pivot point. I also think that the QA forks are really a handier option on the FEL than even the bucket. I use the krap out of mine. I buy cement/mulch/blocks in quantity on a pallet and just unload with the QA forks. And the forks are also handy during tree falling season. You can pick up just about the whole tree off the ground and buck up the blocks at belt level... Anywhilst, I LIKE my QA forks....

Thanks Jerry, you've made a solid case for the fork attachment. Which attachment do you have? Also, at what distance apart (between forks) do you most often adjust them to?

sideskraft · Jan 25, 2018

duffer said:
I bought a pair about a year ago, and have been very pleased for the most part. I probably don't have as much HP as you do, but I've lifted all kinds of stuff with mine. The issue with pallet forks on the bucket is the reduced lifting capacity by your hydraulics due to the load being further out from the main lifting point on your FEL.

You have a valid concern about damaging the bucket with the screw down clamps as they can cause 'dimples' in your bucket, albeit somewhat hard to do.

I got a couple of scrap 6" x 6", 1/4" steel plate to put under the fork clamps to disperse the weight. They work great...if you don't have a couple of pcs of steel plate, use a piece of 3/4" wood. It works too.

IMO the forks are a great buy.

Thanks Duffer, great idea about the steel plates -- I actually had the same thought. However I'm guessing that the forks would tend to move around more with a plate since the "'pinch PSI" has been substantially reduced by the plate spreading the weight over a larger area. Have you noticed this with yours, and which length/model of forks did you buy?

JerryK · Jan 25, 2018

sideskraft said:
Thanks Jerry, you've made a solid case for the fork attachment. Which attachment do you have? Also, at what distance apart (between forks) do you most often adjust them to?

I bought a set of CID [ construction implements depot ] from down in N.C. [48"/ 4000 pound rated] They were heavier built, and I went that way because I was using them on a 5035. The standard set that Everything Attachments sold was a good set, too. The heavier the build the less you can pick up, so you have to keep than in mind. I move my forks all over the place, a constant pain in the arse. I have not greased them, which is the best way to get them to easily move, but I live in a sandy area. I found that my set seams to slide pretty easy if I point the forks straight down. Some folks just c clamp a couple two by fours under the box sticking out a few feet. That works, too. I horse around a lot of big stumps that are really too heavy for my tractor, but it is something I enjoy.... If I can get them up in the air, I flip them back down to the ground to take some of the dirt off them. I wonder why I am still alive.....

Heavy Duty Pallet Forks Frame - By CID Attachments [ I cut off the skid steer steps on the side ]

duffer · Jan 27, 2018

sideskraft said:
However I'm guessing that the forks would tend to move around more with a plate since the "'pinch PSI" has been substantially reduced by the plate spreading the weight over a larger area. Have you noticed this with yours, and which length/model of forks did you buy?

Actually, I have less movement of the forks using the steel plates, than if I don't use them...go figure. Maybe the clamp PSI is greater, and over a larger area...unsure.

Anyway, I bought mine thru Titan, and I think they are 36"-42" long.

After reading the other posts, and knowing that you're doing a fair amount of "logging", you might want to upgrade to the QA forks as recommended by others. I don't use mine in that manner, and most of the stuff I lift is not nearly as heavy as big logs. I think the most I can lift with the FEL forks is about 7-800 lbs.

oldpilgrim · Feb 2, 2018

Titan is the go to place for forks. I got SSQA forks for only a bit more than the clamp ons I had previously. Big difference using an ssqa set vs clamp ons. You'll be happier with them.

sideskraft · Feb 3, 2018

I ordered the 48" fork attachment with integrated trailer hitch receiver. Having full width adjustability and easy sight line of what's being picked up are strong selling features of that design. Plus, fork extensions can be had if longer forks are needed in the future. I can't wait to try moving my trailers with the hitch receiver.